Should I switch to First Direct?

dubsey

We have been with FD for 12 years, have our mortgage with them, savings account with them did have a hiccup once with a mortgage application but was sorted in the end.

When hubby started a new job his payment date changed so I called and asked if we could move it to the 5th of the month permanently (previously 1st), the guy had a quick look and said we were better off with the 7th because the way the bank holidays fell on a couple of months might leave things a bit close if hubby's money was late etc. I hadn't thought of that!

They are always nice on the phone and if a query seems like it while take a little time they always call me back to save me waiting.

chrisstevens

I am tempted to switch to FD however I have yet to find a list of things you can and can't do in a HSBC branch?
If anyone has any input on my question it would be greatly appreciated...

CopperPlate_2

From memory you can pay cash/cheques in over the counter at HSBC branches, or via the self-service machines in branches, but that's about it. Not sure if you can do balance enquiries or not there (obviously you can do this via ATM's instead).

brookerbabyisababy

How is the process going for you guys yet???

DrDel

Been with FD since 1993 but considering moving!

I exceeded my overdraft (whilst in USA), when I returned I managed to get some of my charges refunded after groveling to them! However, they have just hit me with a new year overdraft review, (they kept it the same, £250) for which they are charging me £25 (non negotiable), I wouldn't have minded so much if they had changed it!

The moral is don't exceed you overdraft facility, they get you twice!

pault123

UPDATE : Not got my new card yet.

RE. the overdraft I wasn't too sure what they meant by overdraft increase arrangement fee - so just requested £1000 OD from the start.

Hopefully this means I will have a permanent £1000 and should never need to pay to arrange increase/ it should stay at this for good? :money:

Horace

I think they have changed the rules on the overdraft facility DrDel. They'll charge £25 for £250 but will let you have a £500 overdrafr. Hope that makes sense.

Go back to them and perhaps ask for a £500 overdraft (I hardly use mine but it is there as a safety net) and see what they say. Point out that you have been a customer since 1993 and don't want to change banks but due to their inflexibility then you may be forced to and see what they say....

Good luck

_-*Sally*-__3

Another happy FD Customer here !!

In fact my DH and I are consolidating 4 current accounts into one - and wanted to chose which was most worthy and FD was THE ONE!

We had (JOINT) Nationwide Flex (nightmare - wouldnt recommend them) - MAYBE because there was no "SALARY" paid in - it was a joint account so we both DD'd into it - but they have bounced countless cheques and messed up on MANY things

I have been with FD for about 10 yrs now - NEVER had a problem with them - I have been charged a few times - but for going over my limit - so kind of "justified" in a bank charge kind of way!! - they have never bounced cheques or anything inconvenient

We had SMILE - never really used them in anger - and actually dont have any complaints with them - we WERE going to consolidate to Smile but opted for FD with the vague hope that we will be in credit before long and the smile account did not have a good interest rate...

We (DH) had HSBC - also not really had a problem with them - my dh has been with them for years.

msaquib

Hi,

I have 2 FD Current Accounts:-

1st Account Overdraft Limit £500 (Previously Cheque Account)
1st Account Overdraft Limit £2000 (Previously Bank Account)

I have received letter confirming that my overdraft of £500 has been renewed and they have accepted to offer it to me again. Nothing is mention of arrangement fees.

I need to if they renew overdraft if £2000 will they charge a renuwal fee?

Thanks
M

brookerbabyisababy

Have they changed there cards and cheque book to a new design or is it the one below?

http://www.weeklygripe.co.uk/AImg/wallet.jpg