A major bank is planning to axe a key service for all two million customers in weeks. 1.9million customers of First Direct, a popular UK bank, will find it harder to pay money into their accounts after it announced it will axe a key service.
First Direct contacted customers to let them know they will no longer be able to use HSBC UK self-service machines to pay in cash. The bank has confirmed that this service will no longer be available from April 9 – in a brutal blow.
First Direct is a telephone and internet-based bank so it does not have any branches but customers can visit an HSBC branch to access in-person banking services. The change means customers face being forced to wait in queues to speak to someone at the counter.
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Customers will still be able to withdraw cash at an ATM or over the counter at an HSBC branch for free but will need to arrange to withdraw money via a counter ahead of time by calling 03 456 100 100, the bank has confirmed.
First Direct explains on its website: “The quickest and easiest way to pay in a cheque is by using our mobile app. To find out how to do this in the App, see our FAQs. Alternatively, you can post them to us or pop into any HSBC branch or Post Office.
“You can also pay in cash at an HSBC Full Service Branch, Cash Service Branch, Banking Hubs or at the Post Office. You won’t be able to use the self-service paying in machines. Find out more about how to pay in a cheque or pay in cash.”
It adds: “We don’t have branches – but our friends over at HSBC do. So if you need to pay in cheques, you can drop into your local branch. You can pay in at the counter or you can use the cheque deposit machine by inputting your sort code and account number onto the keypad.”