First Direct Started Charging for IBAN/BIC payments to EU

Legalfiend

Just a heads up, one of the main reasons I joined First Direct was no fees for these transactions.
Well, they've changed that now without ANY notifications, not in statement of fee, not with separate comms, NOTHING.

LaHostessAvecLaMostess

And you know this how?

If it was because you've been charged, perhaps it was a mistake?

Legalfiend

Indeed, I was charged on a transfer - a transfer I've done multiple times before.
I will stalk their customer service and see what comes of it, will keep you posted.

LaHostessAvecLaMostess

Legalfiend said:

Indeed, I was charged on a transfer - a transfer I've done multiple times before.
I will stalk their customer service and see what comes of it, will keep you posted.

You could do that but it might be a bit easier to just phone up and ask.

Daliah

Never mind the charges - are they giving you the best exchange rate? Starling Bank or Wise would be better alternatives. 

noh

What currency and to which country?

Charges are detailed on page 42 of their T+Cs updated 23 November 2021

If in Euro to EEA there should be no charge.

https://www1.firstdirect.com/content/dam/fsdt/en/documents/pdf/fdAccTandC.pdf

TMSG

I had a similar problem a while ago in the opposite direction when they (FD) charged me ~£100 for a ~£8000 transfer (EUR to GBP). I complained as back then this "fee" was nowhere mentioned in their T&Cs. The FD guy I talked to would not believe me and only when I asked him to thoroughly check the T&Cs himself and show me the paragraph did he accept that this "fee" was not mentioned at all (and so he did trigger a refund). He also made me acknowledge explicitly that though it was not in the T&Cs for any future transaction I would have to accept this "fee".

After this experience I switched to Wise (recommended) and that was that.

[Deleted User]

Looks like another Brexit 'Brucie Bonus' as the UK is no longer within the EEA.

If you look at parent brand HSBC UK - they say: Payments to countries or regions within the EEA

'Since 1 January 2021, the bank receiving the payment may apply higher charges than it did before the UK left the EU. HSBC UK charges have not changed. Where possible, we recommend you check what charges the receiving bank applies. These charges may be taken from the amount you’ve sent'.

penners324

Sod all to do with Brexit. It's the bank not abiding by It's T&Cs.

Ballard

penners324 said:

Sod all to do with Brexit. It's the bank not abiding by It's T&Cs.

It does beg the question why these fees were not charged previously then. 

Daliah

penners324 said:

Sod all to do with Brexit. It's the bank not abiding by It's T&Cs.

Could you post the relevant T&Cs here, please?