Do I need to make a payment to my 2 direct debits before switching?

MissRP95

I have set up 2 direct debits on a new account. It doesn't show my 2 direct debits as I haven't made a payment to them. Do I have to wait until I make a payment to switch for Bank Switching Bonuses or can I switch now? 

soulsaver

Which bank are you switching from? And to?

MissRP95

soulsaver said:

Which bank are you switching from? And to?

From Lloyds to Nationwide 

soulsaver

If you want to be sure wait until they are paid, or at least show in the Lloyds ac.
Who is the DDs with?

moneywow1

Came here to ask the same question, thanks.

Nationwide specifically say that the direct debits must be set up before the switch though, so might be worth ringing up and asking

PRAISETHESUN

At the bare minimum you want them to appear on your Lloyds account as a DD prior to switching. If you can afford to wait, safest bet is to also wait for them to pay out at least once before the switch completes. Discussed at length in the recent Nationwide switching thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6290595/new-nationwide-switch-both-new-and-existing

MissRP95

PRAISETHESUN said:

At the bare minimum you want them to appear on your Lloyds account as a DD prior to switching. If you can afford to wait, safest bet is to also wait for them to pay out at least once before the switch completes. Discussed at length in the recent Nationwide switching thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6290595/new-nationwide-switch-both-new-and-existing

I spoke to nationwide and they said they need to be active, so I do need to make a payment with them first.

I've never switched banks before, I read somewhere you need a debit card to switch, because of the long number. Is this true, because Lloyds said they aren't giving me a card and I need to call up and ask them for one. 

PRAISETHESUN

MissRP95 said:

PRAISETHESUN said:

At the bare minimum you want them to appear on your Lloyds account as a DD prior to switching. If you can afford to wait, safest bet is to also wait for them to pay out at least once before the switch completes. Discussed at length in the recent Nationwide switching thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6290595/new-nationwide-switch-both-new-and-existing

I spoke to nationwide and they said they need to be active, so I do need to make a payment with them first.

I've never switched banks before, I read somewhere you need a debit card to switch, because of the long number. Is this true, because Lloyds said they aren't giving me a card and I need to call up and ask them for one. 

An "active" DD is one that is capable of paying out if called upon - it doesn't strictly have to have paid out before. In my experience as long as they appear in your online banking then it they are considered active - so hence why I recommend at a minimum to wait until you can see it before switching if you're rushed for time. Otherwise let it pay out to be on the safe side if you can wait the 2 weeks or so for the first payment to be taken.

As for debit card, if there isn't one associated with your account then you can switch as is - there should be an option to select "no card" or something during the switch. If you do have a card associated with your account which you no longer know the 16 digit card number for, then yes you will need to get a replacement card before you can switch otherwise you run the risk of the switch failing if you don't provide it.

soulsaver

Nationwide still switch with 'no debit card' for the 'old account'.
lloyds won't switch you on line if you say you have no card; instructs you to go to branch. 

Daliah

MissRP95 said:

I've never switched banks before, I read somewhere you need a debit card to switch, because of the long number. Is this true, because Lloyds said they aren't giving me a card and I need to call up and ask them for one. 

You can switch without a debit card.

Rather odd though that Lloyds wouldn't give you a debit card.

MissRP95

Daliah said:

MissRP95 said:

I've never switched banks before, I read somewhere you need a debit card to switch, because of the long number. Is this true, because Lloyds said they aren't giving me a card and I need to call up and ask them for one. 

You can switch without a debit card.

Rather odd though that Lloyds wouldn't give you a debit card.

Yeah I know! I got approved and then it came up saying I won't be sent a card and if I want one I need to contact them to ask for it.