First Direct - problem opening current account

Tears_of_Jenny

I have been trying to open a First Direct current account and start a switch from my previous bank.
I first applied on Sun 16 May, but heard nothing for a week - so I assumed I must have made a mistake in the process.
I went through the online registration again on Sat 22 May.
I have since heard nothing whatsoever - no confirmation SMS or e-mail.
I spoke to Live Chat who informed me that they have no access to new applications.
I have now spent over 42 minutes on hold over 3 different phone calls trying to get in touch with customer services.  There appears to be never any one available. 
I've read a lot about the good service provided by First Direct - but this is not a good start!
Anyone with any similar experiences?

WillPS

HSBC Group take ages at the best of times, and these are not the best of times. I'm sure I read something about people waiting 6 weeks in total. Sit tight.

pbartlett

yes the first you will know is the postie staggering up your drive laden with lots of paperwork for you to sign and return

EarthBoy

pbartlett said:

yes the first you will know is the postie staggering up your drive laden with lots of paperwork for you to sign and return

This isn't far from the truth. I've always found that First Direct send by far the most paperwork of any bank I've ever had an account with.

andyhicks88

As someone who has just opened a new account with first direct this and other threads are confusing me because 1) I literally got my welcome pack and card through within two days and, here's the big thing, there is nothing they have told me to sign and return? I just got a welcome letter saying thanks for opening the account ect, instructions on how to set up phone banking/online banking ect and then several booklets of terms and charges ect, but nothing to sign and send back and this is worrying me now?

EssexExile

andyhicks88 said:

As someone who has just opened a new account with first direct this and other threads are confusing me because 1) I literally got my welcome pack and card through within two days and, here's the big thing, there is nothing they have told me to sign and return? I just got a welcome letter saying thanks for opening the account ect, instructions on how to set up phone banking/online banking ect and then several booklets of terms and charges ect, but nothing to sign and send back and this is worrying me now?

If they can check your identity electronically then there is no need to sign and return anything. Most of the accounts I open are done online almost instantly.

wizzywig27

I didn't have to sign anything. It took about three weeks for the account to be opened, but they did text me to say there were delays. When I called the applications team there was an average of about a 15 min delay. When I have called them once the account is opened they answered within seconds

funkycredit

My case is different again! Applied and was instantly accepted (according to screen) and was told to await email. Got email saying successful and to sign forms which came a day or two later. The form was literally a sign here to authorise opening of 1st account & overdraft (I selected £0 at overdraft). 

Couple days later I got a text saying new card was on its way and then a letter with a code to allow phone banking. I called up and was set up there and then for online. Think it was a week all in and literally two letters other than the card & pin. 

I applied for the gold card (spend card) a week later and instantly accepted. No letters. Just card & pin a few days later.