Just switched to First Direct...

lhead123

...Do they require ID to open a new account? Do I have to take it to a branch of HSBC? I'm waiting for the emails to find out what happens next.

This is the first time I've switched current accounts using the switching service, so I'm not really sure what to expect...

x

grumbler

lhead123 wrote: »

...Do they require ID to open a new account?

Possibly, but for new customers it's before the account is opened, not after.

Do I have to take it to a branch of HSBC?

No, for FD normally it's certified copies by post.

I'm waiting for the emails to find out what happens next.

How have you managed to switch already then?

This is the first time I've switched current accounts using the switching service, so I'm not really sure what to expect...

Normally it takes days, if not weeks, after opening a new account to switch the old one to it.

lhead123

grumbler wrote: »

Possibly, but for new customers it's before the account is opened, not after.
No, normally it's certified copies by post.How have you managed to switch already then?
Normally it takes days, if not weeks, after opening a new account to switch the old one to it.

We did the online application to switch last night. It asked for all the usual info, and then it did a credit check and offered us an overdraft. At the end of the application it gave us the information for the new account including the sort code and account number. I was expecting to need to show some ID to someone or send/email copies, but maybe the credit check was enough to verify who we are?
I've only had the 'thank you for choosing to switch to first direct' email so far. I'll see what comes next - some people have told me they used the switching service online and never had to show ID, so I have no idea what to expect next.

djpailo

So considering this thread was already started, how long should it take to get the "switching email" as I've received absolutely nothing whatsoever regarding the current account or the switch, despite receiving emails for the savings accounts...

neilvw

It took a couple of days for me to receive the email telling me what to do to confirm the switch. I was a little worried for a while as I had no email confirmations of anything immediately, which I thought might be automatic. (Even if just a generic "Welcome email".)

Dird

I got rejected for FD due to "poor credit score" but I think they've looked at HSBC's account details to make the decision =/
I got accepted for a HSBC Advance account the first time but had to re-apply 2 months later because of mistakes on their side & my initial offer expiring...the 2nd application was somehow rejected but they overroad the decision...but guess the rejection is still on the system.

Will apply for Yorkshire in a month or so to see if it's really my score or just FD peeking at HSBC

System

You may just not be the type of customer they want.
This could be tarted up as a credit score issue.

Dird wrote: »

I got rejected for FD due to "poor credit score" but I think they've looked at HSBC's account details to make the decision =/
I got accepted for a HSBC Advance account the first time but had to re-apply 2 months later because of mistakes on their side & my initial offer expiring...the 2nd application was somehow rejected but they overroad the decision...but guess the rejection is still on the system.

Will apply for Yorkshire in a month or so to see if it's really my score or just FD peeking at HSBC

Raimonds

Hi all switchers!

The MSE page for Best Bank Accounts regarding First Direct 1st Account Need-to-knows states:

This account has a £10 monthly fee, but this is waived each month you either pay in £1,000, have an average monthly balance of £1,000 or hold selected other accounts with First Direct.

Going through the link to get £150 switching bonus, I read at the bottom of page in something like summary box regarding Charges:

Is there a charge for banking with first direct?
Banking with first direct usually costs £10 a month, but you will not be charged this fee for the first six months from account opening, when you pay in at least £1,000 to your 1st Account each month, or maintain an average monthly 1st Account balance of £1,000, or you hold a selected first direct additional product. Take a look at our Account Terms and Conditions for more details of other additional products.

So, what is the reality, if someone can confirm (who has already switched to First Direct), what happens after first six months. Does the charge start to apply regardless the £1000 pay in and or using their other qualifying products?

Anyhow, I am going to apply to this account in time being, just wanted to know of other's experience on here.

Thanks in advance!

Futuristic

Open e-saver account and stick a £1 to avoid the account fee

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If you pass the credit check when applying, your application more or less is successful, you'll get a switch email with details a day later and then the welcome emails for the account

Raimonds

Futuristic wrote: »

Open e-saver account and stick a £1 to avoid the account fee

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If you pass the credit check when applying, your application more or less is successful, you'll get a switch email with details a day later and then the welcome emails for the account

Thanks for Your reply!

Another thing, filling in the application asked me to provide account details with another UK bank I hold. Do I provide the longest standing account for credit references or I have to already provide the one I intend to switch from?

YorkshireBoy

Raimonds wrote: »

Do I provide the longest standing account for credit references

Yes.......