12 March 2020
first direct has announced a package of support for customers as they tackle the financial impact of Covid-19.
For customers in financial difficulty, this could include:
· Early access to fixed rate savings accounts by waiving the £100 fee.
· Support for customers with unsecured debt through reduced payments or breathing space to defer payments due, tailored to individual customer need.
· The option to apply for an increase in credit card and overdraft limits.
· The opportunity to apply to extend the remaining term of their mortgage or switch their rate.
Customers who wish to discuss their financial situation can visit the Help section our website (https://www1.firstdirect.com/help/useful-information/financial-management/)
Anna MacFarlane, Commercial Director at first direct, said: “We know some of our customers will be affected financially by Covid-19.To help our customers who need some support we have a range of measures to help them through these uncertain times.”
HSBC UK (which owns first direct) is working closely with the Government and UK Finance to identify emerging issues and make sure customers and businesses have the advice and support they need.
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For further information please email Ben Marquand at ben.marquand@firstdirect.com or call 0113 2766700.
Notes to Editors:
About first direct
first direct provides mobile banking, online and telephone services to its 1.5m customers and offers a full range of personal banking products including its multi-award winning current account and mortgages. It’s been recognised as being a pioneer of amazing customer service by numerous independent third parties including The Competition and Markets Authority, Which?, Moneywise, Moneyfacts and Moneysavingexpert.com. As well as its Facebook page, first direct uses social media to engage with customers through LinkedIn Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first], YouTube Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] and Twitter.