What are your 'honest' thoughts on First Direct?
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If you want the switching bonus/regular saver then I would suggest setting up a donor account to transfer.
I also have the 5% regular saver. Max is £300 per month for 12 months. After this I will be closing or switching elsewhere0 -
My honest opinion is to use FD if you like using telephone banking.
If you like online banking then look elsewhere - even try Starling you will love it.0 -
Hi all
Those who are banking with (or have banked with) First Direct, what sets them apart from the other high street banks? Is it worth switching to them (from Halifax)? I am looking to make First Direct my new 'long term' account.
Thanks
Their online banking feels strange and takes a bit of getting used to, but does most things ok. I only opened the FD account to qualify for the regular saver.0 -
Hi all
Those who are banking with (or have banked with) First Direct, what sets them apart from the other high street banks? Is it worth switching to them (from Halifax)? I am looking to make First Direct my new 'long term' account.
Thanks
If as you say they would be your main, long term account. That would suggest all your main monies, namely salary will pass through them. Also any other accounts that require nominated accounts will pass their monies to FD.
In that case I would say an unqualified yes to FD. I have a Midland bank a/c (now HSBC) for 50 years and 20 years ago opened FD as well.
FD for service are head and shoulders above HSBC.
The strong point for me is that you are answered immediately, don't have to navigate through menus or furnish any info until you are actually speaking to a CS rep. This I find important if you have a problem and want a quick response.0 -
I honestly do not understand the negativity towards First Direct's online services. It does everything which all my other banking apps do and just as easily - both mobile and desktop.
However, I am wondering whether OP is an employee doing some market research?0 -
If you want the switching bonus/regular saver then I would suggest setting up a donor account to transfer.
I also have the 5% regular saver. Max is £300 per month for 12 months. After this I will be closing or switching elsewhere
Thanks! Sounds like a good idea. One question... how do you set up a donor account? Is it really as easy as e.g. opening up a basic account with X bank, then switching to FD almost immediately?I honestly do not understand the negativity towards First Direct's online services. It does everything which all my other banking apps do and just as easily - both mobile and desktop.
However, I am wondering whether OP is an employee doing some market research?
Lol, I'm just looking to consolidate my accounts.
Thanks everyone for your responses!0 -
Their customer service is brilliant but their online banking is horribleI’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Quick Grabbit, Freebies, Overseas Holidays & Travel Planning and the UK Holidays, Days Out & Entertainments boards.
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Got to agree with the comments re how terrible (OK awkward) their online banking is, which was the main reason I switched from them to Halifax.
But each to their own.0 -
martinthebandit wrote: »Got to agree with the comments re how terrible (OK awkward) their online banking is, which was the main reason I switched from them to Halifax.
But each to their own.
Did you manage to get the elusive £100 exit fee from them?0 -
Did you manage to get the elusive £100 exit fee from them?
EDIT: Just in case you're aiming for both the regular saver and the £100 leaving present, you'll find they're mutually exclusive.0
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