First Direct switching bonus

wanderlust23

Hi,

I opened a First Direct account beginning of January and so the 3 month deadline to switch is approaching (currently awaiting NatWest bonus to be paid before I switch) however I was just wondering if the switch has to be complete within 3 months of opening the account or just initiated within 3 months?

Thanks

radoslaff

If I had such a question, I would have called them. They have a very good and helpful customer service.

eskbanker

https://www1.firstdirect.com/1/2/banking/switching-bank-accounts says

switch your everyday banking to us using the Current Account Switch Service and pay in at least £1,000 within three months of opening the account

which to me suggests completion rather than initiation, but it could be academic anyway if the FD account was opened at the "beginning of January" but OP is waiting for a NatWest bonus payment that is scheduled to be made by 13 April according to the terms of their offer.

wanderlust23

eskbanker wrote: »

https://www1.firstdirect.com/1/2/banking/switching-bank-accounts says which to me suggests completion rather than initiation, but it could be academic anyway if the FD account was opened at the "beginning of January" but OP is waiting for a NatWest bonus payment that is scheduled to be made by 13 April according to the terms of their offer.

Thank you, I'm hoping it will be paid before but if not I'll have to open another account with the sole intention of switching.

ValiantSon

I suggest that you open a second account with a bank who you already hold an account with and initiate the switch to First Direct of that account. You are unlikely to receive the NatWest bonus in time.