Switching your Account to First Trust Bank

Published Date 5th November 2007

There are many good reasons to bank with First Trust Bank. For starters there is our experienced, friendly staff and dedicated sector teams who are always ready to offer advice on any of our services. There are also the added benefits of being part of AIB Group, Ireland's leading banking and financial services organisation. AIB Group operates principally in Ireland, Britain, Poland and the USA, employing more than 22,000 people worldwide in more than 750 offices.

Benefits of banking with First Trust Bank:

• Over 55 branches in Northern Ireland Giving you access to dedicated staff nationwide.

• A comprehensive range of business and personal cards available Giving you access to your money and a secure way to purchase goods no matter where you are in the world.

• Over 2,000 ATMs in Ireland and access to Access to 300,000 worldwide Access to cash when and where you need it - at home or abroad.

• Easy account access and funds transfer iBusiness Banking is the internet business service from First Trust Bank. It offers your business secure internet banking and a comprehensive cash management solution to assist you in managing your business finances.

• Facilitating your everyday banking needs Access to a range of competitive business and personal finance products.

We have a series of steps designed to make the transition go as smoothly and hassle free for you as possible. We have outlined these steps in an easy to follow format, so you get a clear picture of exactly what is involved: what your old bank, your new bank and you have to do.

A step-by-step guide to switching your account to First Trust Bank

• Switching to First Trust Bank is FREE - no set up charges for direct debits, standing orders etc. We will also refund any charges applied by your existing bank for switching your account to First Trust Bank.

• Select a time when there is least activity on your account.

• Keep an eye on both accounts until this process is completed.

• During the transfer make sure you have enough money in your new and old accounts to cover any transactions, fees and interest due.

• Do not use your old cards or chequebook once the transfer process has started.

Step 1

• Tell us you want to switch bank accounts and when you would like to do this.
• We will ask you to give us account details of your existing account and to sign Account Switching forms.  We will complete the forms for you - you just have to sign.

Step 2 

• We will provide a dedicated member of staff to help you through this process, who will give you your new bank account details and any information you need about First Trust Bank.
• We will send the account switching form to your old bank and they will send a list of standing orders and direct debits.
• We will then set up your standing orders and direct debits on your account within three working days.
• We will contact your previous bank within two days to arrange the transfer of any credit balance.
• We will order any new bankcards for you and a chequebook if you need one.
• We will set you up on Internet Business Banking.

Step 3

• Your old bank must transfer your account within five days of receiving the Account Switching form.

• Once your application goes through your account will be fully operational.

What I need to do:

To switch your account to First Trust Bank, simply:

Contact one of our branches or phone (028) 9047 9794.

If you decide to switch your account from First Trust bank, we will ensure the account transfer is smooth and as quick as possible.

Switching your account from First Trust Bank

If you request to switch from First Trust Bank, we will:

• Supply your new bank with details of existing standing orders and direct debits within two working days.
• Transfer any credit balance to your new bank by the end of the third working day.
• Close your First Trust account by the end of the fourth working day, providing there are no outstanding items or secured overdraft.

We always endeavour to meet the above requirements as we try to ensure the account transfer is quick and convenient.

If you experience any problems with the account transfer process please let us know by writing to:

Account Switching
Business Banking
PO Box 123
First Trust Bank
First Trust Centre
92 Ann St
Belfast
BT1 3AY

 

Back to top