First Direct Switch offer

Leew89

I've just tried to open an account and got to the point it asked if I wanted an overdraft. I chose £250 for the interest free element. It came back and said that they need to check some things and come back to me. Don't think it even got to credit check phase.

Is this normal practice for them? Assume it's for the ID verification but it wasn't clear?

eastcorkram

Leew89 said:

I've just tried to open an account and got to the point it asked if I wanted an overdraft. I chose £250 for the interest free element. It came back and said that they need to check some things and come back to me. Don't think it even got to credit check phase.

Is this normal practice for them? Assume it's for the ID verification but it wasn't clear?

I think it said that when I applied too, and I specifically asked for no overdraft.
It was only a few hours, and then the account was opened no problem.

dealyboy

Leew89 said:

I've just tried to open an account and got to the point it asked if I wanted an overdraft. I chose £250 for the interest free element. It came back and said that they need to check some things and come back to me. Don't think it even got to credit check phase.

Is this normal practice for them? Assume it's for the ID verification but it wasn't clear?

I opened one today, asked for £500 overdraft, no problem ... successful.

At the end of the opening process I selected to switch a Santander donor account at the same time, it told me it was 'performing a credit check for 30 seconds' and then it was 'taking a little longer' (just a few seconds) before completing, it didn't tell me I was successful until I'd ticked a few communication and confirmation boxes. BTW the donor account I opened 5 days ago, no overdraft facility allowed, debit card received today, balance £9.87.

I would try again Lee.

One thing I hadn't expected was the id check (half way through the process) ... live photo of driving licence front and back (or passport) and a selfie video with movements and voice, all on my smartphone whilst I was applying online on their website.

AmityNeon

dealyboy said:

One thing I hadn't expected was the id check (half way through the process) ... live photo of driving licence front and back (or passport) and a selfie video with movements and voice, all on my smartphone whilst I was applying online on their website.

How did you apply via their website? They haven't been providing this link for several months now as they're trying to shift applications towards their mobile app and Digital Secure Keys, whilst phasing out Physical Secure Keys.

dealyboy

Hi AmityNeon ...

AmityNeon said:

dealyboy said:

One thing I hadn't expected was the id check (half way through the process) ... live photo of driving licence front and back (or passport) and a selfie video with movements and voice, all on my smartphone whilst I was applying online on their website.

How did you apply via their website? They haven't been providing this link for several months now as they're trying to shift applications towards their mobile app and Digital Secure Keys, whilst phasing out Physical Secure Keys.

I didn't have a problem  ... I think I followed the link on the MSE top accounts for switching page ... yes
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts/#switch

First Direct 1st Account ...
https://www.firstdirect.com/banking/current-account-mgm/?fd_msc=PCS0000031&cid=FSDT:la:A1:CA::2011:005:CA2020&mtp=agg&urn=f0289507-108b-45db-8a40-30cf17c9879f&dclid=CIzQpseJpf0CFc7K1Qodf6MKpA

... there's an 'Apply Now' button half way down.

AmityNeon

dealyboy said:

Hi AmityNeon ...

AmityNeon said:

dealyboy said:

One thing I hadn't expected was the id check (half way through the process) ... live photo of driving licence front and back (or passport) and a selfie video with movements and voice, all on my smartphone whilst I was applying online on their website.

How did you apply via their website? They haven't been providing this link for several months now as they're trying to shift applications towards their mobile app and Digital Secure Keys, whilst phasing out Physical Secure Keys.

I didn't have a problem  ... I think I followed the link on the MSE top accounts for switching page ... yes
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts/#switch

First Direct 1st Account ...
https://www.firstdirect.com/banking/current-account-mgm/?fd_msc=PCS0000031&cid=FSDT:la:A1:CA::2011:005:CA2020&mtp=agg&urn=f0289507-108b-45db-8a40-30cf17c9879f&dclid=CIzQpseJpf0CFc7K1Qodf6MKpA

... there's an 'Apply Now' button half way down.

I see, referral via MSE changes the link. Simply going to firstdirect.com and navigating through won't allow that.

