First direct switch

Dax777

Tried to open a FD account this morning. 
Everything was OK regarding ID checks etc but when I got to the last part to set up password I got a connection error message. 
There wasn't a connection error because I had no problem going on other sites. Using phone data ,got no WiFi. Tried again from the start and got a text saying FD doing checks and contact me in 5 working days. Comments on Google play saying saying things like switch off power saving mode.Has anyone else had this issue? If I do get accepted do I have to pay in money from my other bank account or can I pay in cash at post office to get the switch bonus. Had no problems switching to Natwest and got the bonus. TIA

PRAISETHESUN

Let FD do their checks and if you don't hear anything from them in the next 5 days then give them a call.

As for receiving the incentive, check the terms for any requirements. The initial deposit can be from any source I believe, so a transfer from another bank account in your name will be fine.

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

Rawrzy

I had issues with the app when I tried to open an account the other day also. I didn't get a connection error but it just kept spinning near the end after answering questions, saying the information hadn't been saved and to submit again, which I did. Got the same text after doing the application again. The app just doesn't seem very robust for applications.

Dax777

@PRAISETHESUN @Rawrzy
Got email saying account has been opened. Waiting for card and PIN. @Rawrzy
There does seem to be connection issues. Comments from FD on Google play seem to suggest there is an issue with Samsung Galaxy phones. Switching off battery saving mode or anti virus software and VPN might help. I saw on this MSE forum about switching banks which is what I'm doing. Once I get the cash I'm closing the account. Good interest rate but after reading comments about people locked out their own accounts it seems too much hassle. Good luck. Dax. 

PRAISETHESUN

Dax777 said:

@PRAISETHESUN @Rawrzy
Got email saying account has been opened. Waiting for card and PIN. @Rawrzy
There does seem to be connection issues. Comments from FD on Google play seem to suggest there is an issue with Samsung Galaxy phones. Switching off battery saving mode or anti virus software and VPN might help. I saw on this MSE forum about switching banks which is what I'm doing. Once I get the cash I'm closing the account. Good interest rate but after reading comments about people locked out their own accounts it seems too much hassle. Good luck. Dax. 

I've been banking with FD for years and haven't had any of the issues you've reported but fair enough. Rather than closing down the account though, I'd consider keeping it open and using it as a switch donor for an offer with another bank down the line. There's no need to keep any significant balance in the account, so it can just sit there until needed

Dax777

@PRAISETHESUN. I going to take your advice and use it as a donor account until the next switch. I been opening accounts with challenger banks which has impacted my credit file which I was warned about but I have no plans to ask for credit. Already got contract phone and always paid my BNPL company on time. Thanks. Dax. 

Rawrzy

Dax777 said:

@PRAISETHESUN @Rawrzy
Got email saying account has been opened. Waiting for card and PIN. @Rawrzy
There does seem to be connection issues. Comments from FD on Google play seem to suggest there is an issue with Samsung Galaxy phones. Switching off battery saving mode or anti virus software and VPN might help. I saw on this MSE forum about switching banks which is what I'm doing. Once I get the cash I'm closing the account. Good interest rate but after reading comments about people locked out their own accounts it seems too much hassle. Good luck. Dax. 

Mine is also a Samsung and I had power saving on, so yeah could be that. I was taking advantage of the swap bonus but I was planning on keeping it for the regular saver.

Dax777

@Rawrzy. I've never got any money to save so a good interest rate not useful for me lol. I applied for FD about 4AM yesterday morning got text saying about completing checks and contact me in  5 working days. Today i got email saying account opened. The only thing I'm concerned about is the connection error occurred while I was setting up password so not sure what happening with that. I'll try and log on later.

Katiehound

Just remember once you have left First Direct you won't be getting another welcome bonus from them! They have exceedingly loooong memories!

Dax777

@Katiehound. lol thanks for the info Katie. I tried to log in to my account for the first time and it doesn't recognise my username. I contact them on Monday. Maybe they should change their name to Last Indirect. 

Rawrzy

I didn't even get a response yet after that text. Will probably have to phone up on Monday as well if they don't respond as 5 working days will have passed.