First Direct Internet Banking www.firstdirect.com Reviews
Latest Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“No joined-up security ”
Written on: 02/05/2013
I was using FD for my Cash ISA for many years via a website - all fine. The minute I wanted to withdraw money, the system failed me. The website told me I needed to phone, and I was asked questions about a "memorable date" and "memorable address" which were meaningless. Presumably these had been set up years earlier when I created the account. The bottom line was, they wouldn't let me have access to my own money. I was passed from person to persona and have now got to visit the HSBC to prove... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“Complaints (mis)handling at First Direct”
Written on: 25/04/2013
Almost 20 years with First Direct and they are the best UK bank I have found to date. BUT beware if you have a problem. Trying to sort any problems out with First Direct when you are overseas is a nightmare. Today they have lost my date of birth. I assured them it hasn't changed but they insist it has. Because my date of birth is now "wrong" I cannot access my account by internet or telephone. Telephoning from Australia I have been on hold for 20 minutes while they "look into this" Great... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Stolen money”
Written on: 03/04/2013
AFter selling of my flats I noticed the spare cash was taken fron my account with no reason. When I phoned them I was told it wasn't their problem. Stay away. (read more)
★★★★★
“Always helpful”
Written on: 30/03/2013 by Cassandrafairman (1 review written)
Been with FD since they opened after being ripped off by Nat West for years. No matter where you are in the world they are there for you, transferring my money from different accounts very efficiently. There internal systems are up to scrate notifying me insantly when there were thefts from my Visa Card. The team are alway vert friendly and yopu always get an honest answer to every question. I have complete faith with this bank, they have not let me down once. (read more)
★★★★★
“CANNOT FAULT FIRST DIRECT”
Written on: 18/03/2013
I've been with FD for about 10 years now and have never had a problem. Not once. They are ALWAYS helpful on the phone, and the call centre is in UK which is a must for me. When I was buying my house, I had a cash flow problem, they were brilliant, made a huge amount of money available for me to borrow for a month. Minimal interest. Which meant that I didn't lose the deal on my house. Superb customer service. Far better than LLoyds that I used to be with, who wouldn't even refund a wrong... (read more)
★★★★★
“Absolutely Fantastic!”
Written on: 15/03/2013
I have banked with First Direct for a number of years and I cannot find a single fault with them. I had been having a problem with an online electrical company regarding a faulty oven which had gone on for a while, they refused to reimburse anything over half price and it was going round in circles. With just one phone call to First Direct they were more than happy to make up the difference no questions asked!, After a couple of months of nothing but stress caused by the electrical company,... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“First Direct - the most UNHELPFUL bank of them all!”
Written on: 15/03/2013
Banked with FD for 15 years. Exemplary customer. Then made the mistake of setting up my own business. As a good customer with a solid track record, having phoned them to discuss the difficulties I would face over the next couple of years, with the reassurance that if the business wasn't successful within the first four years, I would be back to a full salaried position, You'd think this wouldn't have been an issue,right? WRONG! 5 years on, with a successful business, now earning a decent... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Difficulties but overall very good”
Written on: 15/03/2013
Switched to first direct and I'm very happy with the customer service and switching process. 125 quid for switching and regular saver with 8% - not much over just one year but better than the other rubbish rates out there. These both ended the day after I signed up but they may be available again in the future, who knows. . . .?? Anyway my main gripe was the way they prove that you are employed. They have to phone your work and you have to answer a phone and confirm your details. Simple in... (read more)
★★★★★
“Friendly, efficient, helpful!”
Written on: 13/03/2013 by Bubbles73 (1 review written)
We've only been with First Direct for a few years but I'm constantly blown away by their service and general attitude. I've been with several banks for the previous 20 odd years and none of them are in the same league as First Direct. From the start, with account transfer, they were so helpful and efficient. The staff you speak to when you call them are the friendliest I've come across, not just in the banking sector. They are very knowledgable and can quickly fix any issues out that you... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“19 years of use and then given 60 days to close our...”
