Current Accounts

From Seller

Account Charges

Good Points

Used to be a good banking service.

Bad Points

1. Clearly trying to get rid of all low-income customers.

2. Gouging existing customers -- see below.

General Comments

I have just received my monthly statement. For each of the five days on which I exceeded my overdraft limit, first direct has charged me £25. Total charge: £125 Plus, of course, there's the debit interest -- just over £8. How can this have any relation to the costs that first direct have incurred in servicing my overdraft???

I joined first direct 15-20 years ago, because I was so upset about Nat West charging me around £30 twice for sending me a letter to tell me I was overdrawn.

But this is far worse. Not just is the sum significantly larger, but first direct haven't been sending me a letter each time I exceed my limit. Instead, they accumulate the charges and tell you the total at the end of the month.

I hope that customers desert first direct in their thousands. Can anyone suggest an alternative bank with online and telephone banking?

• See 28th April 2008