Do you think First Direct will reopen to new customers in 2020?

randompenitent

@Grumpy_chap I’m sure you’re right. I’m assuming that they have a significant number of staff that, for whatever reason, cannot work from home, and I suspect that they have chosen to prioritise service to existing customers rather than new.  Your comment about the wait times - or lack of - seems to support this. But it’s just a theory and clearly I could be wrong. 

block10

Does look like a strategic change is coming....  Its doubtful HSBC needs both the FD & M&S sub-brands.

First Direct chief executive Joe Gordon has quietly stepped down from the HSBC-owned bank earlier this year.

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/leeds-based-first-direct-confirm-britains-youngest-banking-boss-joe-gordon-stepped-down-four-months-ago-2905552

EarthBoy

He had ambitious plans to relaunch First Direct as a challenger bank, but nothing has come of any of his ideas. His bosses at HSBC might not have shared his vision.

IAMIAM

The major backlash with First Direct was when they tried to upgrade their internet banking which is quite frankly awful compared to HSBC

EarthBoy

IAMIAM said:

The major backlash with First Direct was when they tried to upgrade their internet banking which is quite frankly awful compared to HSBC

It's awful compared to most other banks, let alone HSBC.

ischris85

It's interesting that FD continue to shy away from new customers whilst other banks have switch incentive to encourage new customers.

penners324

Could very quickly become what cahoot is to Santander. 

Thrugelmir

ischris85 said:

It's interesting that FD continue to shy away from new customers whilst other banks have switch incentive to encourage new customers.

Old fashioned banking in the 21st Century.  Niche clientele

EarthBoy

First Direct have already said they will reopen their current account in October:
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/saving/article-8735531/HSBC-launches-welcome-bonus-meaning-bank-account-switchers-earn-325.html
17/9/20 "it told This is Money that it will reopen to new customers again from next month"

JustAnotherSaver

First time I've seen this thread. 

Read page 1 & came to the conclusion that there's a lot of whingebags on this forum who if they had nothing else to moan about would probably just grumble that today is Thursday.