Written on: 01/03/2013
I have used First Direct since they first opened. I have run the same type of business since they opened. Following the economic downturn we have worked so hard to ensure that we never went overdrawn, never bounced a cheque etc Received a letter in the post today advising us that we had 60 days to close our account. Apparently they don't like the fact that we pay cash into our account. Avoid at all costs (read more)
Gingerman2000's Comment
Written on: 22/03/2013
Something tells me you're not telling the full story. I don't think any bank would give you 60 days notice just because you pay cash into your account. Useless review.
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Glenn5399's Comment
Written on: 10/04/2013
I have been with First Direct since around 1990. For the last year I have been paying cash in and transferring to my Natwest business account. It is done in innocence, I wanted to save the rediculously high charges. FD are now saying the account is likely to be closed for breach of t&cs i can see now why they want to avoid this but I have been an A1 customer for over 20 years surely a warning would be good enough.
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Showing 1 - 10 of 191 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“You're just a number”
Written on: 22/02/2013 by juddy12 (1 review written)
I've been with the bank for over 15 years and always felt valued and received a great service. It wasnt until I actually had a complaint about the bank that I saw the other side of First Direct, rude, arrogant condescending and the worst customer relations service I have ever come across. Be warned, while all is well you'll get a good service but should things go awry ( even when thay are at fault)you'll realise you're just a number, an inconvenience and you'll be shown the door. Avoid this... (read more)
★★★★★
“Fantastic efficient service”
Written on: 19/02/2013 by maialina (4 reviews written)
After leaving terrible Santander I decided to go to First Direct and I'm very pleased and impressed by the helpful and efficient service overall. I was offered £100 as incentive and I did received it even before I expected it. Well done and keep it up First Direct!! (read more)
★★★★☆
“Good but ...”
Written on: 15/02/2013
I have been a first direct customer for many years and have found the telephone service consistently good and the website easy to use. The staff are extremely helpful and well trained. My only gripe is that when I tried to withdraw money over the counter at an HSBC branch (the cash dispenser was out of order), I was told that as I had an online account I could not receive cash over the counter. This was inconvenient as I then had to find another cash dispenser. I have also had the same... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Not what it seems”
Written on: 12/02/2013 by SuperRex (1 review written)
So I wanted a mortgage, some of the reviews were good. Yes the rate is low but when you include evrything it's not real. Also there are conditions : - You have to open a 1st current account and Have £1500 income going into it each month ( no problem ) and two direct debits going into it they are going to get the money back some how The web process seemed easy enough but it got too heavy for me. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Tried to open an account - what a farce!! Don't bother!”
Written on: 10/02/2013
Having checked all the criteria for opening an account - I went ahead only to find that the list of acceptable evidence to check your identity is ridiculous and comes down to getting a certified copy of passport/driving licence in my case because I don't hold a firearms licence, am disabled or have a benefit of any type and my other evidence is dated more than 3 months ago. The cost of the certification does not match the benefits of the account so I will not be bothering to continue my... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“useless”
Written on: 09/02/2013 by cphilpo
i wanted to transfer a credit card balance because i was unhappy with that cedit card ie approx 3k. my credit rating was 999 at experian and i was refused a transfer. as said before as long as you have no problems no problem. ps they never asked if i had any savings in place any where else which i had but didn`t want to trade any of them in. as said before real arrogance about them after they the banking service lost us billions. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Extremely tedious to set up account”
Written on: 16/01/2013
It is no wonder average people do not switch banks too often. I have been trying to move my finances to FD for nearly two months now and still no luck. First of all, FD - not having high-street branches - accepts a very narrow range of documents as proof of ID. When I first applied for FD it took me about a week to clarify what documentation I needed and finally (following their recommendation) I decided to go for an HMRC PAYE Coding Notice, which takes about 3 weeks for HMRC to send out.... (read more)
Samlansdowne1's Comment
Written on: 31/01/2013
first direct do have high street branches... its called HSBC, you must have noticed them
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Pedrosanchez's Comment
Written on: 06/02/2013
which makes it even more absurd that FD does not allow using HSBC branches for proving your identity
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Cookie12's Comment
Written on: 10/02/2013
I bank with HSBC and it doesn't make a difference!!!
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Peterxyz's Comment
Written on: 06/02/2013
Internet banking which for years has been very efficient has become increasing difficult over the last couple of weeks. Numerous attempts to look at accounts have been met with "internet banking Sorry we cannot action your request at the moment. Please try again later." Very frustrating!
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Cookie12's Comment
Written on: 10/02/2013
totally agree - same problems. FD are losing a lot of good customers and yet sell themselves as 'customer centric'
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★☆☆☆☆
“False promise”
Written on: 29/12/2012 by Madhutanjorkar
First direct promised £100 if you open an account with them and have 2 direct debits active. Other condition is you should transfer a minimum of £1500 every month. We honoured all of this and when we did not get credited with the £100 as promised, we contacted the bank. To our surprise we were told that we will not be eligible to get this incentive as we did not use the easy switch service to transfer direct debits. This is in total contradiction to another first direct employee who said... (read more)
★★★★★
“Never found a better customer service anywhere”
Written on: 09/12/2012 by Tinny13 (2 reviews written)
I have been with them after baking with Barclays (awful - had to beg for check book) and Nat West (reasonably good but at that time did not offer convenience of phone banking). I have now been with them for many many years. No matter what I am asking, there will be someone who can advise me. Never had to do lengthy waiting on the phone and they don't outsource so there has never been that awkward moment when you pose a question that the bank did not train someone in India to answer and... (read more)
★★★★★
“Best Bank in the World”
Written on: 05/12/2012 by pushka
Can't say enough good about First Direct Internet Banking, having been a very happy customer for many years, since leaving a high street bank who were less than helpful and I couldn't see the need to use as I'd not visited that bank for years. FD service is a joy to use and on the rare occasion I've needed to call them, I've never waited more than 3 rings to speak to one of their most helpful, efficient and friendly English-speaking staff in the UK [what a treat]. On the last occasion, I was... (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 191 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Gettin a mortgage”
Written on: 03/12/2012
I tried to get a 60% mortgage with first direct. As i have not been with my current company for over three years they refused me. They asked no more questions. I recently got a mortgage in France for 85% and have funds but they didnt want to ask any of this. Backward thinking UK company. Very unhelpful. (read more)
★★★★★
“Best bank in the UK”
Written on: 28/11/2012
Astonished to read so many negative reviews about First Direct. I have banked with most of the competition over the years and have now been happily with First direct with more years than I can remember. The website is good and the telephone service is superlative. Rarely more than two ring and straight through to a helpful polite person presumably from Leeds. When I have had the occasional problem, with odd items on my visa card for example, they have bent over backwards to help. Only wish... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Difficult to manage finances online”
Written on: 23/11/2012 by Review_Centre_Data_Eaters
Totally agree that the web experience is poor. The design is very unfriendly, not to mention totally unreadable text on a black background (guess they think it's cool), and it is ridiculous that you can't adjust the dates of your standing orders without phoning them. Access control is with them, not the user, and that's not how it should be in this day and age. I'm nearly 3 months into my account being open, and I have yet to receive my £100 bonus. They've got 6 days now... (read more)
Aceflyer's Response to Review_Centre_Data_Eaters's Review
Written on: 29/01/2013
Very very easy to manage accounts online I have been with First Direct for a few years switched to them with an option mortgage worked absolutely brilliantly and allowed me to purchase items I would not have been able to purchase. Don't forget any money borrowed is at the option mortgage rate. Very easy to operate your account online to avoid going in to the red by the correct methods of switching funds about and also easy to make payments at the correct time and switch money between accounts on the same day as with payments. Very good contact centre with very sound advice and a top security dept. to prevent misuse of your credit cards etc. I could go on and on but First Direct you are ACE.
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★★☆☆☆
“First Direct Internet Banking is in the Dark Ages”
Written on: 06/10/2012 by Matthew87 (1 review written)
I've recently moved to First Direct from Lloyds TSB expecting First Direct as in internet and phone banking provider to have far more superior and at the very least equal internet banking capabilties and I have to say I am exceptionally disappointed. The user interface feels very clunky and outdated and basic features you'd expect from a good internet banking provider are lacking, such as the ability to nickname accounts, re-order accounts and conduct quick transfers between accounts.... (read more)
Lyn200374's Response to Matthew87's Review
Written on: 23/10/2012
I have been a First Direct customer since 1989 and have always had first class service. The on-line staff are always friendly and helpful, and the service call centre are very quick to answer.
