First Direct Banking - good?

[yummycake123]

I'm thinking of switching bank accounts from Lloyds to First Direct.
I've read really good reviews about First Direct, and they offer free overdraft up to £200 I think. Currently I pay £6/month for my authorised overdraft.
Are they as good as they say they are?

You can also pay in at the post office if there's no HSBC but it's a bit more faff. I think you need paying in book.

Another happy customer here. We have current account and mortgage with them since 2008. I always pay in money at post office using paying in book.

Another happy FD customer

Been with them since they started, was happy until last year, now I think they're appalling - unfortunately I live overseas so can't change to anyone else - but would if I could

I've just switched to FD couple of month back and got money for swopping!! Win win!

I have been with them since they started with the first telephone banking service.
They have always been excellent. I wouldn't change.

Been with them since 1994. Fantastic service. Staff always knowledgeable and helpful.

They contacted us a few years ago when they spotted some fraudulent activity on our account and were extremely reassuring and refunded stolen money almost immediately.

I always recommend them. Been with them since they started. I have tried other banks occasionally but they are the best.

Completely brilliant. They answer the phone immediately and couldn't be more human/ helpful

They're great. Been with them 17/18 years now and wouldn't defect elsewhere!

Couldn't rate them high enough! Absolutely brilliant

Banked with them for a few years, and have a mortgage with them and agree that they are brilliant as banks go (and I, too, am very cynical!)

They are not quite as great at customer service as they used to be; a few years ago the phone never seemed to ring more than twice before a human being answered even at busy times
Now, it can take a little longer to get through when I ring at a very busy time but its never too bad and I assume it is because they are more popular now.

Thanks for starting this thread, yummy. We're currently with Barclays and they are utter shite. Just been on the Which? website and First Direct come out on top as the best bank account. Everyone on here seems happy with them!

Not everyone

I switched to them about 18 months ago because of the cash back offer, no issues with them as a bank but did think their online banking set up was a little pants (which surprised me for an online bank!!), it was also quite fiddly getting login pass codes on my phone in order to log in online.

I switched to Halifax about 6 months ago (I'm a serial switched and I like the cash back) and absolutely love their online banking set up.

Very good

Oh wow, great feedback from everyone! Will look into it asap! Thanks

I mean from a majority, not "everyone". I understand some people didn't have a great experience, but they sound better than Lloyds.

I just saw this:

www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts?utm_source=MSE_Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=15-Aug-17-5781&utm_campaign=nt-bignote-one&utm_content=1