First Direct want proof of identity years after account opened: anyone else affected?

masonic

meer53 wrote: »

There obviously is a reason, if thats what they want to do, no amount of moaning will change it, there will still be plenty of people who are prepared to listen.

Ignoring customer feedback is a dangerous path for any business to tread.

meer53

masonic wrote: »

Ignoring customer feedback is a dangerous path for any business to tread.

How do you know they ignore it ?

masonic

meer53 wrote: »

How do you know they ignore it ?

Your assertion was that "no amount of moaning will change it". For any business that listens to customer feedback, there would be a quantity of moaning that would be sufficient for them to reconsider their position. Many businesses have had to make a U-turn over an unfavourable change after customer backlash. So, let me turn the question around... how do you know FD will not be forced into making a U-turn on this issue if customers apply sufficient pressure?

Doc_N

meer53 wrote: »

How do you know they ignore it ?

Actually, that's one of the reasons for this thread. Staff, incidentally, are telling customers that they can't explain the new policy. They simply have to apply it, despite all the complaints they're getting.

GingerFurball_2

I'd wager that First Direct's sales process is no longer compliant with FCA regulations.

fifthofwhisky

Have been with First Direct since they started and recently received a series of letters requesting information to verify my identity and address. No issue with that request as such, but not happy about having to pay someone to certify documents. As such I'm looking at other current account deals on offer and will likely switch for cash incentive and a better interest rate (the latter not difficult to achieve compared to First Direct). Also noted the service charge for new First Direct customers would be £10 unless £1000/m is paid in.

grumbler

fifthofwhisky wrote: »

...Also noted the service charge for new First Direct customers would be £10 unless £1000/m is paid in.

This have always been the case, at least for many years, and can be easily avoided.

However, I agree, their Regular Saver is possibly their only attraction left. Their 2% cash ISA used to be the best for big amounts, and they keep reducing the rate, now to pathetic 1.3%.

katejo

fifthofwhisky wrote: »

Have been with First Direct since they started and recently received a series of letters requesting information to verify my identity and address. No issue with that request as such, but not happy about having to pay someone to certify documents. As such I'm looking at other current account deals on offer and will likely switch for cash incentive and a better interest rate (the latter not difficult to achieve compared to First Direct). Also noted the service charge for new First Direct customers would be £10 unless £1000/m is paid in.

You avoid the £10 charge simply by having another account with FD (eg. Basic savings account) I have been with FD for over 20 years but haven't yet been asked for these additional documents)

fifthofwhisky

Thanks for that info. Why have you not switched to another bank?

Doc_N

fifthofwhisky wrote: »

Have been with First Direct since they started and recently received a series of letters requesting information to verify my identity and address. No issue with that request as such, but not happy about having to pay someone to certify documents. As such I'm looking at other current account deals on offer and will likely switch for cash incentive and a better interest rate (the latter not difficult to achieve compared to First Direct). Also noted the service charge for new First Direct customers would be £10 unless £1000/m is paid in.

You won't have to pay - but you need to contact them to make alternative arrangements. It can be done through an HSBC branch or by video verification.