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first direct: Current Account reviews

4.68
Based on 1,344 reviews, last reviewed 23rd Apr 2025
800% increase in 5 star reviews
in the past 90 days
100% increase in 1 star reviews
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Latest highest rating:

5

Does what it says on the tin. Does what it says on the tin. Excellent and easy to use App and excellent customer service. Reviewed on: 18th April 2025
Vicki K's avatar
Vicki K

Latest lowest rating:

1

Rejected for being unemployed Applied for current account for the £175 switching bonus - application rejected because I am unemployed - disgusting! Reviewed on: 23rd April 2025
James's avatar
James

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 (1344)

Fully deserve their excellent reputation

5
Have been with this bank for years, long before they became so well known for excellent customer service, also long before I became computerised. Now, although I do most things online, it is still a pleasure on the occasions I need to phone them because they are so friendly and pleasant, as well as efficient and helpful. Started with one 1st Account, but now have 3 different savings accounts with them as well. Long may they continue. Reviewed on: 23rd April 2015

Great customer service

5
Very good customer service, willing to listen and do their best for you. Very refreshing! Transferring my account was very smooth and I was informed throughout the process. Would definitely recommend based on my experience so far. Am likely to remain a customer for some time at this rate. Reviewed on: 21st April 2015

Really liked it at first.

3
Really liked it at first and still do. Just don't like the big account fees that come along with it. If I was going on a long trip I would for sure use it. Or if I were older I would have used it a lot more. Like the fact they do give you a different option choice. My husband and I Loved that. I do love the interest rates though those were something I could have dealt with. Would love to see them come up with a bit more. Or maybe a package plan would be a great idea. Reviewed on: 14th April 2015

Unparalleled levels of service

5
A really solid bank account which doesn't feel like a bank, but more like a partner which works with me to manage my finances and help me plan for my goals. Reviewed on: 3rd March 2015

Can't shout loud enough about them

5
I can't agree more with the other reviews on here. An amazing company to deal with - highly recommended Reviewed on: 21st February 2015

Came for the money, stayed for the service.

5
To be honest, I first switched to First Direct because of their £125 switching bonus. Being a broke student, this sounded great. Even better was that if they were worse than my already crummy bank, I'd get another £125. Win-win. Turned out I did even better than the second £125 by staying. Although they don't have the face-to-face availability of some banks, their phone service is superb, not to mention their products. You get to speak to a real person, in England, who is knowledgeable about what they have and how it works for you and, wait for it, helpful! It's so refreshing to have a bank that generally seems to recognise its customers are human beings and treats them that way. For example, when I lost money in a cashpoint, they were incredibly responsive and restored the balance to my account straightaway recognising that every little bit counts. I'd definitely recommend them, with or without the £125. Reviewed on: 7th February 2015

Superb phone banking service!

5
I started banking with First Direct in 1990 because at the time they were offering something a bit different and something a bit more modern than the high street banks. Over 20 years later I still bank with them and I still consider them as one of the best service providers that I interact with on a regular basis. On the very odd occasion when something has gone wrong they have been honest about it and quick to act. I like that they care about customer retention. Reviewed on: 5th February 2015

Been with them from the start - best customer service ever - most unbank-like!

5
I have used First Direct from their very early days, and have had the best customer service from them - I'm no bank lover, but First Direct make me feel like they actually try that extra bit harder to keep you happy. I don't use their web service as I prefer to speak to a real person, and their UK based staff are helpful, friendly and knowledgable - EVERY time. Totally recommended. Reviewed on: 26th January 2015

first direct employ amazing staff, their people make phoning the bank more of a pleasure and less of a chore

5
First direct have won my vote due to how well they look after their customers! I recently joined and they've taken care of me as a friend, rather than a customer. They really make you feel as if you can trust them... And I do! Reviewed on: 24th January 2015

Customer focused bank that makes sure you are not being defrauded.

5
I love the 24/7 365 day access this account and this bank give you. I've called them at 11:30pm on Christmas Eve to check something in my account before and always find the staff friendly and helpful. Another great thing about this bank is their attention to your account and the way you use it. They've blocked purchases from my account before because they were unusual and I've had to call them to authorise the payment. Some people would find this annoying but I don't because I have a friend who's had a lot of money taken from her account fraudulently - if her bank had blocked the withdrawals, it wouldn't have happened. Reviewed on: 14th January 2015

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