First Direct Credit Cards

I used to think First Direct was really the bees knees of banks. We have our banking, saving, mortgage and my credit card with them. However we are looking to move my credit card from them because for some reason every few months they stop the card due to "irregular spending" for security checks. We have an £8k or so limit that we pay off in full every month so maybe we are not the kind of customer they want. The security checks and embarrassment of a card that doesn't work alone are not the main issue. When it takes so long (expect to lose an hour) to get though to their security departments who do not always manage to clear it first time it does become a joke. I thought that outsourcing should be used as a way to improve service not to lower it.

I have banked with First Direct for a number of years and have generally been happy even though many free services have gradually been taken away. I took out a First Direct Gold credit card and was again generally happy until I had a credit on the card by accident (this can happen if you have overpaid, made a payment on the card for goods purchased then subsequently got a refund for the item etc.). I tried to get the amount I was in credit transferred to my First Direct current account and was told there would be a 2.99% charge to move the money or spend it for free. I needed the money to reduce an overdraft debt so 'spending the money' wasn't an option and I eventually paid the fee and cancelled the card. Please be aware that First Direct credit card customers will not be able to claim any credit on the card free of charge unless you spend the credit using the card!

Since joing First Direct a few years okay, I dont think I would be able to consider using another Bank again, I use them for my Credit Card , my wages are transferred into my account every month, I have an ISA with them and an E-Savers account. In my opinon the First Direct Fraud team are brilliant on several occasions they have phoned me (mostly when Im abroad) within 5 mins of me trying to make a transaction from a cash machine in a town/country which I have never visited. They are on the ball, which contiunously makes me feel secure in the knowledge that my money is safe. Being an online bank is the best thing about First Direct, the website is clean , understandable and easy to navigate around on, when you go to the log in section a seperate window will open to complete the password security which is also selected at Random I cant recall ever having to enter the same login details, for my password, once your in you can control all financial matters, all of my direct debits are managed via the site as well as ordering new credit cards, loans etc. and as a fantastic extra postage paid envelopes. On the off chance that you ever need to call first direct you will be put thorugh to usually a scottish extremly friendly and helpful adviser!!