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

35har1old

NSX05 said:

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?

You said what tipped the balance was the closure of all the local branches. So you are moving to First Direct which has no branches at all

boingy

35har1old said:

NSX05 said:

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?

You said what tipped the balance was the closure of all the local branches. So you are moving to First Direct which has no branches at all

That post you've quoted is 18 months old. Hopefully they have sorted it by now!

35har1old

boingy said:

35har1old said:

NSX05 said:

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?

You said what tipped the balance was the closure of all the local branches. So you are moving to First Direct which has no branches at all

That post you've quoted is 18 months old. Hopefully they have sorted it by now!

Must have been a glitch in the system as it came up in the latest post category hadn't  spotted the date