Trying to switch to First Direct

nearlyrich

We have been with FD since 1992 we got married in 1998 and the local HSBC notarised our wedding cert, I love FD their CS is amazing we didn't have to jump through hoops maybe you do now?

rb10

Archi_Bald wrote: »

Referrals?

Allegedly everything is impartial ... but it does seem suspect that he always shouts about First Direct, giving far less space to the much better Santander, Halifax, Nationwide and LBG accounts.

YorkshireBoy

Archi_Bald wrote: »

Referrals?

To be fair, all but two* of the accounts mentioned in the best bank accounts article on the main site have referral markers against them.


And they are, for various reasons, the best in their respective areas.


That's not to say they receive the same referral payment for each click through though.



* Only Lloyds/TSB and N&P don't have them.

jamesd

rb10 wrote: »

Martin Lewis has a thing about First Direct. I've never been able to see why. In my experience, their customer service has been decidedly mediocre.

FD has historically tended to do extremely well in customer satisfaction surveys. The highest paying regular saver account and the current account transfer payment are also things that make it of interest for those who want money at the expense of hassle.

It's too early for the HSBC-related things to have had a large effect on FD's overall customer service scores. That will presumably change over time as more people are affected

GuttedTBH

rb10 wrote: »

Allegedly everything is impartial ... but it does seem suspect that he always shouts about First Direct, giving far less space to the much better Santander, Halifax, Nationwide and LBG accounts.

There a reason for that.
They're not 'much better'


There isn't much to choose between the top accounts IMO, including all the ones you list. For every person who has a bad experience with either, there are 2 that love them.

:-/

Neato

Just managed to get through to HMRC (0300 200 3300 is the current personal queries number).

Provided them with my full name, DOB and national insurance number, they updated my address and advised they'd send out a new notice of coding - although it may take up to two weeks.

Fairly happy with that. Easier than paying a solicitor for certification anyway!

In terms of similar accounts available on the market etc. The honest answer is that I've asked around my friends and FD was the account I got most positive feedback on. It's worth noting that I have no issues with switching. I have always operated with two accounts, and personally move all my important direct debits myself (to the stable account), leaving non rent and bills ones to fulfill switch T&Cs. If I don't like the account/withdrawal amounts/customer services, I'll switch again - I'm always on the lookout for things that will be more suited to my lifestyle.

xylophone

and personally move all my important direct debits myself

See http://discover.firstdirect.com/1staccount?WT.ac=FSDT_TAB_HOME_MSC1723 re using FD's Switching Service?

xylophone

And also this thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4878837

Neato

I have active (just not hugely important) DDs on the account and my current bank is part of 7 day account switching.

I'm unsure what you're pointing me at?