HSBC vs first direct

Weybridge78

For your requirements I would suggest First Direct. I am with them currently for my main bank account. Have previously been with HSBC. I found HSBC's app worse than First Direct's for basic things. First Direct have a good app. Although it looks slightly dated, functionality is very good. I also cannot fault the almost instant answering of phone calls! I have had huge wait times for matters relating to my HSBC current account and credit card.

Butch_Dingle

EarthBoy wrote: »

Halifax's app is still much better than First Direct's app.

Thats a subjective opinion. Personally I find the iphone FD app far more slicker/smoother than the Halifax (& lloyds) iphone apps, ie doing simple things like logging in/off, making transactions etc is far more quicker on the FD app. But of course YMMV

bxboards

ccdorset wrote: »

I do remember first direct's internet banking being a bit outdated when I was with them a few years ago, so it sounds like it hasn't advanced much since!

I do find Halifax's mobile app very good in comparison to what I remember first direct's was like, but perhaps that has moved on.

Funny, I keep reading this about FD but I find the non-flashy black text on a white background perfect.

No silly animations, doesn't try to let prettiness get in the way of functionality - I can't think of much you can't do on the website or mobile app, I reckon it covers 90% of pretty much all banking needs.

I have an HSBC Advance account and the web site and apps are pretty similar all in all - the app particular keeps things similar with black text on a white background.

EarthBoy

Butch_Dingle wrote: »

Thats a subjective opinion. Personally I find the iphone FD app far more slicker/smoother than the Halifax (& lloyds) iphone apps, ie doing simple things like logging in/off, making transactions etc is far more quicker on the FD app. But of course YMMV

Some of it is down to personal preference, admittedly, but if (like me) you are no longer able to use First Direct's app since the last update, because it simply won't open on mobile data anymore (only on WiFi), you will obviously prefer a different bank's app which opens first time and works perfectly.

For info, I am on Android and the app just sticks on "authenticating" and will not open. Lots of people have complained about the same problem on the Google Play Store, but First Direct's pathetic response is to advise customers that they know about the problem and hope to fix it in a future update. In the meantime, they suggest that turning off battery saver might solve the problem, -although it didn't for me.

sully1311

sausage_time wrote: »

I'm pretty sure the answer is yes, but can I get a switching bonus by moving from FD to HSBC? I can't see any exclusion in the T&Cs.

I believe so, but you can't get the bonus switching the over way.

EarthBoy

sausage_time wrote: »

I'm pretty sure the answer is yes, but can I get a switching bonus by moving from FD to HSBC? I can't see any exclusion in the T&Cs.

Yes you can. The conditions state:

*1 You may hold a first direct and/or M&S Bank current account and still qualify.

https://www.hsbc.co.uk/content/dam/hsbc/gb/pdf/TandCs-for-Advance-Bank-Account-Switch-Offer.pdf

Butch_Dingle

EarthBoy wrote: »

Some of it is down to personal preference, admittedly, but if (like me) you are no longer able to use First Direct's app since the last update, because it simply won't open on mobile data anymore (only on WiFi), you will obviously prefer a different bank's app which opens first time and works perfectly.

For info, I am on Android and the app just sticks on "authenticating" and will not open. Lots of people have complained about the same problem on the Google Play Store, but First Direct's pathetic response is to advise customers that they know about the problem and hope to fix it in a future update. In the meantime, they suggest that turning off battery saver might solve the problem, -although it didn't for me.

Therefore the issue appears to be on Android platform(s) ONLY as the FD app works as it should on iOS.

ccdorset

Thanks again for your replies.

It is a difficult one, as it is all down to personal preference I guess. The only thing holding me back with first direct is whether I will find the online/mobile banking outdated now, but again I guess that is down to opinion and a lot of people find it still meets their needs.

I have been in touch with first direct several times over the past few days with mortgage queries and they have been very helpful.

I think my mind is made up, I'll give first direct another go and see how I get on.

aj23_2

HSBC owns FirstDirect.

HSBC has a !!!! service rating. FD has the best service rating amongst high street banks.

There's your answer.

scaredofdebt

First Direct have their own bespoke IT systems, they use some of HSBC systems but the staff facing call centre system is their own, so that's one reason their service is better.