First Direct Account - needs salary???

Archi_Bald

AlatMartins wrote: »

Why is the £125 promotion to join First Direct only for first time customers? Why not offer it to previous customers?

What would be the benefit to FD if they did offer this?

mimihu

I just called them up too and they said that the income had to be through BACS. Apparently, because I get paid by cheque, I can't qualify for the switching bonus. (I also only get paid semi-annually, but that's irrelevant right now).

Should I call them back? Open the account and risk it? Or just give up?

starM

mimihu wrote: »

I just called them up too and they said that the income had to be through BACS. Apparently, because I get paid by cheque, I can't qualify for the switching bonus. (I also only get paid semi-annually, but that's irrelevant right now).

Should I call them back? Open the account and risk it? Or just give up?

I think easiest way will be deposit the cheque into another bank account. Once the cheque has been cleared transfer the money over to First Direct. Likely the bank will use FPS so funds will be available in FD within minutes.

mimihu

starM wrote: »

I think easiest way will be deposit the cheque into another bank account. Once the cheque has been cleared transfer the money over to First Direct. Likely the bank will use FPS so funds will be available in FD within minutes.

Thanks StarM. I suggested this to the FD rep on the phone, he said that the income must come from BACS, and that FPS (or cash, or cheque) does not qualify.

Gromitt

mimihu wrote: »

I just called them up too and they said that the income had to be through BACS

Yes, thats what all the banks say.

Ignore them, deposit the cheque elsewhere. Transfer it to FD via faster payments. You'll qualify. Lots of other people here have done it.

For the record, the company I work for ONLY deposit wages via Faster payments. They don't use BACS any more. Other companies are quickly following suit. Apparently it saves them lots of cash.