Direct Debits that can be set up that won't take anything?

missing_string

Hi,

I just switched to first direct, and took the initiative and moved over all my direct debits, as using a switching service I've found twice in the past they don't do anything. I noticed however in the T&C's that you must use their easyswitch service to move these over, so I phoned up and it seems like I've almost ****** myself out of £100!

Now I'm going to need to to set up 2 direct debits. What can I use that will not take any money from my account? A good example is Paypal, but I have already moved that over, so I need something similar I can set up and cancel as soon as I've got my £100.

dzug1

Move your paypal and one other back - then use the switching service

or sign up for something like a trial 3 month magazine subscription on your old account, use the switching service and cancel the subscription at the end of the trial period

alanq

Which bank are you moving from? I set up a direct debit to British Gas from NatWest and BG seemed happy that everything was in place. However, online banking did not show the direct debit as having been set up. I queried this in branch. I was informed that DDs only showed up online after the first debit had been taken. The adviser informed me that all banks work this way. He had to eat his words when I later presented him with a print from First Direct showing DDs that had been set up but not yet utilised.

So to be on the safe side I would not attempt to switch inactive DDs. Perhaps find yourself a couple of savings accounts that can be funded by DD and take minimum deposits to each before switching.

The_pc_tech

If memory serves me correctly all I had to do when I joined FD 4 years ago was get my salary paid in, I moved the DDs myself.

alanq

The_pc_tech wrote: »

If memory serves me correctly all I had to do when I joined FD 4 years ago was get my salary paid in, I moved the DDs myself.

As did I 2 years ago. At that time the switching service only had to have been used to claim the £100 on being dissatisfied and leaving.

The rules have changed since then.

missing_string

** Open a 1st Account then transfer your banking using our Easyswitch service (transferring at least two Direct Debits and/or standing orders) and salary/income of at least £1,500 per month to your 1st Account within three months of your account opening and we will add £100 to your account. This offer is only available for people who haven't previously held any account with first direct and is limited to one payment per joint relationship.


It wasn't clear from that, but the lady on the phone said that the direct debits have to be switched.

innovate

missing_string wrote: »

** Open a 1st Account then transfer your banking using our Easyswitch service (transferring at least two Direct Debits and/or standing orders) and salary/income of at least £1,500 per month to your 1st Account within three months of your account opening

Seems pretty clear to me that you have to use their switcher service. They will ask you which of your DDs you want transferred, and you just tell them which 2.

As to "easy" DDs: check out first post in https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4168667. V easy to do.

mrschaucer

It does also say Standing Orders, so it would be very easy to set up a SO by online banking from your old account to go to a relation/good friend for (say) a fiver a month, and they can reimburse you. Cancel once FD has done its thing.

YorkshireBoy

mrschaucer wrote: »

It does also say Standing Orders, so it would be very easy to set up a SO by online banking from your old account to go to a relation/good friend for (say) a fiver a month, and they can reimburse you. Cancel once FD has done its thing.

Probably no need to use a friend/relation. Everyone has a savings account of their own don't they?

mrschaucer

Good thinking, Yorkshireboy. Why didn't I think of that?