Easy to use account (first-e.com)

Member Name: Big John

Product:	first-e.com
Date:	01/04/01 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, no cashpoint charges, no overseas charges

Disadvantages: debit card not widely accepted, no facility to pay in cash

I have had a first-e account for 9 months now. At the time there was a special offer where they gave you £20 to set up the account, but I don't think this offer is available any more.

With the account you get a cheque book and debit card. As no overdraft facilities are offered, you will be accepted whatever your credit status.

The interest rate is 4.86% AER on the Current account. This is taxable but you have to pay the tax yourself as the account is based outside the UK. You can earn more interest by also opening a savings account.

The debit card is a Maestro card which is not widely accepted in UK shops. However, it is accepted at most cashpoint.

You can also use the Maestro card abroad without paying commission, which means that it may be cheaper than other credit or debit cards which do charge commission.

The only other disadvantage is that there is no facility to deposit cash, although cheques can be deposited by post. This means that you need to pay cash into another account and then transfer it.

Summary: