How a bank should operate (First Direct)

Member Name: alexlea88

Product:	First Direct
Date:	25/06/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Superb sutomer service

Disadvantages: No interest on their current account

First Direct is the telephone banking arm of HSBS (I think). It prides itself on being different. More than a bank, more of a statement on how banks should be run.

I'll admit it, I only joined up for the £100 they offered for new customers. I had every intention of moving after the six months were up and getting another £100. You know what? A year later I'm staying put. I'm not sure if on balance First Direct have anything more than other banks, they just do it so well. The online banking is a sinch and you can set up direct debits and transfer money with ease. The telephone line is so efficient, you get through to a real person within seconds - direct. No pressing random buttons and waiting around listening to shrill muzak (Halifax, are you listening? three year - change the record, literally).

You can also set up a 'sweep' which skims off a certain amount from your curent account and pops it into a savings account (their curent account pays no interest).

Granted, I've not had any other dealings with them, might need to get a mortgage in a fw months, so I may well be back to comment on that, but from what I've seen so far, I'll be a happy customer of First Direct until they decide otherwise.

Summary: Other banks could learn a thing or two