Bank Account Switch - First Direct or Starling?

Champs1

I am thinking of switching bank accounts after being with Barclays for many years and now pretty disappointed with their customer service. I don't really have any need to use a bank with high street presence as I have practically no reason to visit a branch and currently use an app to do all my banking. 
I've been considering either First Direct, as I always hear good things about their customer service, or Starling as the app seems to cover everything I could possibly need? 
I know First Direct have a good switching offer and it feels like the safer option but am not sure if Starling could be just the thing for me? I'm not worried about missing out on switch offer if Starling is a better option. And if it is, would I be ok just having my only bank account with them? 
Any advice would be helpful. 

Jontysnut

I tried to switch to FD and despite having a decent occupational pension, savings, and top credit rating they didn't consider me worthwhile. 

Marchitiello

Champs1 said:

I am thinking of switching bank accounts after being with Barclays for many years and now pretty disappointed with their customer service. I don't really have any need to use a bank with high street presence as I have practically no reason to visit a branch and currently use an app to do all my banking. 
I've been considering either First Direct, as I always hear good things about their customer service, or Starling as the app seems to cover everything I could possibly need? 
I know First Direct have a good switching offer and it feels like the safer option but am not sure if Starling could be just the thing for me? I'm not worried about missing out on switch offer if Starling is a better option. And if it is, would I be ok just having my only bank account with them? 
Any advice would be helpful. 

If customer service was the main factor for thinking to switch away from Barclays then Starling would be the worst choice to switch to based on my multiple interactions with them… I have accounts and (use their banking apps) with HSBC, Barclays, Santander, Lloyds, RBS (NatWest), Nationwide, Starling and now Chase, and still believe that as far as Overall app functionality is concerned (at least on iOS devices) Barclays still comes well on top.

adamp87

Why not do both?

First Direct currently have a switch offer in that will gain you at least £100 for nothing.

And just open up a Starling afterwards on the side 

adamp87

Jontysnut said:

I tried to switch to FD and despite having a decent occupational pension, savings, and top credit rating they didn't consider me worthwhile. 

They do seem to have a strange criteria. Read of students, pensioners getting accounts with ease in comparison and others earning well above the average with no debt being rejected. I think they are the pickiest bank mind.

EarthBoy

Jontysnut said:

I tried to switch to FD and despite having a decent occupational pension, savings, and top credit rating they didn't consider me worthwhile. 

How long ago was that?  A friend of mine who lives on benefits and is paying off numerous old debts at £1 per month managed to open a First Direct account, and a credit card, a couple of weeks ago.

jbrassy

I'm a customer of both banks and would recommend them both. However, I would take advantage of FD's switch deal to pocket some cash. Then, there's no harm in just opening a Starling account (they have never had a switch bonus).

I've never had issues with either when it comes to customer service. Whenever I ring FD, they pick up the phone promptly and the Starling mobile app is the best out there. 

[Deleted User]

I'd keep the Barclays account until (at least) you get the chance to try these other banks - frying pan into the fire and all that.

A Starling account has no switching bonus, so can just be opened; if you wish to try First Direct at the same time - open a new Barclays account and switch that to First Direct. Otherwise, try Starling and do First Direct later as they have switching offers fairly often.