So a lot for phone banking! First Direct axes its textual content alert system

First Direct is doing away with its text message banking service, it has told account holders in an email seen by This is Money.

The bank, which has never had branches,  said its text message service will end on 10 August, meaning that First Direct customers will need to use its app or online service in order to check balances.

First Direct launched in 1989 as a telephone-only bank and has provided a text message service for 25 years. 

The changes mean that monthly and weekly mini-bank statements will no longer be sent to those who have opted in with the service. 

The existing service allows customers to view their statement each week along with five recent transactions without needing to log in to their online banking account.

Currently, First Direct also offers account balance alerts when your balance falls below a certain amount or goes above a certain amount, as well as alerts when lump sums leave or enter an account. These will also stop. 

The bank said: ‘These days, you can get much more detailed and up-to-date information, just by logging on to our app and online banking.

‘There are lots of other ways for you to keep up-to-date. Our app gives you access to your balance(s) and statements 24/7 and also has push notification alerts to tell you when payments go in and out of your account.’

According to the bank, it will still use automated text messages for some reasons, such as if you go overdrawn on your account, or if the Bank of England base rate changes and you have a mortgage account.

First Direct, while branchless, has a smartphone app, as well as online banking services.

The bank also has a telephone banking service that can be accessed by calling a designated phone line.

However, the change could prove an issue for those who with no internet or smartphone access, forcing them to call the bank in order to see their statement, rather than receiving a weekly update, especially in an age in which paper statements are seldom sent. 

Some banks, such as Nationwide and Royal Bank of Scotland still offer text message updates for mini statements and balances. 

Others such as Lloyds offer text message updates only for overdraft warnings and in situations such as when fraud is expected.

First Direct customers can use HSBC branches in order to pay in or withdraw cash, but only over the counter, or can use Post Office branches.

First Direct has been asked for comment – including how many people are signed up to text alerts – and at the time of publication, not responded.