Has anyone used online banking for over 10 years and still happy?

Gobsh

Leaving First Direct, Has anyone used online banking for over 10 years and still happy?

My wife and I have been with first direct for probably 30 years, used to be great, very easy to use and cheap mortgage rates but their increasing security measures means that are taking on a lot of children and as a result I'm forever being locked out of my 3 accounts, so I can't buy online, I never go to the high street so I'm on the look out for an online bank that's easy to use. I use PayPal and Amazon for 99% of purchases so it's just the odd purchase where they need only take a debit card and I don't want to keep phoning the bank. Has anyone used online banking for over 10 years and still happy?

400ixl

Have has First Direct since near when they first opened. No issue with any security measures and never locked out of my account.

Sounds like something you are doing. What problems are you having with security?

I rarely use Paypal these days as there is little in the way of protection with it these days as they are often seen as an intermediary which breaks the S75 chain for credit cards.

Over the last year or so, I have used my Starling account more than my First Direct current account as it has some additional features I like such as spaces. Also have a Chase account, mainly for the savings rate at the time and the ATM use in the US, they also have features like cash back, but have found the app to be less than 100% reliable so far.

Brie

I would never use a debit card for online banking.  Then again I would never use PayPal either.  

I've never had any issues using an M&S card for online purchases and otherwise I do a bank transfer when I know precisely who I am transferring the money to.  Like the guy that does my garden or the chiropodist.  With those I do a first tiddly transfer £1 or similar to ensure I've got the right details and then send the rest.  

The only thing I've had trouble with getting locked out of an account was Barclays/Barclaycard and that was due to needing to use Chrome or Edge instead of IE and occasionally needing to clear the cookies.  

What precisely are you having problems with??  Not sure what your comment means about "taking on a lot of children" - possible typo?

[Deleted User]

Gobsh said:

Has anyone used online banking for over 10 years and still happy?

Yes, I'm still happy and still using FD.

Bigwheels1111

FD for over 25 year, would never leave.
Never been locked out.
Security not an issue as use Face ID on iPad.
Card payments are fine, the odd time you need to put card and pin in.
I normally use Google wallet, so no pin.

Daliah

Whilst it isn't a regular occurrence, you can get locked out at any bank if the way you use the account raises the alarm. Have you detected a pattern when FD lock you out? Have you asked them why they keep doing it?

masonic

I've used First Direct online banking for over a decade and am still happy. However, I hardly ever use my FD debit card, there are almost always better payment options. I do a lot of Faster Payments from there though, and have had fewer issues than for other banks where I do far fewer transactions, but see a higher proportion of them held up. I've never been locked out.

Chase could be an option to explore, for 1% cashback in your first year, you'll be confirming online transactions through the Chase app, which you may find easier.

elsien

I’m also baffled by the taking on a lot of children thing. Can you clarify what you meant? 

k_man

elsien said:

I’m also baffled by the taking on a lot of children thing. Can you clarify what you meant? 

I read that as a dig at new/young, inexperienced support staff.

fatbelly

I think I've used Lloyds online banking for over 10 years (though can't honestly remember when I started) and never had an issue, touch wood.

I don't think Lloyds are particularly brilliant but their site seems to work.

elsien

Would help if the OP said what they were doing to keep getting locked out. I have accounts with various banks and all bar ICICI have been fine.