First Direct Account Opening

TriangularPrism

I recently applied for First Direct. I do hold a HSBC current account and credit card.

They asked me to verify my details (probably because I moved address 10 days ago and not showing on electoral roll yet) by holding up my passport and taking a photo, then uploading a bill. Does anyone have any experience of how long it takes to verify these documents and open the account? 

Also, because they have asked for these details does that mean I have been accepted? I know they are notoriously hard to get accepted for.

Thank you

born_again

Have you tried calling them to ask?

TriangularPrism

born_again said:

Have you tried calling them to ask?

Of course, but I was on hold for quite some time then I had to go into a meeting so had no option but to hang up.

I also edit to add that I have just spoken to them, the processing time is 10 days (seems really long to me). I also asked if I had been accepted, her response was that a hard search has been done but someone needs to assess the application and a decision will be made, so I am non the wiser really. 

PRAISETHESUN

It doesn't necessarily mean you'll be accepted - the ID checks are a part of the application process so no decision can be made until all info they need is supplied. Give them their 10 days (it'll probably be sooner but a max of 10 days seems to be the industry standard) and see what they come back with.

born_again

TriangularPrism said:

born_again said:

Have you tried calling them to ask?

Of course, but I was on hold for quite some time then I had to go into a meeting so had no option but to hang up.

I also edit to add that I have just spoken to them, the processing time is 10 days (seems really long to me). I also asked if I had been accepted, her response was that a hard search has been done but someone needs to assess the application and a decision will be made, so I am non the wiser really. 

Sounds like computer said no. Now has to be checked over by their credit team.

TriangularPrism

born_again said:

TriangularPrism said:

born_again said:

Have you tried calling them to ask?

Of course, but I was on hold for quite some time then I had to go into a meeting so had no option but to hang up.

I also edit to add that I have just spoken to them, the processing time is 10 days (seems really long to me). I also asked if I had been accepted, her response was that a hard search has been done but someone needs to assess the application and a decision will be made, so I am non the wiser really. 

Sounds like computer said no. Now has to be checked over by their credit team.

Quite possibly.....however if a manual decision is required surely its a 'maybe' and has been referred. I still think it was because I have recently changed address and it could not locate me on the electoral roll.

PRAISETHESUN said:

It doesn't necessarily mean you'll be accepted - the ID checks are a part of the application process so no decision can be made until all info they need is supplied. Give them their 10 days (it'll probably be sooner but a max of 10 days seems to be the industry standard) and see what they come back with.

In the past when I have applied, it was always a straight no with no ID required (presumably because electronic verification was completed). In this instance they have carried out the hard search THEN asked me for ID which, imo suggests its an accept as long as they can verify me. All the wording was along the lines of 'you're almost ready to go, we just need ID' etc. They also asked me for my switching details.

TriangularPrism

born_again said:

TriangularPrism said:

born_again said:

Have you tried calling them to ask?

Of course, but I was on hold for quite some time then I had to go into a meeting so had no option but to hang up.

I also edit to add that I have just spoken to them, the processing time is 10 days (seems really long to me). I also asked if I had been accepted, her response was that a hard search has been done but someone needs to assess the application and a decision will be made, so I am non the wiser really. 

Sounds like computer said no. Now has to be checked over by their credit team.

Was actually computer said yes. ID had to be checked over by a human. 

13 days after the application account finally open. They almost screwed up though, sent an email asking for ID despite already submitting it three times!