A bank I like! (firstdirect.co.uk)

Member Name: superpup

Product:	firstdirect.co.uk
Date:	03/09/09 (132 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Customer Service are excellent

Disadvantages: None really but I prefer LloydsTsb Internet banking screens

I was with LloydsTsb since I left school until last year = a long time. I'm a bit of a tart with all of my other accounts, utilities etc but I've never felt the need to change my bank account and I was fairly happy with them.

In October I applied for an offset mortgage with First Direct who are a division of HSBC. They don't have branches and everything is dealt with online or by telephone but you can pay in money at HSBC branches.

Their telephone operators are excellent. Very friendly, helpful and polite. I cannot fault them. The service I have received has been exemplary. I was informed by text message at every step as my mortgage application progressed. I had to open a bank account with them as an offset mortgage means my mortgage interest is offset against savings and the balance in my current account. I didn't realise about the £100 incentive for opening the account until I saw it sitting there which was a nice surprise!

The transition between bank accounts was handled by First Direct and was seamless.

It's great to be able to log in online and see my bank account, savings and mortgage balance on one screen. You can move money between accounts easily but I must admit I prefer LloydsTsb online banking screens as I think they are easier to use.

I can't ever see me wanting to move from First Direct - their customer service can't be bettered in my opinion.

A helpful tip for people that prefer to use geographical numbers - call 01132 345678 for telephone banking. I always use this as I get free landline minutes on my mobile.

Summary: If you're sick of your bank, give First Direct a try, you won't be disappointed.