Anyone tried First Direct?

Rich1976

No_6 wrote: »

You are not a OLD foddy doddy that wont do internet or mobile banking
so WHY do you need to talk to a BANK ???


never talk to any of my MANY banks

Because sometimes if you have a query that needs answering it's faster to phone up and get a response there and then rather than waiting a few days

carapace

EarthBoy wrote: »

YorkshireBoy said he was able to log on with his old details, so they've clearly kept some of his old records.

Probably kept the website log in associated with the email address, but none of the bank account details?

EarthBoy

carapace wrote: »

Probably kept the website log in associated with the email address, but none of the bank account details?

That would still flag the user as a previous customer, and First Direct's published policy is not to pay any joining bonus to previous customers.

bingobangobongo

Does anyone know, to get the £100 sign up offer you need to transfer in £1000.
But if you switch an account that has £1000 in it - does that count towards the £1000 transfer....

Or do you need to transfer an additional £1000?

Just want to make sure...

TheEffect

I've had an account with them for around 8 years. Their internet banking is ancient and developed using old technology. It's so outdated that it would need to be redeveloped from the ground up for any substantial changes to be made. It's not changed much in the past 8 years that I've used it.

Their mobile app is a redesigned version of HSBCs, with less features. They do not yet have cheque imaging (which HSBC does) or other basic features that most banks in 2019 have.

First Direct use HSBC systems. I prefer HSBC Advance, as it has similar offerings to First Direct, with a more updated internet banking and app, and 24/7 UK based customer service.

You'll always get the brigade that think First Direct are the best thing invented, unfortunately they're now ancient and cannot keep up with the times.

Does anyone remember the First Direct lab years ago? They planned to introduce different coloured debit/credit card, new design to internet banking, but never actually implemented anything. In the end they took down the lab as the open-chat community looked terrible for them as a business.

I'll give them one positive, I think they've done a great job with their advertising in London, particularly on the underground.

No_6

Well as I never travel by tube.....

that's nice to know....I must now get a FD account

MABLE

I tried First Direct about 20 years ago and would not go back. Hopefully they have changed since I was with them.

No_6

probably in 20 years, they may have changed
and also have a good switch offer at the moment.

may also take them up on this soon !

but not for their friendly phone calls
like to do all my stuff online

carapace

EarthBoy wrote: »

That would still flag the user as a previous customer, and First Direct's published policy is not to pay any joining bonus to previous customers.

Not if you go into branch and try to open an account... they probably won't find your bank account details in their database. However, when you register for online banking, then you'd find your details associated with your email address, assuming you used the same. Obvs this is just speculation on my part, but I think it's technically possible.

Butch_Dingle

JuicyJesus wrote: »

they lag severely behind even other high-street banks in terms of functionality on online and mobile banking

Could you please list the essential functions which First Direct don't offer via their web banking or app banking? I'm really intrigued to know what they are.

For sheer speed & convenience, their app (at least on iOS) is better than many other banks for setting up new payees, as you don't have to faff around with card readers or other physical devices. That's assuming you go for the 'digital secure key' option & have it setup on your phone.