First Direct

[watervole]

We're probably going to move our account to First Direct.

Is it easy to find cash machines that don't charge a fee when you're a First Direct customer?

Comments

[vicarage.livejournal.com]

FD is part of HSBC, so you don't seem to be charged. The thing I miss most is cheque paying in machines, as most HSBC machines can't do it. I'm leaving my Nationwide account open for this kind of thing

[communicator.livejournal.com]

I'm on first direct and we don't pay. Have you considered the Co-Op bank? I keep thinking about changing and never get round to it.

[swisstone.livejournal.com]

Yes. Next question?

[drplokta]

As with any bank, you can use any cash machines that are owned by a bank with no charge. The only ones you pay at are the ones owned and operated by third parties in places like convenience stores.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

I changed from Midland (as it was then) to Coop a while ago, and have never looked back. Excellent service, but (more importantly to me anyway) the knowledge that (a) my money isn't being used to fund evil activities, and (b) any profits generated are divided among members rather than paid to shareholding capitalists.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

I'd have liked to go with Co-op because of their ethical investment policy - it's very good. Unfortunately, Richard doesn't like their support of the Labour party.

[uitlander]

Any HSBC is fine. I think link machines are fine as well. You can pay in and cash cheques over the counter at HSBCs as well, or use their lobby machines to withdraw and pay in (no problems with this in the Cambridge branch). They are part of the HSBC group and HSBC branches treat you as if you are one of their customers.

[glitterboy1.livejournal.com]

Others have answered the actual question, so I'll just add that I've been with First Direct for the best part of ten years, initially managing things by phone, and now online. I don't ask much of them, but I've never had any problems, and I certainly had had with other banks before that.