First Direct awful account opening experience

djpailo

Its a pain in the backside but its worth it for the switching bonus and the regular saver.

RoonilWazlib_2

I've always found the service pretty shoddy from FD. Phoned them for a change of address once - few weeks later, no new details arrived. Called them back.

They said address had been updated - but the 'new' address was the same as my old address.

Then they accused me of wasting their time by giving a 'change of address' that hadn't actually changed.

Had to laugh :rotfl:

darkidoe

Fu*K bureaucracy! Fu*K red tape!

System

A large part of these issues is down to FD not having it's own branch network.
The main brand (HSBC) is unwilling to undertake the admin.

Fryy

Update: They haven't actually sent my passport document and bank statements back (the ones that have been signed by a professor and a pharmacist now). Have they lost them? Am I actually more likely to be a victim of identity theft because of their unbelievable incompetence?

By the way, I'd like to make it clear that I pretty much never complain to banks or shops. I've had a lot of great experiences. First Direct is just unbelievably, consistently bad for me. I'm so sick of it, I've asked them to close my account.

GingerBob_3

Fryy wrote: »

Update: They haven't actually sent my passport document and bank statements back (the ones that have been signed by a professor and a pharmacist now). Have they lost them? Am I actually more likely to be a victim of identity theft because of their unbelievable incompetence?

By the way, I'd like to make it clear that I pretty much never complain to banks or shops. I've had a lot of great experiences. First Direct is just unbelievably, consistently bad for me. I'm so sick of it, I've asked them to close my account.

This is the correct way to deal with these arrogant banks; vote with your money. Eventually they might get the message, but I wouldn't hold my breath with the likes of HSBC. Regarding your identity documents, yes, you are more likely now to be a victim of identity theft, much as we all are now as a result of this obsession and paranoia (caused mainly by the government) whereby documents are copied and you therefore lose control of them.


If you've cancelled your account without it ever being opened you might try writing to them requiring they return what you sent to them with a signed undertaking that all copies have been destroyed and not passed to any other organisation. They probably won't understand what you're saying but it's worth a try.

Thrugelmir

Fryy wrote: »

They gave me a letter with a list of professions of people who could sign a copy of my passport and other bank statement with my address on. The professions of "verifiable people" are totally arbitrary: accountant, lawyer, pharmacist... It doesn't matter if they don't actually know you, as long as they sign the documents for you. It's not clear to me why it's these professions, and these professions only, and why it provides any security at all if they don't actually know where I live, but fine.

Because they are all regulated registered professionals. If they lose their registration. They lose their right to practice and therefore their job/income. Committing fraud is deemed not worthwhile. Why spend years training to qualify simply to throw it all away ? As simple as that.

BlondBoy

Have to say, overall I've found them very average too. Tsunami of paperwork after opening, fair few documents missing from the 'welcome pack' so had to phone to chase, which was irritating. Then replacements required a signature to be returned in a prepaid envelope - which wasn't enclosed. So a phone call to check the address and a stamp to post it required.

Internet banking is perfect - if we're still in 2002. Their iOS app is usable, but has some shocking design decisions that make it the least pleasant of my banking apps to use.

But speaking with them on the phone? My experience has been absolutely terrific. Really pleasant, efficient, easy to get through.

Can only conclude that if you're the sort of person who wants to do their banking by speaking to a person on the phone, they are unbeatable. Anything else? Not so much....

metrobus

Found them great, really easy and fast transfer from Halifax and £100 bonus credited within 3 days.
I also opened a saver account and regular saver and if I do have a whinge it's they send a mountain of mail confirming everything but that's not a problem really.
The iOS app is not that good but does allow touch recognition to login fast to check balances,etc.