Leew89

dealyboy said:

Leew89 said:

I've just tried to open an account and got to the point it asked if I wanted an overdraft. I chose £250 for the interest free element. It came back and said that they need to check some things and come back to me. Don't think it even got to credit check phase.

Is this normal practice for them? Assume it's for the ID verification but it wasn't clear?

I opened one today, asked for £500 overdraft, no problem ... successful.

At the end of the opening process I selected to switch a Santander donor account at the same time, it told me it was 'performing a credit check for 30 seconds' and then it was 'taking a little longer' (just a few seconds) before completing, it didn't tell me I was successful until I'd ticked a few communication and confirmation boxes. BTW the donor account I opened 5 days ago, no overdraft facility allowed, debit card received today, balance £9.87.

I would try again Lee.

One thing I hadn't expected was the id check (half way through the process) ... live photo of driving licence front and back (or passport) and a selfie video with movements and voice, all on my smartphone whilst I was applying online on their website.

I queried it with them on Twitter on got this response:

"Good evening, Lee. When you apply for an account with us via our app, you do sometimes get that message when further information is required. You don't receive any further contact from us until the checks have been completed, at this stage you'll receive a text from us if the application is sucessful. The timescales can vary, however this is normally up to 5 working days, you do not need to re apply, we will be in touch as soon as we can. -Graeme"

I did the application on Monday and haven't heard anything back yet. Checked my credit file and they did do a credit check. I've opened a couple of accounts in the last 6 months for switching bonuses, so perhaps they think I'm just after the cash and then running! I actually want to stick around with this account for the saver.

We'll see. Doesn't look too promising!

dealyboy

Leew89 said:

dealyboy said:

Leew89 said:

I've just tried to open an account and got to the point it asked if I wanted an overdraft. I chose £250 for the interest free element. It came back and said that they need to check some things and come back to me. Don't think it even got to credit check phase.

Is this normal practice for them? Assume it's for the ID verification but it wasn't clear?

I opened one today, asked for £500 overdraft, no problem ... successful.

At the end of the opening process I selected to switch a Santander donor account at the same time, it told me it was 'performing a credit check for 30 seconds' and then it was 'taking a little longer' (just a few seconds) before completing, it didn't tell me I was successful until I'd ticked a few communication and confirmation boxes. BTW the donor account I opened 5 days ago, no overdraft facility allowed, debit card received today, balance £9.87.

I would try again Lee.

One thing I hadn't expected was the id check (half way through the process) ... live photo of driving licence front and back (or passport) and a selfie video with movements and voice, all on my smartphone whilst I was applying online on their website.

I queried it with them on Twitter on got this response:

"Good evening, Lee. When you apply for an account with us via our app, you do sometimes get that message when further information is required. You don't receive any further contact from us until the checks have been completed, at this stage you'll receive a text from us if the application is sucessful. The timescales can vary, however this is normally up to 5 working days, you do not need to re apply, we will be in touch as soon as we can. -Graeme"

I did the application on Monday and haven't heard anything back yet. Checked my credit file and they did do a credit check. I've opened a couple of accounts in the last 6 months for switching bonuses, so perhaps they think I'm just after the cash and then running! I actually want to stick around with this account for the saver.

We'll see. Doesn't look too promising!

... I wouldn't be too pessimistic. From what I've read on these forums switches are overwhelmingly successful despite people's initial misgivings.

It might be just like the occasional security check on a transfer or shopping bag check at a supermarket checkout. You have had good customer service so far and you can always ask for further info as a potential 'keeper'.

notquiteskint

notquiteskint said:

account opened all criteria met opened savings account 1st £300 payment made, now got to see if i get the bonus, was with 1st direct many moons ago either way its a win win scenario with the 7% savings

Happy day's i got the £175 joining incentive

pearl123

notquiteskint said:

notquiteskint said:

account opened all criteria met opened savings account 1st £300 payment made, now got to see if i get the bonus, was with 1st direct many moons ago either way its a win win scenario with the 7% savings

Happy day's i got the £175 joining incentive

How long after the full switch did you get your £175?