First Direct Chat

Does fd send pre direct debit notifications or just when they leave the account?

Only when they leave I’m afraid.

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I’d prefer it that way, so that’s not a bad thing.

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They’re a marmite bank. You’ll either love the simplicity or hate it.

I started with FD, and found it to be good enough plus the app itself looked fantastic. They don’t have a massive range of products but what they do is excellent.

I did move to HSBC in the end. Better reward card options, slightly better savings and the app has really improved of late.

Plus balance after bills, better displaying of upcoming bills and notifications tip the hat for me.

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Hardly a protest against HSBC if you move to a brand of HSBC.

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I’ve been using them as my main bank since I switched to them, about one and half years now I think. To be honest as my main bank I have absolutely loved them. Everything has worked as it should, if I have an issue the chat is quick to respond and I get my answers. On the phone when I have contacted them they have been super helpful and polite. I’ve definitely taken advantage of the 24/7 availability of customer service. All in all I really like FD and likely will be with them for a long time. Unless of course they do something to annoy me then I’ll drop them at the drop of a hat! :joy::joy:

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Reasonable what you’re saying but I view “member of HSBC group” and “HSBC UK” as different things. Furthermore the people in call centres and whom represent the brand are very different. I had used HSBC all my life so will probably leave that current account open just for the age and maybe trickle some money through it now and then but at least on the brand front FD is quite different.

I will give them a go for couple months as main. Moving direct debits and set up salary to go through the account. I’ll report on my experience in a couple of months. So far liking my experience. Ironically, hsbc which I had an account with for years and salary paid into would never give me an O/D or upgrade to advance etc, but FD gave above that O/D requirement for an advance account plus a credit card in 10 minutes. Go figure

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I switched about six months ago, really like Nationwide. I’ll admit I miss instant notifications however.

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I’m planning on moving away from nationwide, don’t like them at all anymore compared to 5-10 years go. Only going to keep mortgage with them.

“I’m so done with Tesco I’m only shopping at Tesco Express now”

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What’s everyone’s opinions using them as main?

I’ve banked with them for 10 years+ until recently, I still have the account but have moved away from it being a main account due to the slightly disastrous switch to Mastercard that lost all of the HSBC integration, and also the products weren’t competitive (at the time)- poor savings rates, no rewards on the credit cards etc in comparison with the parent company.
Service wise, I can’t fault them, phone service has always top notch and the staff have been polite, UK based, really helpful and personable.
I don’t care for notifications, it’s not a dealbreaker for me; I know I’ve spent X amount in a shop, so I don’t need something to ding on phone to say I’ve spent it, there’s the receipt if I am really that curious to know what, where etc.
That said, good to have it for fee-free FX abroad, it’s something they’ve brought in recently.

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Who do you bank with now?

Just on the notifications comment, think it’s more the security aspect in events of fraudulent activity for me.

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FD has always had good customer service which is based in the UK. I’ve had issues with the app with having to be diverted to call someone - which for an app based bank is pretty poor. The layout is so basic I could do better on a windows 95 computer. I’ve been spoilt with Monzo as I love the features of knowing what is coming and going from my account and sound effects. Love the fact you can also block those annoying subscriptions and payments from randomly trying to take money. I’ve closed all other bank accounts recently, other than Monzo. I can’t see me opening another bank unless it can copy Monzo with its features. (Yes some banks are trying to implement things but it’s very hit and miss with notifications etc).

How? I thought that the block spending function didn’t work on recurring CPAs?

I had the option to block a weight watchers subscription which I did :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:. I can click on any transaction and block further payments from being taken. I love it!

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It’s a great way to end up in court for breach of contract!

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:rofl::rofl::rofl: true. I contacted weight watchers and told them I couldn’t afford payments so they did end the contract. (They did attempt to take payment on two occasions thought after this was agreed to end). They still didn’t get paid and I’ve not heard anything since haha (I did get my closed account details from WW though) .

Revolut has this and it’s a great tool.

But so are disposable virtual cards :joy:

I don’t like their app though. A lot of different things to click and the EU currencies etc. also my money isn’t protected with them until they get a props banking licence - but even then I don’t trust them with how they fudge their books :joy: