First Direct Switching Bonus

SpekySquarehead

MarcMarc wrote: »

You're fortunate which such a quick and easy switch. Mine has been a nightmare: Joined before end of Feb to qualify for £150 via MSE link (nothing to confirm this 'cashback' will happen) and phoned First Direct (always a long wait to speak to customer service - not so long to carry out day to day telephone banking, I hope) to set up what I thought was going to be a switching date on 18th March this year.

No. Apparently, yet another email was sent to me with yet another password I had to remember and yet another phone call to them to confirm that I wanted to switch bank accounts (what was the first call for then???). Having not received that email (or accidentally deleted it) nothing happened and no one from First Direct cared enough to call me back to enquire why I hadn't come back to them.

The level of security, while commendable, means that there are huge numbers of passwords and security questions to remember (I'm sorry, I have to write them down since I cannot keep track of all of them - which kind of undermines the concept of security).

I really, really wanted to belong to a bank whose customer care was excellent, and to come onto MSE and sing their praises. I have yet to be convinced with First Direct as I take this leap of faith.

My experience is surprisngly similair. And we're not the only to think it. I've seen a few posts/threads on here about FD's standards dropping in regards to long waits on the phone.

Beginning to regret this, regardless of the £150 bonus. BoS was easy peasy via mobile or on a computer.