Do First Direct charge for ATM withdrawls from other banks?

bankersmug

I'm just moving my Current Account from LloydsTSB to First Direct. According to FD, you can use the HSBC machines free of charge, but other banks may issue a charge. Is this the case in practice? I've googled this one to death and I can't find any evidence of people being charged by other bank/building society ATM's within the UK.
My LloydsTSB card works in virtually any machine without charge (other than the usual non-bank machines).

I get the impression FD want you to use their own machines because according to the UK Payments Administration, using a machine from another bank incurs a charge to your own bank.

I'd be very interested to hear from any First Direct customers who have been charged for using other bank ATMs.

EarthBoy

bankersmug wrote: »

I'm just moving my Current Account from LloydsTSB to First Direct. According to FD, you can use the HSBC machines free of charge, but other banks may issue a charge. Is this the case in practice?

Yes. ATMs located in pubs and at petrol stations, and many other places will charge every customer a fee, not just First Direct customers. First Direct itself does not impose any charge for using other ATMs

bankersmug wrote: »

My LloydsTSB card works in virtually any machine without charge (other than the usual non-bank machines).
.

That's what First Direct are referring to. Every bank in the UK makes the same disclaimer. Banks can only control what they charge you themselves. Charges made by other banks are outside their control.

bankersmug wrote: »

I get the impression FD want you to use their own machines because according to the UK Payments Administration, using a machine from another bank incurs a charge to your own bank.

Every bank would prefer you to use their own machines for exactly this reason. That's why some banks now charge Basic Bank Account holders to use ATMs belonging to other banks, e.g. LloydsTSB, NatWest and RBS.

bankersmug

Thanks for that EarthBoy. So I should basically get the same level of fee free usage as I did with the LloydsTSB account.

pqrdef

EarthBoy wrote: »

That's why some banks now charge Basic Bank Account holders to use ATMs belonging to other banks, e.g. LloydsTSB, NatWest and RBS.

It was my understanding that they don't charge them, they just don't let them.

EarthBoy

pqrdef wrote: »

It was my understanding that they don't charge them, they just don't let them.

Apologies, you are correct. Basic Bank Account customers with LloydsTSB, NatWest and RBS cannot use any other bank's ATMs at all.

NFH

EarthBoy wrote: »

First Direct itself does not impose any charge for using other ATMs

Yes, they do. According to their interest rate and charges document, "there is an ATM transaction fee currently 2% (minimum £1.75, maximum £5.00) for withdrawing cash at cash machines overseas". This fee is imposed by First Direct, not by the operator of the cash machine.

meer53

NFH wrote: »

Yes, they do. According to their interest rate and charges document, "there is an ATM transaction fee currently 2% (minimum £1.75, maximum £5.00) for withdrawing cash at cash machines overseas". This fee is imposed by First Direct, not by the operator of the cash machine.

Think the OP was asking mainly about ATM's in the UK ? Not overseas.

staffie1

I think I'm correct in saying that if a fee is charged, the ATM has to notify you before the transaction. If a fee is applicable, don't proceed with the transaction. Simple as that.
I've used my FD debit card in various high st ATMS and never been charged. The 'link' machines in certain shops and other places of convenience will charge you a small fortune whoever you bank with. Avoid them always.

Gromitt

My local shop has a 'link' cash machine inside, the only sign on the machine reads 'Maximum withdrawal amount: £100/day'. I've used the machine on regular occasions and never been charged. I can't imagine the machine is free for use, so someone must be getting charged somewhere (and it must be profitable for them to install the machine). I also can't imagine that they have struck a deal with every bank, so does anyone know if there some kind of fixed tariff for this kind of service?

NFH

meer53 wrote: »

Think the OP was asking mainly about ATM's in the UK ? Not overseas.

Indeed, but EarthBoy's comment suggested that First Direct doesn't charge ever for using other banks' ATMs, which could be read by some as being true.

InsideInsurance

Gromitt wrote: »

I also can't imagine that they have struck a deal with every bank, so does anyone know if there some kind of fixed tariff for this kind of service?

Certainly a few years ago there was a fixed tarrif which depends on if the machine is on site at a branch or offsite - the later being a higher fee.

That said, depending on the arrangement, the shop is probably also paying for having it in their premises on the basis they secure additional business from the people that come in to use it.

http://www.infocash.co.uk/menus/main.asp?PN=Free%20to%20use