Switching my banking to First Direct....

nellyeff

....From my RBS One Account.
Problem 1. My RBS account was joint, with my wife, but she never used it so I wanted a solo account. No problem I thought..... so I set up a FD solo account.
Problem 2. I couldn't utilise the switching service because I was switching from a joint account to a solo one. Ok, fair enough, so I changed the new solo account ot a joint account, to make the switch easier.
Problem 3. Apparently I can't use their switching service because my RBS account sort code ends in "51".
Problem 4. Ok, I'll do it manually....... err, no. I can't change Direct Debits to my new joint account because I need to print and post a mandate signed by both accountees.

I'm finding this account switching thing an absolute farce, this is all on top of the details and certified documents I've had to provide just to open the damn account in the first place!

Whats the point of internet banking if there's still a ridiculous papertrail?
And why do I need two signatures to start an existing direct debit which is already coming from a joint account???
Please, 'scuse the rant......... :mad:

[Deleted User]

Re Problem 4: you'll only need to complete paper mandates signed by both of you, if you chose "both to sign" when setting up the joint account. Otherwise, just set it up as you would, and tell the company in question that it's a sole account, in just your name. The DD will get to the bank as "Mr Nellyeff", and the bank will approve it.

grumbler

Yorkshire/Clydesdile banks used to require signed papers even for switching a sole account.

What 'mandate' do FD want for manual switching of DDs? You just call the company (originator) and change the DD details from the old account to the new one. With many companies you can do this online.

YorkshireBoy

grumbler wrote: »

What 'mandate' do FD want for manual switching of DDs?

I believe FD offer a 'partial switch' option.

grumbler

In this case FD are giving runaround to the OP:

Joint Accounts
We’ll accept instructions from any joint account holder unless you’ve told us not to or we’re aware of a dispute between you.

As nobody told them "not to" and/or informed them of any dispute, a sole instruction must suffice.

Problem 3 seems to be a red herring too.