Switching current account
Switching current account
Author
Discussion

Craikeybaby

Original Poster:

12,141 posts

255 months

Wednesday 16th March 2016
quotequote all
I'm looking at switching my current account - is this new easy switching as simple as it makes out?

dingg

4,557 posts

249 months

Wednesday 16th March 2016
quotequote all
ime yes - only one hiccup at my latest move and easily resolved

Halmyre

12,620 posts

169 months

Wednesday 16th March 2016
quotequote all
Yes, I switched to First Direct, they informed my employer, and moved all my direct debits and standing orders from my previous bank. Had to spend about 5-10 minutes on the phone to set up my security.

And I got £150 for doing it. smile

Only gripe is their security token app doesn't work on Windows phones, but you generally don't need it except when setting up payments.

Edited by Halmyre on Wednesday 16th March 15:49

Zoon

7,305 posts

151 months

Wednesday 16th March 2016
quotequote all
Another First Direct here, no problem whatsoever.

AndrewEH1

4,922 posts

183 months

Wednesday 16th March 2016
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Zoon said:
Another First Direct here, no problem whatsoever.
I switched from Bank of Scotland to First Direct, was so simple.

Craikeybaby

Original Poster:

12,141 posts

255 months

Wednesday 16th March 2016
quotequote all
That is all good to hear, especially as I will be moving to First Direct.

AndrewEH1

4,922 posts

183 months

Wednesday 16th March 2016
quotequote all
Craikeybaby said:
That is all good to hear, especially as I will be moving to First Direct.
They are the official bank of PH it seems!

Simpo Two

92,893 posts

295 months

Wednesday 16th March 2016
quotequote all
AndrewEH1 said:
They are the official bank of PH it seems!
'Bank of PH' - now there's an idea! idea

Halmyre

12,620 posts

169 months

Thursday 17th March 2016
quotequote all
Simpo Two said:
AndrewEH1 said:
They are the official bank of PH it seems!
'Bank of PH' - now there's an idea! idea
I'm happy to set this up and run it. If everybody just transfers their money to me that'll be a good start, we can sort out the trivial stuff later.

tankplanker

2,479 posts

309 months

Thursday 17th March 2016
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Just to be different, I switched from Natwest to Lloyds, then Lloyds to Nationwide. Both times the switch was really easy, didn't lose any direct debits or standing orders.

33q

1,628 posts

153 months

Thursday 17th March 2016
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Natwest to Santander. One minor hiccup .... Quickly fixed.

romeogolf

2,112 posts

149 months

Thursday 17th March 2016
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Halifax to First Direct.

My only issue was with Santander not collecting a direct debit on either of the accounts and then blocking my credit card as a result. My issue was with them, not the switchover, as they didn't contact me at all (they have my mobile number and can text or call, my address, my email...) and just blocked the card.

First Direct had the DD set up and listed as 'active'. Santander had the details but an error their end meant that they didn't collect on either of the accounts due to the day I switched being too close to the DD date. This shouldn't be an issue as the DD on the old account was also still active and they could have collected there... but didn't.

Both First Direct and Santander apologised and gave compensation for the hassle of getting it sorted, and for leaving me in a fuel garage without means to pay.

My advice would be to make a list of all your direct debits and when they usually go out. For the first switch month, check the list each day and tick them off so you can see if anything's not gone which should have done.

DMN

3,059 posts

169 months

Thursday 17th March 2016
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My wife recently changed from Barcleys to HSBC, it was very easy to do and HSBC took care of everything.

paulwoof

1,771 posts

185 months

Thursday 17th March 2016
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Recently done the same switching to first direct. Worked flawlessly despite my usual doubts on everything and was expecting it to all go tits up.

First direct's customer service is as good as everyone says aswell. Called at 8pm at night, 2 rings and straight to a human being not the "press 1 to 47 dependent on your query", Gave phone password, Answered query in seconds and done.

Same when I had to reset all my passwords with first direct you will have a few, Internet password, Firstdirect app password, phone password etc etc. Their online site does seem a bit windows 90;s though but works.

Got the £125 for switching too.

Craikeybaby

Original Poster:

12,141 posts

255 months

Thursday 12th May 2016
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The switch to First Direct went through without any problems, got the £100 switching bonus through too.