I have been loyal to Natwest for over 15 years and never had any problems with their service but as I am lining up a help to buy ISA elsewhere anyway (for better rates), I did some looking around at offers to switch.

First Direct offer £150 to switch via money supermarket (£125 otherwise) and they offer a 12 month no withdrawal savings account at 6% interest

The help to buy ISA is limited to £200 per month so I could do with somewhere to throw extra cash so it seems ideal and as of April, basic rate taxpayers can earn up to £1,000 interest without paying tax.

Epic customer service rating for First Direct apparently. The Government has also introduced the 7 day account switch guarantee to make it hassle free.

Any thoughts? LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

I've been with First Direct since they started up. Not had any issues at all with them. I use internet banking mainly.

Obviously I cannot compare teem to other banks as I haven't used them

been with FD for around 17 years. absolutely 1st class bank. Best part is when you phone them and get though instantly to a competent person

Sounds good I have a 12 day gap from initial salvo of direct debits at the beginning of the month to the one remaining DD on the 19th. The switch takes 7 days so I will exploit that window.

I'll be able to keep my online and phone app banking running with Natwest as I have a basic savings, ISA and credit card with them so its just the current account to switch. I won't open the savings account until after 6th of April so I do not get taxed

One more thing, their pre-arranged overdraft offers 0% interest on the first £250. I can count on one hand the times I have slightly drifted into mine with Natwest but they have charged me £6 so there is extra peace of mind with the offer from FD. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Another +1 for FD. I have been with them since the start and can't fault them. Customer service is fantastic, always helpful and friendly. Over the years I have had a mortgage with them and a couple of loans. All sorted out very quickly and easily over the phone. If you need any paying in facilities, just use an HSBC branch. There are few companies that I would recommend without reservation, but FD are certainly one.

Simon

Also +1 for FD. Been with them for about 20 years.

Good to hear, thanks  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Yes, First Direct for about 7 years. Always been good. You can use HSBC to pay in cash or cheques or indeed some Post Offices now I think.

Yes been with FD for years - totally trouble free. Currently have mortgage with them too.

Yes you can pay cheques in at any Post Office - that's very handy as now have a Post Office in the pub!

pass me your details and i'll recommend you, think i get a thank you for doing so too  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

+1 from me as well for FD. They cover our current accounts (I switched on recommendation of my then girlfriend, now wife), credit cards and mortgage.

Excellent customer service, will always put you through to someone who can deal with your query and have even rung me up when they spotted a potential issue with an underpayment for which I would have had a 'fee'! 2016 BMW X3 30d SE in red
MY2013 SD4 XS Firenze Red, 19" 10 spoke contrast paint wheels, Signature Strips, Grand Black Lacquer trim, Cold Climate Pack - gone!
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npinks wrote:

pass me your details and i'll recommend you, think i get a thank you for doing so too

I have just read this and thought we would be in the money but alas it cannot be used in addition to any other joining incentives

http://www1.firstdirect.com/1/2/friends LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

damn you other incentives, damn you to hell  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

richardk wrote:

Yes been with FD for years - totally trouble free. Currently have mortgage with them too.

Yes you can pay cheques in at any Post Office - that's very handy as now have a Post Office in the pub!

I'll defo be switching Just gonna wait until the aforementioned gap in my directs debits comes around. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey