First Direct current account

happihorse

Just wondering if anyone has any feedback on the above - good or bad!

I am thinking about moving my current account and have heard some good things about them but wanted some more opinions.

Thanks.

onlypaddy

They're excellent. First rate customer service and £100 joining bonus

I honestly can't praise them enough!

staffie1

I've been with FD (1st Account) for a couple of yrs and cannot fault them. Quite a conservative (small 'c') bank and I like that. You will need a squeaky clean credit record to get an account. It's black and white as they're advertising says. UK call centre manned 24/7 all year round, and when you ring up your call is answered straight away by a real person (no buttons to press or waiting around).

Their online banking website is adequate but there are better ones around.
Depends what you're looking for really.
If you search the discussions on here you'll probably find most people speak highly of them.

Wyndham

My transfer of DDs is proving stressful, but other than that they seem fine. Had the account about a month now, and I do like being able to talk to someone immediately. But, their secure messaging is very slow (takes 5 days to respond) and I'm not happy with their response to my complaint about the transfer.

However, 6 years ago I moved CA from (what was then) Abbey because they couldn't get my address right. And I'm moving away from Nationwide who messed up on my ISA, and again didn't respond well to the complaint. I'm reaching the conclusion that their isn't a 'good' one out there - but FD are possibly a bit better than most.

staffie1

Wyndam - now you come to mention it I do remember that my DD transfer didn't go as smoothly as I'd liked with FD. I had to follow up with the beneficiaries myself and even when FD wrote to me to confirm it had all been done, when I spoke to the beneficiaries I found that FD had not informed some of them of my new a/c details.

happihorse, you will need to let FD manage the transfer process to get your £100 incentive, but I suggest you contact all your DD beneficiaries anyway. Won't hurt for them to be notified twice.

blueberrypie

staffie1 wrote: »

happihorse, you will need to let FD manage the transfer process to get your £100 incentive,

This is wrong. The £100 joining incentive is payable even if you don't use FD's switching service.

It's the payment they offer if you choose to *leave* that requires that you used the switching service when you opened the account.

onlypaddy

Yeah, you only have to pay £1500 a month in for 3 months to get the initial £100. I didn't mention the second £100 for leaving because....well, what's the point?! You'd have to pay me more than £100 to leave them...

Baldur

onlypaddy wrote: »

Yeah, you only have to pay £1500 a month in for 3 months to get the initial £100. I didn't mention the second £100 for leaving because....well, what's the point?! You'd have to pay me more than £100 to leave them...

It's within 3 months, not for the first 3 months - http://www2.banking.firstdirect.com/1/2/banking/1st-account/overview:

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.

staffie1

blueberrypie wrote: »

This is wrong. The £100 joining incentive is payable even if you don't use FD's switching service.

It's the payment they offer if you choose to *leave* that requires that you used the switching service when you opened the account.

Apologies, I'm sure you're right

LongTermLurker

Wyndham wrote: »

But, their secure messaging is very slow (takes 5 days to respond) and I'm not happy with their response to my complaint about the transfer.

I've sent several messages recently and have had a response the next day each yime. My only gripe is they don't email you to tell you they've replied, so you have to remember to check.

do_it_today!

I joined a few years ago best thing I ever did (banking wise)
normally answer the phone in 3 rings
always a helpful cheery voice on the other end
free mini statements via text msg (weekly)
user friendly website
uk only call centre
staff know what they are talking about always consistent (unlike other banks)
no complaints for me