Warning for First Direct Customers!!

Nanny_Ogg_4

A word of warning to anyone planning to transfer their bank account from First Direct. We decided we'd had enough of First Direct and opened a new bank account with Lloyds, we filled in the forms to transfer the account together with all direct debits to our new account - simple - or so we thought. When we joined FD we followed the same process to transfer the account from A & L, went like clockwork, however, when it came to transferring from FD it wasn't that simple. First there was a very apologetic letter from Lloyds saying that unfortunately FD refused to talk to them re: the transfer of our account, so we rang them, they were very helpful on the phone, apologised and asked us to confirm in writing that we wished to transfer the account. We did this and also pointed out that because of the delay, salaries had been paid into the new account and a couple of direct debits had bounced incurring charges. They replied saying that the transfer would be completed within 7 days and that we would be refunded the charges as a "goodwill gesture". Sounds ok doesn't it? What they have actually done is close the account and cancel all our direct debits which has meant a lot of time on the phone explaining everything over & over to companies which should have been paid on 28th Nov. They also haven't refunded the £80 they promised us!
So, if you're thinking of transferring from FD I suggest you sort all your DD & SO's yourself it'll be quicker.

On a brighter note Lloyds TSB have been absolutely brilliant, transferring funds and issuing bank cheques for payments with no charge, making phonecalls on our behalf and just generally going out of their way to be as helpful as possible.

nollag2006

I have lost all confidence in First Direct... that really is scandalous behaviour

moneymode

nollag2006 wrote:

I have lost all confidence in First Direct... that really is scandalous behaviour

So tell us nollag2006 which bank do you work for?
I ask this because you seem to want to stick the knife into FD at every opportunity.

I also think and yes i am biased seeing as i work at FD but a lot of the nightmare scenarios that people put on here how do you know that it really happened. I have worked in FD now for over 2years now and i can honestly say that yes errors do happen afterall we are only human however we try to correct them asap and also very rarely is it a major error.

My opinion is that people are just jumping on the band wagon and having a sling shot at FD just for the hell of it

Cypher

I'm also in the process of bailling out of First Direct so thanks for the heads up Nanny Ogg. I started the switch 2 weeks ago straight after I had my pay packet and its still not gone through yet so I am starting to get worried about when it all going to switch and where my wages will end up.

Why should First Direct expect any loyalty moneymode.

PS.. Before you ask moneymode, I don't work for a bank

Xbigman

Or it could be that the dept at FD that switches accounts is really busy .

But lets be honest, they should have seen it coming.
Regards



X

pknottm

Xbigman wrote:

Or it could be that the dept at FD that switches accounts is really busy .
But lets be honest, they should have seen it coming.
X

My sentiments exactly!! We're transferring our account as well and posted the letter for switching accounts yesterday! Sounds like it may not be plain sailing!

ksrao

Is it not possible for you to help fellow-moneysavers to get out of FD Mr moneymode?
You seems to be here only since we had problem with FD.We are not loyal to any bank who robs us.

Hereward

ksrao wrote:

Is it not possible for you to help fellow-moneysavers to get out of FD Mr moneymode?
You seems to be here only since we had problem with FD.We are not loyal to any bank who robs us.

But FD are not robbing you, all they are asking is for you to pay a fee for having a current account if you do not meet their criteria. It is up to you to deem if the fee is fair or not for the services that you receive.

ksrao

My comment based on Nanny Oggs statement.He was claearly robbed.

Rafter

Come on guys,

Nobody has been robbed here.

Under the banking code you have to be able to transfer your account within 7 days and must be compensated for any charges that arrise during the transfer process.

So Nanny Ogg will get fees back and unfortunately has run into problems for a reason we do not know the facts about.

As for being 'robbed' you have a clear choice whether or not to stay with first direct.

Personally as a first direct customer I am deligted with the great service I receive from moneymode and his/her colleagues.

I have been vocal here before about the fact that I have been subsidising people who only joined first direct for the free wine or incentive with no intention of saving and glad that these people are going elsewhere and vowing never to return.

I'm disappointed that some customers who are now retired and earning less than £1500 per month are being disadvantaged but all they have to do is take out a credit card or savings account to avoid the fee.

Just because you don't have to pay for something through a fee - doesn't mean that it is free!

R.

honey_bee1384

I'm in the process of changing from FD to Natwest, i opened the account Saturday (was very impressed with the customer service i received) and i am just waiting for my card, cheque book etc to come through. Once i have all this i will be transferring my money out of FD, dealing with the DD myself and then telling FD where to stick their account. I refuse to be bullied into taking products i don't want or need just to prove i am worthy enough to be a customer of theirs.

Thanks for the word of warning Nanny Ogg.