Anyone tried First Direct?

EarthBoy

carapace wrote: »

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.

First Direct doesn't have any branches, and you can't open First Direct accounts in HSBC branches; you can only do so online or over the phone. Therefore, your speculation was a waste of your brain power.

polymaff

Butch_Dingle wrote: »

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..

Number 1 - a way to get errors resolved asap. Sending a message just gets you an acknowledgement - not via the channel you specifically selected - telling you that their response, inital promise up to 5 working days, may not happen until well into March.

carapace

EarthBoy wrote: »

First Direct doesn't have any branches, and you can't open First Direct accounts in HSBC branches; you can only do so online or over the phone. Therefore, your speculation was a waste of your brain power.

Right, I forgot about that. Same idea with the phone application, they'll look you up in a database to see if there is/was a bank account for you, and that will not be necessarily linked to website registration. That, or maybe FD decided to waive their own requirements for the incentive.

EarthBoy

Butch_Dingle wrote: »

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.

It depends what your priorities are as to whether you think something is essential.

You can't amend the amount of your standing order to your regular savings account online or via the mobile app; you have to ring them up to do this. That's a pain in the bum.

Butch_Dingle

Well i would have thought "essential" features would be to check balance(s), make existing/new payments, view standing orders/direct debits/future payments etc which, like 99.9% of other banks, you can do. If you require something else, you can simply call them as you don't have to faff around with automated menus, ie speak to someone within seconds after calling them.

JuicyJesus

Butch_Dingle wrote: »

Well i would have thought "essential" features would be to check balance(s), make existing/new payments, view standing orders/direct debits/future payments etc which, like 99.9% of other banks, you can do. If you require something else, you can simply call them as you don't have to faff around with automated menus, ie speak to someone within seconds after calling them.

Or I could stick with Nationwide where I can do more online than I can with First Direct.

Sure, FD does essentials - like, the basics of payments, seeing transactions and cancelling Direct Debits. But then I'm not going to give them credit for only doing essentials when other banks/building societies have objectively more functionality. And having to call them is more of a faff to me than doing it online, menus or not.

Butch_Dingle

Nationwide internet banking....lol. No thanks, I’d rather not be bombarded with their ads whilst logged on nor have to use their horrible/ugly card reader for setting up new payees...and even occasionally for existing payment beneficiaries. Anyway each to their own.

meer53

carapace wrote: »

Right, I forgot about that. Same idea with the phone application, they'll look you up in a database to see if there is/was a bank account for you, and that will not be necessarily linked to website registration. That, or maybe FD decided to waive their own requirements for the incentive.

I don't really see what you're trying to say ? You can only register for online banking once you've made an application and an account has been opened. Any match of date of birth and name will flag up a previous relationship, however the application is made, same as most banks I would imagine. You surely can't think that application systems operate independently ?

Monkey_B

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....

I've just switched from a nationwide account with £1000 in it. Set the ball rolling early Jan, the switch day was 30th, and my bonus money landed in the account on Monday (11th Feb). No other deposits required

TheEffect

Butch_Dingle wrote: »

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.

'Essential' is dependent on the person.

Mobile App

• Cheque imaging
• Freeze/Unfreeze Cards
• Increase Overdraft/Credit Card Limit
• Call bank from the app (where you are already cleared through security, similar to Barclays)
• View PDF statements
• Name accounts

Just a few examples...