First Direct incentives?

gelato_cat

Hi all

I'm thinking of opening an FD current account. Does anyone know of any incentives at the moment? I used to see £50 incentives all the time but am aware that they've changed their marketing strategy lately.

Also, how long does it take to get the account open - is it quick (notwithstanding postal strikes)?

Suze

Milarky

They did have a £100 switching incentive (don't know if they still do) only available to 'first time' customers. They are to offer a 1 year regular saver (up to £300 per month) paying 8%, a new 'esaver' paying 5.5% but linked to the current account and the first £250 of overdraft interest-free.. from 1 November...

gelato_cat

This is why I am joining...

Suze

Milarky wrote: »

They are to offer a 1 year regular saver (up to £300 per month) paying 8%,

CopperPlate_2

Their incentives have finished - they are now offering it in reverse. That is, if you stay with them for a certain period of time (I think it's 6 months minimum but check the site for the details) and you meet all their paying in conditions (min £1500 per month), etc. and you don't like being with fd, then a switcher team will switch you to another bank account and pay you £100 as a 'goodbye'. So it's like switching to first direct, only in reverse as you'd be switching away from them and getting the 'incentive'. Suppose they're counting on the lethargy and also the fact that they actually do provide better service than the majority of other banks or building societies.

gelato_cat

Ah, OK - thanks. I only want the account for the Regular Saver, so I'll see how it goes.

Suze

CopperPlate wrote: »

Their incentives have finished - they are now offering it in reverse. That is, if you stay with them for a certain period of time (I think it's 6 months minimum but check the site for the details) and you meet all their paying in conditions (min £1500 per month), etc. and you don't like being with fd, then a switcher team will switch you to another bank account and pay you £100 as a 'goodbye'. So it's like switching to first direct, only in reverse as you'd be switching away from them and getting the 'incentive'. Suppose they're counting on the lethargy and also the fact that they actually do provide better service than the majority of other banks or building societies.

CopperPlate_2

Give it a go - fd are excellent and (hopefully :rolleyes:) you won't regret the move!