first direct problems

Empty_pockets

In the process of switching my banking from HSBC. Sadly not as painless as I had hoped.

Already had missinformation on a CC. Was informed I could have one, given my limit etc then on a later call advised that advice was incorrect. Few other minor issues but the main one now lies with the £100 transfer incentive.

Following the previous thead debating the critera I phoned them to make sure I was eliglble, which was confimed. I thought I'd double check by sending them a secure message to be extra sure.

...................
Morning,

During my last call to FD we discusssed the £100 bonus for account opening. It was confirmed once a deposit of £1500 or over is credited to the account the bonus is automatically paid (within 28 days). It was confirmed I was eligle and fulilled the criteria. This was clearly agreed on the call.

I have read various reviews of FD and the account opening bonus. Several people are stating differing conditions need to be met, often over a period of several months.

Can you please confirm, considering my account status as of today whether I am due to recieve the £100 bonus and the latest date that bonus will be paid by.

Many thanks

Rich*******
...............................

Thank you for your message dated 12-Nov-2010, regarding the 100 GBP joining incentive.

The criteria of the incentive campaign that you responded to states that your salary/income(minimum 1,500 GBP per month) has to be transferred to first direct within the first three months of the account being opened.

Within 28 days of your salary/income being mandated to your account, the incentive payment of 100 GBP will credit your account.

I have ordered a transfer pack for you. Should you wish to transfer your banking to First Direct. Alternatively you can download this on Internet Banking.

Please contact us if you have any further queries.

Regards


.................................


Sarah,
Than you for your message but my question still stands.
'Can you please confirm, considering my account status as of today whether I am due to recieve the £100 bonus and the latest date that bonus will be paid by.'
The criteria that is stipulated in the second paragraph I believe I have already fufilled. The fourth paragraph suggests first direct think otherwise. Why would I need a transfer pack when I am already making a credit of £1500+ per month as per your conditions? Note the credit of £2000 on 29th October.
Please let me know if i have misunderstood. If not should I excpect the incentive payment by 26th November.
Many thanks.


If they don't honour this I will probably leave and claim the £100 leaving bonus but I guess they may not pay that either!

powerone

As for the 'transfer of banking' I was always under the impression all banks did that. Therefore FD statement was no different.

You should always choose a bank that works for your current needs. Not on a small bonus payment. FD works for many people. But there are people that it wont work for. Like wise FD customer base needs to be what they are looking for. It would appear that maybe you are just not an FD customer.


Stop worrying about it, try lloyds if you want good interest rates.

jambosans

I think you're reading a little too much into their reply - it reads pretty clear to me.

First off, the website clearly states:-

First_Direct wrote:

*Open a 1st Account and transfer your monthly salary/income of at least £1,500 within three months and we will add £100 to your account. This offer is only available for people who haven't previously experienced the delights of banking with first direct and is limited to one payment per joint relationship.

There are no other conditions attached to the £100 for joining, however, if you leave you, to earn the additional £100 you need to have used their Easyswitch (i.e. account transfer) service (see this page).

As for the whole thing about the transfer pack, she did say: "I have ordered a transfer pack for you. Should you wish to transfer your banking to First Direct." I think you've come across their dreaded customer service where they take initiative. It doesn't take a stretch of the imagination to conclude that if you inform them you're switching your salary that you may want a helping hand with your Direct Debits, etc.

Empty_pockets

Hmm,

Thanks for replies. Firstly to answer Powerone, yes the bank does suit my needs. The £100 was just a bonus. As it turns out i'm a bit dissappointed with thier website. IMO it's nowhere near a nice or as user friendly as the HSBC website.

Jambo...thanks for the link. I had noted that page before but the easyswitch was never mentioned on the 4 previous conversations I have had with them. I specifically asked if I did not go ahead and use the easyswitch, but transfered myself when I saw fit AND met the £1500pm, would I be eligible. I was categorically told time and time again, yes.

