to close the bank account I've had for nearly 40 years to open a new one with First Direct?

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I don't work for First Direct I promise but I don't really understand why anyone uses any other bank! When you ring them someone answers you within seconds. There is no automated menu to go through. It is like a breath of blooming fresh air!

We have a joint account with FD but I've always kept my own separate account with the bank my parents used and which they opened for me at 16. Contacting them is SO MUCH more time consuming and frustrating. This morning I'm asking myself what is stopping me from opening a new account with FD and I really can't think of a good reason! Other than is it a terrible faff?

Another First Direct fan here
Do they still give £100 for switching Too?

I wasn’t impressed with First Direct at all, I had an account with them for about 6 months and found their customer service awful, staff rude and unhelpful. I closed my account and wouldn’t ever go with them again!
I like popping into my local bank and talking to the lovely friendly staff in there who know me. Much better!

We have just changed to FD from a joint account we held for 10+ years, love being able to speak to a real person straight away!
We live near first direct arena too and get special VIP treatment plus free food and drinks at events there.
Only downside I have seen is the app is a bit of a ball ache to set up and both me and DH have had to speak to them and go through 20 questions just to have access to mobile banking!

I like popping into my local bank and talking to the lovely friendly staff in there who know me. Much better!

I hate to tell you this but the staff in the branch probably hate you, especially if you’re the type to go in twice a week and withdraw the exact same amount of cash each time from the counter, which you could do from the atm instead.

They've been amazing for us. I remember when we bought our house we put the offer in and the estate agent wanted proof of our mortgage offer. I said I'd call the bank and get them to confirm it to her, and she assumed I meant (a) on Monday (this was Saturday morning) and (b) in a letter. I said no, right now, over the phone. A breath of fresh air, as others have said.