First Direct - (merged)

cjm125

As a friend of a First Direct employee, I know it is First Direct's policy to ignore letters, but make an offer when a threat of court action is made. As far as adding up your charges go, they can find out exactly how much you've been charged with a few taps on a computer, but to try and deter people they send you copies of all your statements and make you add it up.

Apart from that I've generally found First Direct to be pretty good!

evab_2

I've just sent off my initial letter, I've been with First Direct for 11 years and generally have been pretty good with us. But it's my money I want back and any amount I get back will be a bonus.

scaredy_cat_2

i rang first direct yesterday after receiving statement advising of £200 charges this month for going overdrawn - even though had phoned them - but i refused to pay £51 for extending overdraft.
I explained that was furious with their charges and that i wanted my statements and also that after being a custormer for over 10 years i was n the process of closing my account because they were so awful! The woman said when i get my statements and 'have done with them what i want' !! to which i replied i think we both know! she said to ring back and they will see what they as a company can do to help/keep our custom!! I did keep it light hearted and it was a bit humourous too!!
i would never have had the confidence to make that call if it hadn't been for this site and also being too scared for so long but just reading so thanks everyone - fingers crossed!

cindyhove

michael1983l wrote:

all my statments were available online for the whole time I have been with the bank. I sent them an electronic message asking for 60% of my money back immidiatly with no attached terms to close the matter otherwise I would see them at court for the full cost plus interest. I also said I wanted this ammount within 14 days. They written back saying they cannot close this matter via electronic mail but they would be sending me the paperwork through the post, so it looks like they have gone for it. £600 in 14 days for writing 1 measley electroinic message. You have to be happy with that :beer:

ANy progress yet?

mumsyrach

Rex_Mundi wrote:

Even though you've closed an account, you can still claim back any charges you had on that account in the last six years. This is even better because you don't have to open a new account in case they close it (it's already closed).

Thing is i dont think i have any statements or details of the accounts i held with them left (binned them when i closed the account down).

Could i still make a claim and if so how would i go about finding out the details of my closed account? Could i just phone, email or write to them requesting details of my closed account under my name?

michael1983l

cindyhove wrote:

ANy progress yet?

will find out today hopefully and let you know. I have ultra snail mail here you see my letters have to be flown out here to cyprus. It should get here today but with xmas mail im not holding my breath, failing that im going to give them a call and find out whats in the letter.

michael1983l

michael1983l wrote:

all my statments were available online for the whole time I have been with the bank. I sent them an electronic message asking for 60% of my money back immidiatly with no attached terms to close the matter otherwise I would see them at court for the full cost plus interest. I also said I wanted this ammount within 14 days. They written back saying they cannot close this matter via electronic mail but they would be sending me the paperwork through the post, so it looks like they have gone for it. £600 in 14 days for writing 1 measley electroinic message. You have to be happy with that :beer:

Scratch that First Direct have pulled a nasty trick, I rang today to see where this letter was and they advised me that they were waiting on a written letter from myself. As I am well and truly !!!!ed off now I have withdrawn my initial offer and will be pursuing the full claim plus interest. Shoot themselves in the foot they have as they are now going to be paying me £400 extra. Oh well. Moral of the story dont use secure messaging through internet banking.

Scubajay

I received a letter this morning from the department of Mr. Robert Kernagahan stating that they would make me an offer without prejudice of: £1046.

I was tempted but then noticed that they are not voiding the charges they intend to take in December (£80) and they had knocked off £100 of my accrued charges in the offer they made. I tried to call them to get these bits sorted so that the offer could be accepted, and they have given me the FD 8 week time limit to accept the offer. As they are still taking money from me, and unwilling to talk on the phone to me to resolve the last charge and the £100 I am going to let it run until the 19th (when the 2nd set of 2 weeks is up) and then start with the court claim.

As I gave them 2 weeks from the 5th I reckon it wise to let them have the 2 weeks, as I want a full refund of al the charges. Next step - Small claims court!!

Any advice?

nollag2006

Best of luck with that Scuba.

I'm up in court with First Direct shortly, due to their screw up. They haven't backed down yet, but I'm happy to go to court to annoy them, and see them fork out well in excess of £1k to defend an action for £800.

I've recently transferred to A&L, and find them just as good, but with better interest rates and freephone access

cindyhove

I have just written my letters to First Direct with the excel sheet of charges etc.
2 accounts - 1 for £562.30 and the other for £666.13. Total of £1228.43.
Lets wait and see what happens now! I could certainly do with the money!