First Direct 1st Account

I had to leave first direct a few years ago; I could not deal with such incompetence, ineptitude and above all, arrogance.

I was buying my first property. I had over £20k in my account and had arranged with customer service that I could retrieve it from the Wickford branch.

When I arrived at 4pm, as instructed, my money was 'not available' - no one knew anything about it.

I had two hours to find another branch (that was still open after 4!) and get back to Southend before the solicitors closed. The Wickford branch refused to assist. First Direct representative was apologetic but didn't know what to suggest.

I suggested she find out where in the area there was a HSBC branch that I could collect the money from. She eventually arranged it at Lakeside Thurrock. Thankfully they were able to help at Lakeside and the traffic wasn't as crazy at it usually was. Also the solicitor stayed until i got to Southend at gone six pm.

I almost lost my home before I had completed the purchase.

After the debacle First Direct still didn't appear bothered at what they had done. They apologised, but said they had sent the message to the branch, so it wasn't their fault. The branch refused to respond.

I had been a loyal customer for FIFTEEN years.

One thing to note folks - when i joined FD it was a privilege to 'get in'; there were no incentives, other than first class service.

Now? They'll GIVE you £125.. go figure.

After terrible experiences at the hands of Lloyds and Barclays I have now had 9 years of problem free banking from First Direct. They have not made a single mistake, have solved my errors in seconds after a single phone call, in fact I can find nothing to critise them for.

They do charge if you do not pay a minimum into the account each month which means for mine and my partners joint account we have looked elsewhere rather than pay the £10 per month. Santander, Natwest and Smile have all been totally useless so I have reached the point where i would rather pay than put up with useless banks.

Running a bank isnt that hard or complicated.