My main issue in not really the £100. My concern is this is now the 2nd time I have been specifically told something (and I assure you I have confimed it clearly, at least 3 times per phone call during that call) and then at a later date being told something else.

I work on the phones and my work is deemed 'safety critical'. That basically means I must know how to come to a clear and consice understanding of whatever the issue is.

I like speaking to the guys at fd. They are very helpful, it's always an enjoyable converstaion. Sadly I've come to realise there are other issues there.

I think i'll give it some serious thought before I actually close my HSBC account.

Empty_pockets

Ahh, just reread your reply Jambo.

You show the easyswitch is only for the leaving bonus.

The only issue I think they could possibly call foul on is transfering your monthly salary/income.

I wonder if this has to be direct from your employer (though i can't see how it can be as many are self employed). I have made monthly credit this month of £1500+

powerone

I didnt think you need to close the HSBC account. I thought there was an option. So you dont need to. If you have an old HSBC account, before the £500 deposit then all you need to do is transfer in £1 every couple of months then the account wont become dormant. They do write before this happens but its better not for this to happen as you have to call as well as deposit.

RBS & natwest have the best online system. Lloyds also works well if you dont like a card reader. HSBC has just changed, I havent had time to look at it yet. Dont ever go to Santander as their is more than basic.

I wouldnt give up on FD yet either. Open if you havent a savings account, the basic one is fine I think. Stick in a few quid and then you dont need to pay the monthly fee. You never know when you might need them. Especially as they are very competitive on their mortgages.

Maybe do the above and try the relationship again in a few months.

Empty_pockets

Thanks, good advice.

Funkyfreddy

jambosans wrote: »

I think you're reading a little too much into their reply - it reads pretty clear to me.

First off, the website clearly states:-

There are no other conditions attached to the £100 for joining, however, if you leave you, to earn the additional £100 you need to have used their Easyswitch (i.e. account transfer) service (see this page).
[..snip..]

But to add ambiguity this page (the "main" banking page) suggest you do need to make use of Easyswitch !


£100 when you switch

• switch your bank account now and we make a simple promise to give you £100
• to qualify you need to transfer your salary/income of at least £1,500 per month within three months through our Easyswitch service
• sorry, but we can only offer this to people who haven't previously experienced the delights of banking with first direct.

FF

jambosans

Funkyfreddy wrote: »

But to add ambiguity this page (the "main" banking page) suggest you do need to make use of Easyswitch !

Interesting.

OP, you have my apologies, First Direct are not as clear as I first thought. I would perhaps respond quoting both sections of the website myself and Funkyfreddy have quoted and ask for clarification on the matter.

Empty_pockets

An update

Finally a answer and confirmation I will receive the incentive bonus.
They have kept my custom a while yet.

To: Mr EP
Re: Joining Incentive

Thank you for your message dated 12-Nov-2010 regarding your 100 GBP Joining Incentive.

I confirm that you will receive your Joining Incentive within 28 days of the qualifying credit into your account. This will be on or before 26-Nov-2010.

At first direct we are passionate about providing all of our customers with exceptional service so we're fully committed to providing prompt and accurate resolution to any complaints. If you are not completely satisfied with our response, please tell us at any time within the next eight weeks. To do so, you can telephone us on 08 456 100 100, send an electronic message via firstdirect.com, or write to Customer Relations at 40 Wakefield Road, Leeds, LS98 1FD. Otherwise, we'll consider this matter closed.

If we can't offer you a satisfactory resolution, you can refer to the Financial Ombudsman Service (but we really do hope it doesn't come to that). Further details about how to do so and about how we respond to complaints can be found on our website at firstdirect.com/howtocomplain

Empty_pockets

Now paid:j

Made the £1500 deposit on the 29/10.

They've paid £100 bonus on the 15/11.

Thats put a smile on my face, first time a bank has paid me anything for a good 15years I reckon!