Complicated third party payment process with First Direct - same for all banks?

mr-b

Hi

I wanted to transfer some money to my Wise account from my FD current account. It gives the option to pay with the app using a QR code or else via the desktop.

Thinking it would be easy via the app, it then entered an extremely complicated process where I had to manually login to FD using a username and a security code which I had to generate from the app and that is not possible to copy/paste and which expired after 30 secs (I normally just use biometrics login) and then generate a 6 digit transaction code using digits from the destination payee account number plus the transaction amount. I got all this wrong several times so gave up and ended up using my credit card.

Is this the same for all banks?

I get the need for security but this process seems ridiculously complex and error-prone.

Keithy13

I also use Wise to transfer funds. I have both the Wise and FD apps on my phone. When I transfer I use the simple bank transfer option in Wise. It opens the FD app to confirm (no more details required) then back to the wise app. My funds are transferred to another account (On the other side of the world) and arrive in less than 1 minute.
I guess from your post you chose the manual transfer option which requires you to input details in the FD app.
Hope this helps.

DullGreyGuy

Is this the first time you have paid Wise using this account?
Is this an open banking thing where the Wise app triggers a payment you need to verify in the FD app or are you manually going into the FD app and type in the account number, sort code etc? Its been a while since I used Wise so cannot remember which route they use

Barclays has a convoluted process for setting up new payees via its website/online banking but a simpler one from memory in their app. 

I've only used the open banking push payment thing twice with AmEx and had a 50/50 hit rate with it working nicely but AmEx apply those payments within 3 days whereas debit card payments, for which there is no fee unlike Wise, it credits the payment instantly so a disincentive to use it. 

mr-b

Yes this was the first payment, but I see now there is a way to connect my bank account (it didn't give me this option before) which hopefully will make it easier for future Wise payments. (FD call it a Sweeping something or other)

But I've used this QR code method before with a one-off ticket and it used the same process. That time it took three attempts to get it correct (and having to write numbers on paper!). IIRC I used the bank transfer option as it was free. It sets the transaction up for you but it's the verification process that is onerous.

TBH though First Direct is great for most things, I find the number of security token terms they use in general online to be excessive e.g.

Secure Key

Digital Key

Digital Secure Key

Digital Secure Key password

Electronic password

Security code

Log on Security Code

Transaction code

I'm sure it all makes sense to FD as they are in daily usage for but most (occasional) users it must appear daunting.

Still interested if any other providers have managed to simplify this.

Keithy13

DullGreyGuy said:

Is this the first time you have paid Wise using this account?
Is this an open banking thing where the Wise app triggers a payment you need to verify in the FD app or are you manually going into the FD app and type in the account number, sort code etc? Its been a while since I used Wise so cannot remember which route they use

Barclays has a convoluted process for setting up new payees via its website/online banking but a simpler one from memory in their app. 

I've only used the open banking push payment thing twice with AmEx and had a 50/50 hit rate with it working nicely but AmEx apply those payments within 3 days whereas debit card payments, for which there is no fee unlike Wise, it credits the payment instantly so a disincentive to use it. 

Not the first time nor open banking, I use it regularly, once payee is set up I find it very straightforward. The Wise app automatically opens the FD app for verification. Verifies using face ID. Also if sending money abroad it is done in seconds as opposed to the banks etc. taking 4 or 5 days.

johnnyd57uk

mr-b said:

Hi

I wanted to transfer some money to my Wise account from my FD current account. It gives the option to pay with the app using a QR code or else via the desktop.

Thinking it would be easy via the app, it then entered an extremely complicated process where I had to manually login to FD using a username and a security code which I had to generate from the app and that is not possible to copy/paste and which expired after 30 secs (I normally just use biometrics login) and then generate a 6 digit transaction code using digits from the destination payee account number plus the transaction amount. I got all this wrong several times so gave up and ended up using my credit card.

Is this the same for all banks?

I get the need for security but this process seems ridiculously complex and error-prone.

I used to be able to transfer money to my kids and other accounts quite simply until they introduced the key generated process online. Ive tried it countless times, even today and as always it failed. I follow the instructions to the letter pressing the yellow key etc but it never ever works. Perhaps I am of that generation and younger people being more tech savvy find it a breeze. I find it infuriating so its either ring them or make a trip to the nearest HSBC branch (feels safer) which is miles away. I have told them what I think on Trustpilot but it makes no difference. I have thought about changing banks and may well do so. I have a Revolut account and will give that a go. If it proves simpler then I will use that for all future transactions. 
In answer to you question no I dont think all banks make it so complicated. Its always good to have a secure process but not when its unuseable for so many I would guess.