First Direct - phone them to set up telephone banking - mandatory

starson79

This is common sense really, but I just want to warn other people who may have opened a bank account with First Direct (to get the £100 cashback deal - and Regular Saver at 8%). During the account switch you will need to phone First Direct on 08456 100 100 to set up telephone banking (it's mandatory, in order to get the online internet account set up). Unless I've been duped of course...?
I live in the middle of nowhere, no access to Internet at the time, so I called them on the spur of the moment (as soon as I got the letter and had the time!). It was a full ten minutes of speech from let's be fair a very nice bloke. Yet, I've just got my mobile phone bill for this month and listening to that nice bloke cost me over £7.
So, before calling that number please consider using the Say No to 0870 website to get the alternative number which is 0113 276 6166.
Thanks

baby_frogmella

First of all, First Direct are primarily a telephone based bank. There are many things which can't be done through their online banking eg increase overdraft, make overseas payments, delete payees, etc and you have to bear in mind that you will have to call them now and again. However their internet banking (which hasnt changed much since 2001) is due to be upgraded this year or early next year so I'm hoping they'll let you do nearly everything online.

Use their 0113 2345678 number it's far easier to remember;)

Rafter

I think as a new customer you could probably have used the 0800 24 24 24 number - although your mobile company would probably charge you for that.

I'd suggest a letter of complaint to your mobile company (copying in Offcom) complaining that 0845 is not included in your inclusive minutes and is blatant profiteering by your phone company!

R.

PS. Congratulations on being debt free next month!

heloid

Their geographic number is printed on your debit card, no need to go to SayNo0870 website. They aren't picky about people using it like other banks.

simax

Rafter wrote: »

I'd suggest a letter of complaint to your mobile company (copying in Offcom) complaining that 0845 is not included in your inclusive minutes and is blatant profiteering by your phone company!

And what will this achieve exactly? Apart from wasting the cost of a stamp....

zerog

Rafter wrote: »

I think as a new customer you could probably have used the 0800 24 24 24 number - although your mobile company would probably charge you for that.

No, they won't let you do this, they will just tell you to call the 0845.

Anyway, it's the OP's own fault for calling 0845 from a mobile, as he said.

samwsmith1

As others have said use the 0113 234 5678 number as it's easier to remember, the only difference being is when they answer they will ask you for a postcode or international ID number.

I would also be tempted to send them complaint through internet banking about the charges that you've incurred.

stephane_2

baby_frogmella wrote: »

First of all, First Direct are primarily a telephone based bank. There are many things which can't be done through their online banking eg increase overdraft, make overseas payments, delete payees, etc and you have to bear in mind that you will have to call them now and again. However their internet banking (which hasnt changed much since 2001) is due to be upgraded this year or early next year so I'm hoping they'll let you do nearly everything online.

Use their 0113 2345678 number it's far easier to remember;)

Wrong....you can do many things online....including increase your overdraft...delete payees by secure messaging service...etc

samwsmith1

stephane wrote: »

Wrong....you can do many things online....including increase your overdraft...delete payees by secure messaging service...etc

You can delete payees by sending them a secure message but you can't increase your overdraft online:

exel1966

starson79 wrote: »

This is common sense really.... I've just got my mobile phone bill for this month and listening to that nice bloke cost me over £7.
So, before calling that number please consider using the Say No to 0870 website to get the alternative number which is 0113 276 6166.
Thanks

......and then you ignored your own common sense and did what most people with common sense wouldn't do....ring an 0845 number from a mobile !

What a pointless rant !

baby_frogmella

stephane wrote: »

Wrong....you can do many things online....including increase your overdraft...delete payees by secure messaging service...etc

Really? Can you tell me how i can apply for an increase in overdraft and delete/amend beneficiaries online WITHOUT getting in touch with FD via phone or secure messaging? I'm intrigued!