First Direct Internet Banking

mqandy

FD's online banking hasn't changed beyond the login screen in the 6 years I've been with them.

The only 'new' feature I've seen is the 'sweep' into savings, and like you I've wondered this.

But then I use my Nationwide account and it's tiresome security, or Barclays where I managed to do something wrong and lock all of my cards for 4 days....

Fiddlestick

GemzyKate wrote: »

Although it's simple things like the fact that you can't see your available balance on the main screen

Yes you can?

Gromitt

Fiddlestick wrote: »

Yes you can?

They've changed it? You used to only be able to see your account balance on the main screen, not your available balance.

EarthBoy

First Direct's internet banking is a bit old fashioned, but still quite functional. I hope they don't put the people who re-designed their website in charge of updating the internet banking, because there's no hope for them if they do. The new website is an unmitigated disaster.

baby_frogmella

Fiddlestick wrote: »

Yes you can?

Care to tell me where the available balance is displayed on the main screen? I can only see it when i make a payment to someone.

katejo

baby_frogmella wrote: »

Care to tell me where the available balance is displayed on the main screen? I can only see it when i make a payment to someone.

No the available balance doesn't appear on the main screen but it is usually the account balance plus whatever you have as a fee free overdraft (unless you have just paid a cheque in which hasn't cleared - very rare).

I have never needed to apply for an overdraft online but it is annoying not being able to delete old payees and old accounts to stop you transferring money into them by mistake..

stephane_2

I have been with First Direct for a few years now and in terms of efficiency they've been very good, however I'd like them to improve on certain aspects of their banking which would bring them in line with other banks.
1) Available balance to be seen on main screen and not to have to fiddle about in the "make a payment" section.
2) make online international payments. You have to call.
3) To offer more incentive to transfer balance onto their credit card. I have had their gold card more or less since day one and never had an offer since the account opening.
4) Would also like to see loan account on main screen and not just receive a letter once a year to know how much is left to be paid.
5) Being able to delete on lone unused payee.

BugsyBrowne

Don't believe the hype by the looks of it.

It seems first direct puts all its efforts into answering the phone quickly and spend less time updating online banking, now I believe a bank needs a decent online banking system and being 2012 most people have access to this.

So it seems all the hype about first direct all boils down to them picking up the phone quickly, hardly surprising when everyone who has a first direct account only mentions customer service.

stephane_2

BugsyBrowne wrote: »

Don't believe the hype by the looks of it.

It seems first direct puts all its efforts into answering the phone quickly and spend less time updating online banking, now I believe a bank needs a decent online banking system and being 2012 most people have access to this.

So it seems all the hype about first direct all boils down to them picking up the phone quickly, hardly surprising when everyone who has a first direct account only mentions customer service.

It is true that their Internet banking might not have gizmos and be as colourful as others....after all they're not called "black & White" for nothing, but it does do what it says on the tin...and it rarely fail...they just need to improve on a few nibbles and on top of that their customer service is second to none....which many banks can't claim. You can't resolve everything on line and what does matter is that if you have to call you are dealt with quickly & efficiently which many banks ate falling very short

baby_frogmella

BugsyBrowne wrote: »

Don't believe the hype by the looks of it.

It seems first direct puts all its efforts into answering the phone quickly and spend less time updating online banking, now I believe a bank needs a decent online banking system and being 2012 most people have access to this.

So it seems all the hype about first direct all boils down to them picking up the phone quickly, hardly surprising when everyone who has a first direct account only mentions customer service.

Have you ever dealt with HSBC's notorious overseas call centre? Have you ever dealt with Barclays horrible overseas call centre? I guarantee HSBC's or Barclays indian call centre staff will have you in tears. You only get to know how good/bad a bank is once you have to deal with them to resolve any issues.

I'll be the first to admit that FD's online banking isn't the best but i'd rather they have poor online banking and give great service over the phone instead of vice-versa. I don't know of ANY BANK where you dial their number, phone is answered within 3 seconds by a human being who more often than not, will resolve your query there and then. I'm willing to be corrected