Another one to add to the list - First Trust Bank - £125 switch incentive

Tadpole78

Brilliant, thank you. All my accounts are with Nationwide, who I love, so I'll probably just use the First Trust one for a month (that's assuming I get accepted!)...and then maybe open a YB/CD one ;-)

Tadpole78

So I phoned FT this morning, but they couldn't verify my identity electronically, so I've to call into a branch with ID. Fine as I live in N. Ireland, but not fine as I just realised both my passport and drivers license are still in my maiden name, d'oh. Does anyone know if they'd accept these, with marriage cert?

YorkshireBoy

Tadpole78 wrote: »

I just realised both my passport and drivers license are still in my maiden name, d'oh. Does anyone know if they'd accept these, with marriage cert?

First Trust would know. Suggest you ring them and ask.

Tadpole78

True, should've asked when I was onto them, but was all nervous, and afraid of saying something wrong. Don't know when all I'm doing is switching my account for personal reasons ;-)

karlie88

Tadpole78 wrote: »

True, should've asked when I was onto them, but was all nervous, and afraid of saying something wrong. Don't know when all I'm doing is switching my account for personal reasons ;-)

No need to be nervous.

You're the customer.

CAPTAINBLONDECHICK

SDK1958 wrote: »

I live in Belfast and tried to open the account on the telephone but was told that I hadn't cleared security and asked to bring ID into the branch. I went into the branch this morning and took the following with me - passport, driving licence, vehicle licensing book, house insurance certificate and credit card bill thinking that I had enough with me.

She asked my salary and it was ok, then was asked if I transfering the account my salary was paid into and I said no. I was then informed by the branch that I needed 3 months statement from the account I was transfering in.

I asked could she record my ID and I would open the account by telephone and she no and that all accounts had to be opened in the branch.

This is pretty much my exact experience with FT today as well. Took everything with me that was suggested by the guy on the 0800 number but in branch they wanted a 2nd photo ID and other utility bills plus 3 months' statements. I was a customer years ago and the 0800 guy found all my closed account details but still that wasn't enough.

MARTYM8`

CAPTAINBLONDECHICK wrote: »

This is pretty much my exact experience with FT today as well. Took everything with me that was suggested by the guy on the 0800 number but in branch they wanted a 2nd photo ID and other utility bills plus 3 months' statements. I was a customer years ago and the 0800 guy found all my closed account details but still that wasn't enough.

Sounds like they want genuine switchers who are going to use this as their main account and pay their salary in – initially CB/YB were giving that line but don’t seem that fussed now.

Clearly FTB don’t want/need the business that much – as you say you would probably need less ID/evidence if you were to apply for a mortgage! Two forms of photo ID - seriously?!

So a warning to those in England/Wales/Scotland – they aren’t making it easy for NI residents so you stand little chance.

Tadpole78

That seems like overkill, but I suppose as said, probably to weed out those doing for ulterior motives.
I was going to ring my branch tomorrow to make an appointment, but wondering if it's even worth my while now. The account I'm closing is just a donor account, so I don't even have it 3 months yet.

Perhaps a silly question, if they ask will your salary be paid in, and you say yes, but then you don't actually go through with paying your salary in, can they do anything, assuming you've still credited £1,200?

MARTYM8`

Tadpole78 wrote: »

That seems like overkill, but I suppose as said, probably to weed out those doing for ulterior motives.
I was going to ring my branch tomorrow to make an appointment, but wondering if it's even worth my while now. The account I'm closing is just a donor account, so I don't even have it 3 months yet.

Perhaps a silly question, if they ask will your salary be paid in, and you say yes, but then you don't actually go through with paying your salary in, can they do anything, assuming you've still credited £1,200?

There is nothing in the terms and conditions about this at all - so you could just say yes and see what happens.

You could of course switch your salary to your donor account for a month - and just transfer that back to your main account in a couple of months once you get your £125 from FTB - but it might annoy your HR department. But it depends how keen you are for that £125!

They are also offering a further incentive - if you switch to them you get entered into a prize draw for a weekend get away for two at the Galgorm Resort and Spa, Ballymena. Given how tough it seems to be to take advantage of the offer there is a good chance of success in the draw. Don't know if the hotel requires two forms of photo ID before you are allowed to check in however. :D

http://personal.firsttrustbank.co.uk/our-products/current-accounts/125-switch-campaign-terms

colsten

Tadpole78 wrote: »

Perhaps a silly question, if they ask will your salary be paid in, and you say yes,

Don't give them an unqualified yes if you can't be absolutely certain. Just say 'yes, that's my intention at present' or something like that.