Switching from Santander to first direct; Santander refuses with no explanation...

NSX05

Hi all,

I have currently had my Santander current account for 11 years, but due to consistently worsening treatment, and the fact that they've shut down all local branches near me, I've decided to switch to first direct.

I applied for an account with first direct on the 4th. The application went smoothly via the app using my driving licence and a short video as proof of ID, and I've also received my new debit card, "welcome pack", and telephone password in the mail.

Today, however, I received an email from first direct telling me that they are unable to proceed with the switch because Santander has refused with no explanation. I don't have an arranged overdraft, and I'm not in debt with them. It's this kind of treatment that has just wanted me to get away from them even more.

Here is a copy of the email below with personal details redacted:

To: [...]

Re: Moving your banking to us

Thanks for asking us to switch your banking from Santander UK plc.

Unfortunately when we contacted them, they told us they couldn't proceed with the switch so we've had to cancel your request - we're really sorry if this causes you any problems.

Santander UK plc didn't give us a reason for their decision so if you have any questions, please speak to them first.

If we can help in any way give us a call on 0800 917 24 24*.

Thank you

The first direct team

What is this nonsense?

[Deleted User]

What did Santander say when you asked them about it?

NSX05

Deleted_User said:

What did Santander say when you asked them about it?

I'm still waiting to get through to speak to someone, but I'll let you all know.

emmajones1976

The solution is simple.  Open a First Direct account, without telling them about the Santander account.

Once open, close the First Direct one. Yes you would have to move everything over manually, but needs must.

eskbanker

emmajones1976 said:

The solution is simple.  Open a First Direct account, without telling them about the Santander account.

Once open, close the First Direct one. Yes you would have to move everything over manually, but needs must.

Probably better to close the Santander one!

NSX05

Deleted_User said:

What did Santander say when you asked them about it?

Okay. I've spoken to both Santander and first direct.

Santander informed me that there was a lock placed on the account as an extra security measure, and that this was simply to make sure that it was me requesting the switch.

I don't know why they couldn't tell first direct that. Failing that, why didn't they tell me, or ask me to confirm it? It's a reasonable thing to do, but they executed it poorly.

The lock will be removed within two working days, and I can initiate the switch again from that date.

I've already spoken to first direct to keep them informed. They're going to try again on Friday, but it does mean staying with Santander for an extra week. 

cx6

Although doing it that way ie manually means you will not get the FD switch offer payment.

NSX05

cx6 said:

Although doing it that way ie manually means you will not get the FD switch offer payment.

It's also more of a workaround rather than an actual solution.

emmajones1976

eskbanker said:

emmajones1976 said:

The solution is simple.  Open a First Direct account, without telling them about the Santander account.

Once open, close the First Direct one. Yes you would have to move everything over manually, but needs must.

Probably better to close the Santander one!

Yes! Bloody hell.

NSX05

Hi all,

I just wanted to provide an update regarding the switch.

Everything went smoothly on Monday, and I'm now with first direct.

Excellent!

TRACYNUTT

Hi, I am having exactly the same problem switching from Santander to First Direct at the moment!  First of all they put a fraud block on my account and then when I reapplied they said my card had been reported lost or stolen - complete rubbish!