Just switching to First Direct for the £175

BACKTOBACK

I have four accounts with the Halifax, two credit cards (clarity and a standard) and two current accounts (one used for main bank and a second not been used for over a year was used for a separate purpose). I have just transferred £10 into the unused account and set up two monthly standing orders for £1 back to myself.

I just wanted to check that when i use the current account switching service for the First Direct £175 that it will not affect any other accounts i have with the Halifax. I want to keep the credit cards and my main current account.

PRAISETHESUN

Yes you are correct. When using CASS to switch between banks, only the account you specify to be switched (ie. your unused second Halifax current account) will be moved. All your other products with Halifax - your primary current account and your two credit cards will not be moved to FD and will remain unaffected.

BACKTOBACK

Thank you for your help and quick reply (This is my first bank switch)

Barkin

You may want to check the terms for the FD switch incentive payment. 

It's usually direct debits that are required. I don't know if standing orders will qualify..

PRAISETHESUN

Barkin said:

You may want to check the terms for the FD switch incentive payment. 

It's usually direct debits that are required. I don't know if standing orders will qualify..

https://www.firstdirect.com/content/dam/wpb/fsdt/en/documents/pdf/switch-offer-terms-and-conditions.pdf

FD/HSBC are odd and allow standing orders as well direct debits in order to qualify for their switching offers. Makes it trivial to set up a few SOs to another current/savings account of yours to qualify, as OP has done.

BACKTOBACK

So i have opened a First Direct account. Its activated and in my google wallet (still waiting for the physical card).
I have paid in just over £2k.
I have applied for the switch service and been given a date of 20th Feb.
I know i need to make more than 5 debit card payments. Do the debit card payments i make before the switch date (20th) still count towards this? Or is is 5 debit card payments after the switch date?

Largs

You have to make the card payments within 45 days of opening the bank account.

BACKTOBACK

All done payments made. I used Topcashback for an extra £35 but so far its not tracking. Hopefully will show soon

bluejeans52

I’ve just looked at the new terms and conditions for switching an account to first direct. It seems they now need identity verification for new account applications, this seems to mean copying proof of identity and getting a professional such as ie. doctor, nurse, dentist, optician, accountant, member of the judiciary etc. to sign and verify that you are the person specified. This will obviously incur costs depending on who signs off on your application. I don’t understand why this is needed as if you are using a valid passport or driving licence then your identity already had to be verified to obtain that document. Has anyone else applied recently and come across this issue? Thinking of going with Nationwide instead.

rarasarr23

I am keen on the First Direct switch, I am with Halifax, and have two credit cards with them which are not used, or barely used.

If I switch, will Halifax close my credit cards, out of revenge, for moving my current account from them!

northwalesd

rarasarr23 said:

I am keen on the First Direct switch, I am with Halifax, and have two credit cards with them which are not used, or barely used.

If I switch, will Halifax close my credit cards, out of revenge, for moving my current account from them!

No, I wouldn't expect any bank to be so petty.