Top Bank Accounts Discussion Area

Steve_xx

sschandoo wrote: »

Has anyone tried opening a First Direct account recently? I note Martin's comments about some browsers not being able to open up the £150 switching link application but i can't seem to get this to work on Safari or on Firefox. I don't have IE so can't try this.

If i call First Direct and apply for a sole account, will they give me the £150 switching bonus?

No. You'd get £125 were you to do that.

Robbieh

I've just gone to the MSE homepage and clicked on Martins weekly newsletter. Click on the link to FD in the section about £150 bank giveaways. It's worked for me on Safari.

grumbler

Works fine in FF too: First Direct*

mwe152

Don't touch this account with a bargepole. IT IS A CON. You are meant to apply for online banking and paperless statements. You will not be able to log on online (it will say it's never heard of you, even if you register). They'll then send a paper statement TWO MONTHS later with no interest on it. They make it as awkward as possible to do online banking AND WILL NOT COMPENSATE YOU FOR INTEREST NOT PAID. I have no problems doing online banking with the likes of Barclays, but TSB ARE A NIGHTMARE. AVOID!

castle96

Wow - what a first post.
I've got a bunch of these accounts and they run as sweet as a nut. Maybe you've done something amiss re the admin of them ? Maybe not fulfilled the T&C's ?

Runninggirl17

I have applied to First Direct for a joint bank account, but it hasn't been a pleasant experience. First, the online application had me going round in circles, with each link leading back to the first. I received four emails, none of which made sense. When I rang the first time, I was told my browser might be at fault. On the third phone call, I was told that I couldn't apply online because I am an existing customer. My hubby and I had ISAs with First Direct which we closed over 10 years ago. We then had to spend 90 mins on the phone going through a ridiculously long process, with the agent insisting on individual financial answers even though all our finances are joint. We had to make up answers just to get through the process. At the end, we were told that we had to jump through more hoops. Now we have to get certified copies of our passports and a credit card/utility bill and send them in. We have recently moved house and don't know anyone in this area so we are likely to have to pay someone. They could make it easier by allowing us to take our passports and bills to a HSBC bank, but no. Not impressed.

Kendall80

mwe152 wrote: »

Don't touch this account with a bargepole. IT IS A CON. You are meant to apply for online banking and paperless statements. You will not be able to log on online (it will say it's never heard of you, even if you register). They'll then send a paper statement TWO MONTHS later with no interest on it. They make it as awkward as possible to do online banking AND WILL NOT COMPENSATE YOU FOR INTEREST NOT PAID. I have no problems doing online banking with the likes of Barclays, but TSB ARE A NIGHTMARE. AVOID!

If i'd listened to such an ill conceived rant I would've missed out on hundreds of pounds of interest coming out of our 4 TSB 5% accounts.


I don't usually offer advice but in this case i'd advise/encourage anyone looking at current accounts to ignore this poster.

Robbieh

My wife and I have TSB accounts, the first 5% ones we opened! So easy and straightforward, don't understand your problem!

Robbieh

Runninggirl17 wrote: »

I have applied to First Direct for a joint bank account, but it hasn't been a pleasant experience. First, the online application had me going round in circles, with each link leading back to the first. I received four emails, none of which made sense. When I rang the first time, I was told my browser might be at fault. On the third phone call, I was told that I couldn't apply online because I am an existing customer. My hubby and I had ISAs with First Direct which we closed over 10 years ago. We then had to spend 90 mins on the phone going through a ridiculously long process, with the agent insisting on individual financial answers even though all our finances are joint. We had to make up answers just to get through the process. At the end, we were told that we had to jump through more hoops. Now we have to get certified copies of our passports and a credit card/utility bill and send them in. We have recently moved house and don't know anyone in this area so we are likely to have to pay someone. They could make it easier by allowing us to take our passports and bills to a HSBC bank, but no. Not impressed.

Just got an FD acc. And the switch incentive without any drama here.

Eco_Miser

mwe152 wrote: »

You will not be able to log on online (it will say it's never heard of you, even if you register). They'll then send a paper statement TWO MONTHS later with no interest on it.

I can log on fine. Never had a problem.
Why didn't you contact TSB as soon as you discovered a problem, instead of waiting two months?