Think twice before switching to First Direct

Rich1976

We have been with first direct for a number of years but only have the current account with them as none of the other products are particularly appealing.
I think everyone has issues with any provider over their lifetime and thankfully we have only ever had minor issues which were sorted quickly. 

Yes they are a bit clunky but the app has improved no end and I do remember the mountains of paper that came through the door when we moved to them but other than that they are generally fine. 

I called them recently about something and the phone was answered within about a minute.
we have been with other banks over the years and their service over the phone was nowhere near as good as FD especially when you still read these days it can take over an hour to get through.
if something they did became an ongoing issue then we would have no hesitation in moving, where to I’m not sure but as we only use them for a current account , once the direct debits have all been paid at the start of the month, the account isn’t used for anything else until the next payday.

EarthBoy

Rich1976 said:

Chloe_G said:

I would like to switch away from FD but what happens to my regular saver if I switch?

That would be closed as you can’t have a regular saver without a current account with them

And you would also receive interest at their ordinary savings account rate, which is next to nothing, instead of the Regular Saver rate, so it's best not to switch away from First Direct until your Regular Saver matures, unless you have no other choice.

gt94sss2

subjecttocontract said:

Astria said:

subjecttocontract said:

Yes the guy at FD did ask if I had a mobile phone. I explained that my mobile was quite an old one and that I hadn't seen it for a couple of days, I couldn't remember where I left it and even if I found it I was unlikely to turn it on unless I needed to make a call. I said I have no idea what an App is and as soon as I had told him all this he kinda gave up and agreed to send me a 'securekey'. It's a mad world ain't it ?

They typically send it in 2 parts via 2 delivery mechanisms to prevent it being intercepted too

I'm not sure what you are referring to......
* If it's the secure key that comes in 2 parts I guess I'd better get my toolbox out if it needs assembling.
* If it's the debit card & pin......card arrived within 7 days, very good........still waiting for pin after 18 days, very poor.
FD has become an acronym in our house for anything slow !

The delay could be to do with the Royal Mail.  For the last couple of months mail here has been delayed more often than not - and that's before the strikes..

Those using the FD app, can view the PIN in it.