I would’ve refused and raised a complaint at that, and said to the witless operator “that’s exactly what a fraudster would say”.
2 Likes
to be honest, it only sunk in after I ended the call.
I’ve since sacked them in as a bank - for the above reasons
2 Likes
I’m very surprised at First Direct for that… considering the scams going on currently
“He then says he will generate a one-time passcode that will be sent to the victim’s phone, which they must read out to confirm their identity”
That is quite shocking, completely in contrast to their whole Digital Secure Key, multiple passwords and one device policy.
I would note that on balance you have to have two codes and the second one you can’t reveal. I think the first code is so they can verify you are who you say you are and they do something back end.
Still, not ideal.
1 Like
this was all because I had forgotten one of the 3 different passwords they expect you to remember
but don’t worry, date of birth and a text, and they reset them all for you
1 Like
What happened to First Direct becoming more digital with instant notifications because since last time I had one they haven’t updated anything . Still the same boring basic app lol
1 Like
“Jam Tomorrow”
It’s been their Mantra for a number of years now. In other words, almost certainly never going to happen.
There is talk about packaged accounts, a better looking credit card, and better in-app budgeting, but as to when if ever these things come to life, that’s anyones guess.
3 Likes
I’ve finally given up with them and have initiated a switch to NatWest for my main account.
I think the final straw was trying to close a savings account with fd to tidy things up. I went on chat to ask them to close it, but because it had a small balance left in there, they couldn’t transfer it via chat and asked me to do it in the app before they can close it. I explained that it doesn’t allow transfers for me in the app on their standard savings account. They acknowledged this and then said I would have to call to transfer £1.68 to my 1st account and then request the closure.
2 Likes
Wonder what this entails (haven’t clicked through to the survey yet).
1 Like
Oh nice, about time.
Oh really? I haven’t done the survey yet.
Maybe this means they’re starting to shake up and change their systems and a more fintech-y future is on the cards for FD! 
Survey mentions the below.
“Soon, you’ll be able to add your DSK to more than one device , the new platform will give you more freedom to decide how you do your banking. In addition, there will be no need to remember to deactivate your DSK before setting up the app when you buy a new phone. All you’ll need to do is verify your identity with a one-time passcode.”
I am really tempted to switch away from them, I switched away my HSBC a few weeks ago to try get the Nationwide incentive but I should have just kept it 
I don’t see First Direct becoming much more “Digital” anytime soon.
2 Likes
What surprised me was the card reader. I didn’t realise anyone from FD still used this. I’m also hoping this change both happens and others too.
I love the look and feel of FD and in many ways the minimalism. But it’s too far. Transaction notifications, budgeting and better account options (i.e lack of packaged accounts and reward cards) keep me away.
The current reinstall process is a total b:face_with_symbols_over_mouth:
so anything would be better.
Yeah, for me as I only use it for direct debits and don’t need anything more fancy, the clean app and good support are enough for me. A packaged account and reward card would certainly be interesting for me though.
Luckily I haven’t had to go through the setup process since my iPhone 12 in 2020, and hopefully they’ll have the smoother process in place before I maybe, potentially, get a 15 Pro at some point.
2 Likes
I guess the problem is, much like Nationwide with the card reader, a lot of their core customers are people that have been with a long time and so are entrenched in the old or familiar way of doing things?
Perhaps in 20-30 years banks like Monzo etc will be in a similar position to legacy banks?
1 Like
Hopefully they’ll be the first to inform passkey sign in, but I doubt it