Bank switch DD 2 x questions

HGF

I have a First Direct acc that will always remain my main acc.

I recently used an old Halifax current account as a ghost to switch to Llyods and got £175. Llyods was attractive as it didn’t require a minimum of 2 or 3 direct debits from my ghost account which had none.

Q1 what do people do in this situation where the direct debit transfers hold them back? Any tips?
Q2 are there any know banks offering a bonus that doesnt require DD transfers and just opening or minimum pay ins?

thanks

Nasqueron

Q1 - numerous helpful posts about this providing details of easy DD such as Plum 
Q2 - all the bank switches are listed on this site with their criteria, it varies by bank

grumbler

Q1: they add DDs.  Tips? - E.g. Savings accounts deposits by Direct Debit? UPDATED

Q2: did you read MSE article? 

Top free cash for switching

 I see FD there without DDs requirement. 

Nasqueron

grumbler said:

Q1: they add DDs.  Tips? - E.g. Savings accounts deposits by Direct Debit? UPDATED

Q2: did you read MSE article? 

Top free cash for switching

 I see FD there without DDs requirement. 

Unfortunately as OP has their main account with FD, they won't be able to switch and depending on when they joined, they may be ineligible for the HSBC one (I think around 2019 is the cutoff)

Bridlington1

HGF said:

I have a First Direct acc that will always remain my main acc.

I recently used an old Halifax current account as a ghost to switch to Lloyds and got £175. Lloyds was attractive as it didn’t require a minimum of 2 or 3 direct debits from my ghost account which had none.

Q1 what do people do in this situation where the direct debit transfers hold them back? Any tips?
Q2 are there any know banks offering a bonus that doesn't require DD transfers and just opening or minimum pay ins?

thanks

1. I maintain a list of savings/investment accounts that allow deposits by direct debit. See:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6445857/savings-investment-dds-and-debit-card-deposits-an-updated-list/p1
2. One thing to note is that minimum pay ins shouldn't be a problem, you can transfer the money from another account in your name and then transfer the money straight back out again, also if the offer requires you to pay in, say £1k it typically doesn't need to be paid in one go, i.e. £500 in and out twice will suffice or any other combination. 

rider22

Bridlington1 said:

HGF said:

I have a First Direct acc that will always remain my main acc.

I recently used an old Halifax current account as a ghost to switch to Lloyds and got £175. Lloyds was attractive as it didn’t require a minimum of 2 or 3 direct debits from my ghost account which had none.

Q1 what do people do in this situation where the direct debit transfers hold them back? Any tips?
Q2 are there any know banks offering a bonus that doesn't require DD transfers and just opening or minimum pay ins?

thanks

1. I maintain a list of savings/investment accounts that allow deposits by direct debit. See:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6445857/savings-investment-dds-and-debit-card-deposits-an-updated-list/p1
2. One thing to note is that minimum pay ins shouldn't be a problem, you can transfer the money from another account in your name and then transfer the money straight back out again, also if the offer requires you to pay in, say £1k it typically doesn't need to be paid in one go, i.e. £500 in and out twice will suffice or any other combination. 

recently halifax has announced a switch offer . i have switched to lloyds in december so will i be eligible for halifax switch offer ?

Nasqueron

rider22 said:

Bridlington1 said:

HGF said:

I have a First Direct acc that will always remain my main acc.

I recently used an old Halifax current account as a ghost to switch to Lloyds and got £175. Lloyds was attractive as it didn’t require a minimum of 2 or 3 direct debits from my ghost account which had none.

Q1 what do people do in this situation where the direct debit transfers hold them back? Any tips?
Q2 are there any know banks offering a bonus that doesn't require DD transfers and just opening or minimum pay ins?

thanks

1. I maintain a list of savings/investment accounts that allow deposits by direct debit. See:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6445857/savings-investment-dds-and-debit-card-deposits-an-updated-list/p1
2. One thing to note is that minimum pay ins shouldn't be a problem, you can transfer the money from another account in your name and then transfer the money straight back out again, also if the offer requires you to pay in, say £1k it typically doesn't need to be paid in one go, i.e. £500 in and out twice will suffice or any other combination. 

recently halifax has announced a switch offer . i have switched to lloyds in december so will i be eligible for halifax switch offer ?

You would have to read the terms of the switch, if they specifically exclude paying a bonus to other banks in their group it would say so - some people have had success wit Natwest/RBS/Ulster for example but it may be that they tightened up the criteria

jbrassy

In response to your first question, the easiest way to set up direct debits is through charities. UNICEF and the Childhood Trust allow you to set up £1 per month direct debits. 

Barkin

rider22 said:

Bridlington1 said:

HGF said:

I have a First Direct acc that will always remain my main acc.

I recently used an old Halifax current account as a ghost to switch to Lloyds and got £175. Lloyds was attractive as it didn’t require a minimum of 2 or 3 direct debits from my ghost account which had none.

Q1 what do people do in this situation where the direct debit transfers hold them back? Any tips?
Q2 are there any know banks offering a bonus that doesn't require DD transfers and just opening or minimum pay ins?

thanks

1. I maintain a list of savings/investment accounts that allow deposits by direct debit. See:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6445857/savings-investment-dds-and-debit-card-deposits-an-updated-list/p1
2. One thing to note is that minimum pay ins shouldn't be a problem, you can transfer the money from another account in your name and then transfer the money straight back out again, also if the offer requires you to pay in, say £1k it typically doesn't need to be paid in one go, i.e. £500 in and out twice will suffice or any other combination. 

recently halifax has announced a switch offer . 

They have? I can see nothing on the website... 

rider22

Barkin said:

rider22 said:

Bridlington1 said:

HGF said:

I have a First Direct acc that will always remain my main acc.

I recently used an old Halifax current account as a ghost to switch to Lloyds and got £175. Lloyds was attractive as it didn’t require a minimum of 2 or 3 direct debits from my ghost account which had none.

Q1 what do people do in this situation where the direct debit transfers hold them back? Any tips?
Q2 are there any know banks offering a bonus that doesn't require DD transfers and just opening or minimum pay ins?

thanks

1. I maintain a list of savings/investment accounts that allow deposits by direct debit. See:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6445857/savings-investment-dds-and-debit-card-deposits-an-updated-list/p1
2. One thing to note is that minimum pay ins shouldn't be a problem, you can transfer the money from another account in your name and then transfer the money straight back out again, also if the offer requires you to pay in, say £1k it typically doesn't need to be paid in one go, i.e. £500 in and out twice will suffice or any other combination. 

recently halifax has announced a switch offer . 

They have? I can see nothing on the website... 

https://www.halifax.co.uk/bankaccounts/landing/switching-offer.html#:~:text=You%20have%20received%20a%20telephone%20call%20from%20Halifax%20confirming%20your%20eligibility%20for%20this%20offer. check this link 

boingy

Weird first condition on the offer:

The following conditions apply:

• You have received a telephone call from Halifax confirming your eligibility for this offer and you apply for a new Reward Current Account (£3 monthly maintaining the account fees applies) or a new Ultimate Reward Current Account (£17 monthly maintaining the account fees applies) (‘Qualifying Account’).