Logging on is simple, yet secure, all things considered; a top banking service, staffed by friendly 'real' people - no insane music going on for hours.
Gerald P Moran
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Vokins's Response to Matthew87's Review
Written on: 04/11/2012
I have banked with first direct for almost 17 years, I place customer service and honesty as a given, if you dont have that, then you dont get my business. The ability to do what I have to online is outstanding and quick, if somehow you cant manage it you call them and they do it for you without any fuss. I would leave first direct and bank elsewhere but Im not sure how much more than £100 per month it would take for that to tempt me.
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Tinny13's Response to Matthew87's Review
Written on: 09/12/2012
I agree that internet service is basic (website design) but it works and has not changed for years (something that I find annoying to no end, having to get used to new improved design every 3 months).
I never had a problem logging in or using it, unlike my hubby who banks with HSBC and frequently has problems with them freaking out and blocking his cards for security reasons or hi not being able to contact them when he needs.
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Aceflyer's Response to Matthew87's Review
Written on: 01/02/2013
Absolutely amazed by this comment, I very rarely use the phone contact because it is SO easy to deal with my account on the internet .
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★☆☆☆☆
“On holiday and had 8 messages from them on return!”
Written on: 04/10/2012
First Direct !!! Started off well and after 1 year all went wrong and they were not helpful at all. Went on holiday for 2 weeks and when i came back i had 8 messages from them stating that my account was overdrawn and they wanted to make contact about the £20.00 that i was over my limit that they had given me. Shortly after this they decided NOT to renew my limit and then demanded a repayment of it and left my no choice but to change banks and i did to a HELPFUL bank called NatWest. Never... (read more)
★★★★★
“A very friendly and helpful bank. Best by far!”
Written on: 19/09/2012 by tomhb
I have been with First Direct since almost their launch, I have bank accounts with Nationwide, Barclays, Halifax and have found the service at FD to be head and shoulders above their competition. They don't have foreign call centres, they are available 24 hours a day and are always friendly and helpful with any questions I might have, when I have come close to my credit limit they call me and have always helped out when needed in both good times and bad. All banks are getting a bit of stick... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“disappointing customer service”
Written on: 01/09/2012
Have been with them 6 months and I found both the telephone support and online banking to be nothing like as good as my previous building soc, Nationwide, so I'm going back to them. (read more)
Graemeyh's Comment
Written on: 05/09/2012
I have been with them for 16 years. Very overrated and have a high opinion of themselves. I would give less than one star.
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Yonasl's Comment
Written on: 11/09/2012
I have been with FD for at least 5 years now and always had top notch service from them. Their website is not the best or most advanced, but it will allow you do to mostly everything you need. Issues I had with my credit card (claims for items ordered online, etc.) were dealt on the phone and in all cases I was given my money back (when for instance a vendor wouldn't refund me for a faulty item). I also sent them, more than once, cheques with USD, CAD or EUR and they not only paid them into my account with very low fees but provided me with the quotes used for the FX. Now, their credit and debit card are a SCAM when used outside of the UK. They had something like 2.9% on top of the transaction fee. They say this is for FX risk, but this is not true as VISA is the one doing that. Of course this is not only FD doing as most bank nowadays still operate in the same manner.
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Tinny13's Comment
Written on: 09/12/2012
I never had a problem. In fact, had a problem with nationwide when I had to go in and verify something for their partner company (mortgage works) and was basically sent packing by the receptionist as she had no clue they had a partner company. Making a phone call was the same. Even the customer service manager in their Brixton branch had no clue they had a partner company and reluctantly certified my documents when I showed them the proof they were the same company. If I ever hated anything, I hate arrogance of poorly trained staff delivered with a smile. No apology either when I proved them wrong. No matter how good the products, stupidity of the staff is a bigger issue for me as problems inevitably happen and how they are dealt with matters to me.
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★★★☆☆
“A subsidiary of HSBC - the ageist bank”
Written on: 29/08/2012
The best staff and service for telephone banking. One of the least accessible on-line services. They only allow Internet Explorer, and it's far too easy to get locked out and all your settings scrubbed for "security reasons". Having signed up in their first month (Sept '89), using them for all banking, some investment, insurance, loans and mortgages with an impeccable record I was told a few months before my 65th birthday that I had to repay my mortgage on that day, although still in my... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“mis-sold products and no recompense”
Written on: 25/08/2012
I set up a mortgage with firstdirect - the rate was good and it seemed like a good deal. After a few months I wanted to set up a savings account so I called them first on the off chance I could offset my savings against my mortgage. They said I could and set an account up for me that day - brilliant (I thought). I took all my savings out of ISAs and put it in this savings account. Only late did I get my mortgage statement and the interest payments hadn't changed - so I contacted them and I... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Poor Customer Service”
Written on: 15/08/2012
Don't bank with First Direct. They're useless. I needed an up-to-date statement with my new address on, and it took them 3 weeks (and about 7 phone calls) for them to get it to me. In the meantime, they were charging me overdraft fees that I believe I shouldn't have had to pay - (The up-to-date statement was to transfer the monies from a sale of a flat.) I feel they purposefully didn't send the statement so that I couldn't transfer the money so I'd be charged the extra fees. If it was human... (read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 191 Reviews
★★★★★
“Exceptional Customer Service”
Written on: 02/08/2012 by brucerob (3 reviews written)
When it comes to simple 1st accounts, most banks offer the same things more or less. So for me its the customer service that makes the big difference. I've been a First Direct customer for 6 years and I have to say the quality of their services is unmatched. Online, over the phone and as an international customer, I found the help desk always quick in their replies, right to the point, proactive, and with suggestions on what to do next. Account was very easy to open, their online banking... (read more)
Suecpage's Response to brucerob's Review
Written on: 29/08/2012
I too have had excellent servcie with First Direct and would highly recommend it to anybody who is looking for a good service. Even when i moved ot Spain they have been really helpful and have not caused me any reason to what to change my uk based bank.
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★★☆☆☆
“Account opening impossible!”
Written on: 01/08/2012
We have been trying to open an account with first direct for three days now. The online account process keeps timing out for no reason, so we called Customer Services several times for assistance. They eventually assisted my husband in going through most of the account opening process and then asked for me to ring them later to complete the remaining details. When I rang back - after the 4th aborted registration attempt - I was told that the existing details could not be retrieved and we... (read more)
Martley's Comment
Written on: 04/08/2012
Yes, be VERY careful of First Direct and their very poor online application system. I applied to them two months ago via the same process and it kicked me out of the system. So I called them up and they said not to worry as the application had gone through and they would contact me in a few days. They never did, so I called them back and they did the application again. Then they turned me down, despite never having had a bad payment record, and according to Experian having an excellent credit rating of 968. It was the rejection that spurred me to look at my credit fiule, as I was concerned that there had been something amiss. What I did find was that FD had made two credit searches on my file, when they had not told me this would happen, as the first online application had failed due to their rubbish system. It took me numerous phone calls to FD to get theis removed, and unless I had checked I would never have known about those two searches, and that could have damaged my applications for credit. The people on the phone were friendly enough, but for all those who crow on about how great FD are, I do not agree. I would never apply for another product from them. I have now switched to the Co-Operative where I got a much better overdraft limit and better service in branch and online.
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★★★★☆
“Happy customer”
Written on: 14/07/2012
I am a customer with a high income and in the past have signed up to all manner of premier and private banking products which supposedly give a personal service but I can honestly say the fd are the best I've experienced. I used to be with Barclays but that is a seriously dysfunctional organisation and when they blocked my account access over a 7p transaction from a telecoms provider that was apparently "suspicious" it was time to leave. First direct do the simple things well - my online... (read more)
Tiamaria4's Comment
Written on: 26/11/2012
This review is ridiculous.
Firstly the comment regarding the £6 an hour comment 'up north' is unbelievable .There are people all over the country earning the minimum wage and doing a fantastic job and deserving of a lot more.
Other reviewers have also been able to put their point across with out swearing !!
As for the sign off 'A very well connected' I suggest one of the connections teaches you how to spell ...the spelling in this is appalling and will probably be much worse than on any of the CV's that are going to ripped up !
Signed 'a professional person'
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★☆☆☆☆
“Don't ever ask for help”
Written on: 12/07/2012
I've banked with First Direct for 15 years - had a bad 9 months, but have a salary increase of £21,000 coming up, and needed help to get over the next month or so - all I wanted was £500. They don't want to know. They're happy to keep charging me overdraft fees, and to wallop the charges on, but not to have a large salary coming in. When I said I will be changing banks, I was told they had won a Which Award - like I care - I just needed help for a month or so before having a salary of... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“Mortgage Application”
Written on: 12/07/2012
I have banked with FD for many years and always recommnded them to friends. I have had an offset mortgage since 2004, no issues. However my recent application has become nothing short of a farce. They have been slow to deal with this to the point that all the parties in the chain have been waiting for 3 weeks for my mortgage offer to be sent to the solicitor, even though I a made my application over 10 weeks ago. When the offfer was eventually sent out, it went to the wrong solicitor! ... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“first direct s/b ZERO DIRECT(ion)”
Written on: 06/07/2012 by stevegill911
If you are a proffessional person who earns a decent income avoid this bank at all cost. They do not understand your requirements. Call staff treat you with contempt and disbelief that you earn over £6 an hour wich is probably their going rate up north were they seem to be based. Our company controlls over 900 bank accounts, thank hevans we havent given them to "zero" direct. customer service is desinged to deal only with benefit louts. I am a foreighner that has been all over the world... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“outdated online and offline experience”
Written on: 05/07/2012 by Londinivm (1 review written)
first direct is no longer a leader in online banking - in fact they are now a laggard. They have squandered their first mover advantage, resting on their laurels. 1/ the website does not allow you to set up payments yourself. For standing orders and other payments, you must essentially fill out the form, then wait a day or two for their agents to set it up. 2/ card delivery - they eventually send a letter in the post saying you can now arrange delivery via secure service, DX Secure. You... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“They want you overdrawn”
Written on: 04/07/2012
Takes three days to a week for transactions to hit you account, can't control my money anymore with this bank. (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Total Incompetence”
Written on: 28/06/2012
This bank gets rave reviews from all and sundry. God knows why. This is a totally useless and incompetent organisation and is completely unworthy of its reputation. Perhaps at one time the reputation may have been deserved - I've been a customer for many years but over the last couple of years the service has gone t**s up. The latest fiasco - Monday morning 25/06/12, logged on to check First a/c, found it £8500 overdrawn. I've run both personal and business bank a/cs for 45 years and have... (read more)
Awax10's Comment
Written on: 29/06/2012
I bank with First Direct, Halifax & Barclays. First directs service and support is fantastic compared to these other two. Before anyone changes bank I would sugest they call the call center five times each at various times and seee how long it takes to get hold of someone who understands your problem. If we all used banks with UK only call centers service would improve because demoralised staff would feel valued. Working under the constant threat of redundancy is a great way of destroying staff moral & customer service.
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Jgrumpy's Comment
Written on: 02/07/2012
I have a/cs with over 20 financial organisations inc Barclays & Halifax and would agree with Awax10's assessment of them. Halifax deducted income tax from my ISA a/c interest last yr and then couldn't understand why I'd complained! Honestly, you couldn't make it up.I also have had a/cs with Santander who are notorious for incompetence. BUT ONLY FIRST DIRECT HAS EVER SENT ME INTO OVERDRAFT AND THEN TRIED TO BLAME ME. ABSOLUTELY UNFORGIVABLE.
jgrumpy
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★☆☆☆☆
“Mortgage application”
Written on: 19/06/2012
Encountered a very rude, patronising, condescending individual called Stephen who thought himself a forensic accountant for a mortgage of £150k. With questions like "transaction x... What's this about?"... "This payee ... Who's this what's this for?". A Pedantic jobs worth who's attitude was horrendous. I understand affordability checks, however a courteous and friendly voice on the end of the line costs nothing - Dr F and Solicitor J. (read more)
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Showing 31 - 40 of 191 Reviews
★★★★★
“No other bank comes close”
Written on: 08/06/2012
I have been a customer with First Direct for 14 years and have always received fantastic service. They are quick , sensible , helpful and knowlegable and actually put the customers needs first. Looking at a couple of poor reviews it appears that the persons writing them had been overdrawn and objected to being charged, not the banks fault. All their terms are clearly defined. I Look forward to using their excellent product for years to come. Thank you First Direct (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Stay away”
Written on: 01/06/2012
They try everything not to pay the satisfaction guarantee. (read more)
★★★★★
“No other bank comes close”
Written on: 28/05/2012
I have been a customer with First Direct for 14 years and have always received fantastic service. They are quick , sensible , helpful and knowlegable and actually put the customers needs first. Looking at a couple of poor reviews it appears that the persons writing them had been overdrawn and objected to being charged, not the banks fault. All their terms are clearly defined. I Look forward to using their excellent product for years to come. Thank you First Direct (read more)
★★★★★
“Looking forward to many more pleasant years of banking...”
Written on: 10/05/2012 by Ifunewsusie
I am unable to think of anything negative to say concerning FD. Having been a customer for nearly 15 years, I think that says it all. Always a speedy response when 'phoning, and always a pleasant, CLEAR voice..I do not feel as if I am talking to Peter Sellers. Thank you very much indeed. (read more)
★★★★☆
“Good service so far”
Written on: 25/04/2012
I've been with First Direct for a few months now. The transfer went pretty smoothly and it was nice to get a £125 bonus for switching to them. One slight problem was that one of my direct debits for a credit cart didn't transfer properly, and whilst First Direct did write a couple of weeks later to inform me of this, it was too late by then and I'd already been hit with a late payment fee. Not sure whose fault this was, but it would have been great to have been warned a little sooner if... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“FIRST DIRECT RIP OFF £100 O/D CHARGE ”
Written on: 14/04/2012
overdrawn by £85 for 4 days , and charged £100 ! first direct charges are a total rip off... yes good customer service when you are one of their cherry picked customers. When things go slightly wrong , they areent even willing to listen to reason ... Yes , it was a mistake to go o/d , which was an accident as i was out of the country ,,,, but hammering me for £100 leaves a very sick feeling in my stomach in reagrds to first direct . (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“First Direct”
Written on: 09/04/2012 by macca160670 (15 reviews written)
I was with Lloyds TSB for about 25 years until they took my overdraft and paid me a pittance for my ISA. Since then I've moved to Santander for £100, CO OP for £200 and then a few months ago moved to First Direct. I have to say that First Direct has dissapointed me the most. They transfered my direct debits to them and told Lloyds to cancel the direct debits which almost left me in dire with my credit card as they had not changed there records to first direct. one phone call to First... (read more)
★★★★☆
“Very Happy”
Written on: 28/03/2012 by Dragon55
We have banked with these for about 15 years now. Always a human being when you phone, 24 hours a day, and they aim to answer in three rings'. Also been very helpfulmover the years , and are fair ina ny charges etc. The staff always polite and respectful too, and above all English staff. (read more)
★★★★☆
“gave me a credit card even though i had poor credit rating”
Written on: 13/03/2012 by littlejen (2 reviews written)
so i can't complain. I was an existing customer though. I had a poor credit rating and wnated to rebuild it with a CC. First direct let me, however i don't know if they would have done had i not been an existing customer (read more)
★★★★★
“Best Bank by far”
Written on: 09/03/2012 by meg89
I see here that most of the people complaining about charges? I think their charges are fair! If you stay within your limit there is no overdraft usage fee, and it's £25 per day that First Direct have to pay something for you. I recently had a blip with my account, where one day 6 debit card transactions went through my account and I didn't catch it until 3 days later. I was charged £25, which I thought was pretty low! Other banks charge you per day you even use your overdraft never mind... (read more)
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Top 5 Internet Banking
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To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
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Mersadie's Comment
Written on: 04/05/2013
At least it shows a degree of security albeit inconvenient. Is HSBC a branch of FD you said you had to go there to prove your ID i thought the issue was with FD?