FIRST DIRECT

overtrix

Made the decision to switch current accounts and based on the good reviews I read about first for customer service I switched to First Direct - will be honest and say the reward was the incentive.  How I wish I'd not bothered - on the verge of a nervous breakdown with the chaotic way First Direct operate and the security is overkill.  Have had to phone almost everyday for a week as information arrives piecemeal and totally out of order.  Unless you have the appropriate iphone you need a secure key which is miniature and having asked for something more user friendly have now discovered I'm locked out of the new account for up to 10 days so unable to do any online banking which is the only way I can bank.  Whilst everyone is very nice and sympathetic about the various problems the lack of useful information is soul destroying and as for their security ......... can't print it !

jon81uk

You can get the App for Android as well, you don't need an iPhone.
Mobile Banking App | Bank on Mobile | first direct

Many banks need some form of secure log on token now though, either via an app or with a small device. I used to have one for Natwest, HSBC use the same as First Direct.

Notepad_Phil

Unfortunately security is frequently overkill until suddenly someone is defrauded and then it's why didn't the bank look after their money property.

grandadgolfer

overtrix said:

Made the decision to switch current accounts and based on the good reviews I read about first for customer service I switched to First Direct - will be honest and say the reward was the incentive.  How I wish I'd not bothered - on the verge of a nervous breakdown with the chaotic way First Direct operate and the security is overkill.  Have had to phone almost everyday for a week as information arrives piecemeal and totally out of order.  Unless you have the appropriate iphone you need a secure key which is miniature and having asked for something more user friendly have now discovered I'm locked out of the new account for up to 10 days so unable to do any online banking which is the only way I can bank.  Whilst everyone is very nice and sympathetic about the various problems the lack of useful information is soul destroying and as for their security ......... can't print it !

Me and wife both did a switch purely for the £150 each and once the money was paid we were off to the next one......FD was a nightmare to set up with so many memorable words/pin/info/tel/app/passwords etc. They may get 5 star reviews for customer service etc but god forbid you forget one of them and have to contact them

Bigwheels1111

Been with FD for near on 25 years and still love them.
I use an iPad with face login, not used secure key.
I would not leave them for £1000.

canaldumidi

My father is 101 and has been with them for years. Loves them. But he does everything on the phone.

ZeroSum

Yup, I've been critical of these many a time. For me, the whole set up process should be classed as part of the customer service. Because its extremely user unfriendly, and therefore customers are being mislead.

I only joined for the switching bonus & then 5% regular saver (I didn't use the current account other than transferring the savings money into)

Also, when you get a new phone, you need your old phone to set up the new phone. Which is a problem when your old phone is broken

jon81uk

ZeroSum said:

Yup, I've been critical of these many a time. For me, the whole set up process should be classed as part of the customer service. Because its extremely user unfriendly, and therefore customers are being mislead.

I only joined for the switching bonus & then 5% regular saver (I didn't use the current account other than transferring the savings money into)

Also, when you get a new phone, you need your old phone to set up the new phone. Which is a problem when your old phone is broken

Every time I’ve bought a new home I forgot to do the set up, but a few minutes on the phone to First Direct and it was sorted.

ZeroSum

jon81uk said:

ZeroSum said:

Yup, I've been critical of these many a time. For me, the whole set up process should be classed as part of the customer service. Because its extremely user unfriendly, and therefore customers are being mislead.

I only joined for the switching bonus & then 5% regular saver (I didn't use the current account other than transferring the savings money into)

Also, when you get a new phone, you need your old phone to set up the new phone. Which is a problem when your old phone is broken

Every time I’ve bought a new home I forgot to do the set up, but a few minutes on the phone to First Direct and it was sorted.

Many people on here have accounts with lots of banks. If every bank did this, it would be an absolute nightmare having to ring round 7 or 8 different banks. And really, I shouldn't have to. Even now, you can't even access their website online banking without a smartphone. What's the point in that? The website is supposed to be the alternative for those who don't have smartphones

Thankfully they're the only one, and everyone else is happy with 2 factor authentication, rather than their 4 or 5 factor or whatever.

I couldn't be doing with them as my main bank.

gt94sss2

ZeroSum said:  Even now, you can't even access their website online banking without a smartphone. What's the point in that? The website is supposed to be the alternative for those who don't have smartphones

You can use a physical security key. You don't need a smartphone.

Bigwheels1111

ZeroSum said:

Yup, I've been critical of these many a time. For me, the whole set up process should be classed as part of the customer service. Because its extremely user unfriendly, and therefore customers are being mislead.

I only joined for the switching bonus & then 5% regular saver (I didn't use the current account other than transferring the savings money into)

Also, when you get a new phone, you need your old phone to set up the new phone. Which is a problem when your old phone is broken

Not sure on the old phone part.
I switch from phone to iPad and back to another phone etc.
I call them and they delete the old phone access and I just add new device.
Same with iPad, I upgraded to a new IPad Pro last year, Wiped the old one clean.
Just called FD and they deleted old iPad and I just downloaded the new app of off you go.