Switching to First Direct

Pensions_matter_2

I have a current account with over £1000 in it which I dont use much (its not my main one), but has at least one direct debit operating. Could I switch to First Direct and get the £175 on offer? Im not clear from the terms and conditions as they refer to switching your ‘every day banking’. Anyone else done this? 

dealyboy

Pensions_matter_2 said:

I have a current account with over £1000 in it which I dont use much (its not my main one), but has at least one direct debit operating. Could I switch to First Direct and get the £175 on offer? Im not clear from the terms and conditions as they refer to switching your ‘every day banking’. Anyone else done this? 

Quick answer, yes and DDs aren't needed.

geordiejon

i switched last year when you needed two debits but that doesn't apply now. you can switch when you apply for the account,usually takes around a week and my £175 was in my account about a week later and i have never had any problems with them.
also they do a regular savings account at 7%

Pensions_matter_2

Great, thanks! Is there a timelimit eg open regular savings within 12 months of switching, for the 7% saver?

geordiejon

no timelimit, the regular saver is open to anyone with a 1st account, its a variable rate when i opened it it was 3.5% but they increased it after a month.
the maximum is £300 per month

Pensions_matter_2

Thank you! 

dealyboy

Pensions_matter_2 said:

Thank you! 

... don't forget there's another way to say thanks (not to say that you shouldn't express yourself). 

Adamc

I have a current account that I'd like to switch but no DD associated. Is this still possible? I just signed up for a 1st account but cannot see any Switch Option despite following the Switch now Link. 

danny13579

Adamc said:

I have a current account that I'd like to switch but no DD associated. Is this still possible? I just signed up for a 1st account but cannot see any Switch Option despite following the Switch now Link. 

No DD needed.

To switch after opening the 1st account, on the app go into the 1st account, click on the 3 little dots on the top right, choose "Switch to us" and follow the instructions.

dealyboy

Hi @Adamc ...

Adamc said:

I have a current account that I'd like to switch but no DD associated. Is this still possible? I just signed up for a 1st account but cannot see any Switch Option despite following the Switch now Link. 

Do I understand you correctly ? You have a current account with another bank which doesn't have a DD you'd like to switch to First Direct,  but when you came to apply for a new account you expected to be asked if you wanted to switch and then to provide the bank account details, but you completed the application without it.

I don't know what happened but you can switch afterwards and you don't need any DDs for the switch incentive.

https://www.firstdirect.com/banking/switching-bank-accounts/

The panel a little way down the left hand side invites you to chat to switch ...  "if your first direct Current Account is already open, start a chat with us online via the App or Online Banking to set the switch service in motion. Just type ‘Switch to this account’ to start the conversation."

kaMelo

geordiejon said:

no timelimit, the regular saver is open to anyone with a 1st account, its a variable rate when i opened it it was 3.5% but they increased it after a month.
the maximum is £300 per month

Just to clarify, it is a fixed rate but FD were generous enough to apply the increased rate to existing accounts which is not what normally happens.