First Direct Switching.

walzingmatilda

Hi

Im considering switching my current account to First Direct, my mortgage is due for renewel in November and I like the look of their rates, I also like the rates on their savings accounts etc.

Is the switching process easy?

Will the credit search for the new account have an affect on me renewing my mortgage in November if I carried it out this month? I have no adverse history on my file.

Thanks

adamjamesdavies

Also considering switching. Anyone done this recently with First Direct?

The_Hierophant

I switched to First Direct two and a half years ago to take advantage of their one of their offset mortgages and have been very happy. The switching process was easy (they did everything) and I like their customer service - particularly the UK based call centres. I'd recommend First Direct without hesitation.

MsHoarder

We did it just over 18 months ago. Everything moved fine, but just in case it might be worth keeping some cash in your old account for a month.

They are very good and always answer the phone straight away.

adamjamesdavies

Thanks great to hear from someone who has done it... :T

Newway

I am also interested swithing to First Direct, does anyone know how long they are paying off the £100 switch to 1st Account? also I assume the £1500 monthly payin can be from my other bank accounts, other than salary/income from a company?

UnderControl_2

I am in the process of switching at the moment, have to say very impressed so far. Received account opening letter & debit card in less than 1 week from posting off my completed application form, I was up and running with online banking from day 1 - haven't gone through the direct debit switching yet, but definitely so far so good.
My understanding is that the £1500 per month does not have to be salary it is described as 'salary/income' so funds transferred from another bank account would be fine.
I've also found on the referrals board an added bonus - existing First Direct customers get a £50 referral fee, and a few posting on the referrals board are prepared to split that 50/50 with MSE forum members so you effectively get £125 for opening a new account. Worth a look!

walzingmatilda

I am also currently in the process of switching.......received my card, account details, internet banking up and running. First impressions are excellent.

heloid

Switched about a year ago from A&L and it went perfectly.

dtsazza

I switched a few months ago, shortly after switch to Santander, getting £100 from the latter and running away.

The difference was striking. (Santander messed up a couple of my direct debits leading to a late payment charge, but this isn't really about them). First Direct kept me very well informed at all stages; so not only switched the account without any problems but I was aware how it was going at every point.

FD's £100 bonus ended up in my account within the first month too, IIRC. No problems waiting for it or chasing it up. All-in-all it went exactly as smoothly as one would hope for; thumbs up from me.

equitydealer

I switched 2 months ago from the Halifax and have not looked back since. Service is amazing, everytime I call I get straight through to a helpful member of staff. Online banking is excellent plus the iPhone app is really useful addition for me. £100 joining bonus got paid into my account within 3 weeks. Direct debits got transferred smoothly, no issues at all with First Direct. :T