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first direct: Current Account reviews

4.68
Based on 1,358 reviews, last reviewed 29th Oct 2025
100% decrease in 5 star reviews
in the past 90 days
100% increase in 1 star reviews
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Latest highest rating:

5

Very generous 0% overdraft, great to bank with My partner had First Direct before I did and encouraged me to get it. Have been with them for 3 years am so happy I switched! Very generous 0% overdra... Read more Reviewed on: 15th September 2025
Rachel O'Neill's avatar
Rachel O'Neill

Latest lowest rating:

1

I have been a customer of First Direct for 34 years... I have been a customer of First Direct for 34 years so I know this bank very well For 33 years I often recommended it to friends but this past year th... Read more Reviewed on: 29th October 2025
Martin S's avatar
Martin S

About this product

The first direct 1st Account is a current account that can be opened in minutes.

If you’re eligible, you can get an interest free overdraft of £250. You won’t be charged debit card fees when spending abroad. If approved for an account, you’ll get a virtual card you can use straight away.

first direct 1st Account reviews help you find out what it’s really like to be a customer. If you’ve used first direct before, you can also leave a review and share your experience.

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first direct Current Account reviews (1358)

The Christmas Day Call

5
I called you every year, on Christmas Day You always answered within three rings And, I fabricated an excuse; I'm phoning because I want a balance, a transfer, but really? I just wanted to say - HI! You are working today! And, I'm sorry, and Merry Christmas, faceless First Direct call handler. For the first few years, I felt smug, as if I had done something worthwhile. But, my partner remarked - What if they are having fun, in the office, with champagne and crackers, and silly hats, and then all of a sudden, a solitary caller comes on the line, and wants them to work? What if you make them sigh, and adjust their paper crown, to log on to your account? Stop doing this. Stop. And so, now when I call, I go through the usual details, and you catch me when I'm overdrawn, and catch others when they use my funds, and we are still getting along very well, and yes, you are my preferred firm, and I do like conversing with Gill from Glasgow, but- I will not call you on Christmas day, this year. It's not that I don't value you, or feel that you are not worthy of my festive wishes, but just on the off-chance my call lights up, and you are part-way between charades and champagne, and curse, I will not be that person, again. Reviewed on: 15th February 2016

Great service

5
Great service on a day to day basis from always helpful staff Reviewed on: 14th February 2016

Good customer service, shame no branches.

3
First Direct are brilliant when it comes to time taken to answer calls and their operators are always helpful and friendly. However having to trail into the nearest city to pay in money is a bit of a drag, I wish they had more branches! Reviewed on: 14th February 2016

First Class Direct Access

5
Online experience both via Web and mobile app is excellent with rapid response, clear navigation and messaging as required (eg when dipping into overdraft). Reviewed on: 14th February 2016

first account amazing

5
does what you want it to do. can't say anymore than that Reviewed on: 13th February 2016

Brilliant if you don't need a branch

5
Never had any issues, no long queues when I've rung and they give a £250 interest free overdraft. They have been fantastic and very helpful on the odd occasion I have had to ring and the staff are always lovely and friendly. Reviewed on: 13th February 2016

great online service

5
I love the messaging system being able to leave a message for an advisor and they answer you very quickly saving long waits on the phone. The customer service is second to none. Reviewed on: 12th February 2016

Top notch customer service

5
I have only had a few reasons to contact First Direct (suspected fraud on my account and being unable to access the app). The staff were brilliant and efficient. Couldn't ask for better service. I have recommended First Direct to friends. Reviewed on: 12th February 2016

Not updated enough. No "available balance" shown so can go overdrawn easily

2
The 1st Account doesn't show an available balance which shows how much money you have available to spend once they have taken into account recent spends or pending direct debits. This means that your balance is almost never correct, and means that you can easily go overdrawn. For example, I had £XX amount in my bank and spent £500. For the next 3 working day (until the £500 left my bank and settled) my bank balance shows the original amount without the £500 deducted. Reviewed on: 12th February 2016

The best bank in the country

5
Always great customer service, helpful, friendly and make you feel valued as a customer. Reviewed on: 12th February 2016

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