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first direct: Current account reviews

Name: Current account
Rating: 4.74 (1494 reviews)

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4.74

Based on 1,494 reviews, last reviewed 18th Jun 2026

5% decrease in 5 star reviews

in the past 90 days

100% increase in 1 star reviews

in the past 90 days

85%

Latest highest rating:

5

Very friendly and helpful staff Whenever I have had trouble logging into my account or other issues in regards to my account, the staff are always very friendly and helpful. The are... Read more Reviewed on: 18th June 2026

Latest lowest rating:

1

1 star is far too generous. 1 star is far too generous. First Direct sent an email asking me to provide another review even though i have been waiting for a working PIN since Fe... Read more Reviewed on: 8th May 2026

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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.

first direct Current account reviews (1494)

Review of the first direct, Current account:

Quick Service

Fast response to any issues and helpful at sorting things out quickly. Reviewed on: 25th May 2024

Best bank I've dealt with

Switched to first direct at the beginning of 2015 due to a £125 switch incentive. The Switch was simple, and despite being a little put off initially by the fact that they are online/phone only, found their customer service to be top notch whenever I've had to call them. Any branch services (e.g paying in cheques) can be done in a branch of HSBC, which can be a little problematic in Scotland as they are few and far between. I bank online a lot and I must say that the security to log on to online banking seems very thorough (if a little over-complicated), but I am not a massive fan of the phone app, it seems a little fussy and messy in comparison to Bank of Scotland which i used previously. Overall though I would recommend them to anybody. Reviewed on: 29th August 2015

brilliant

held account for several years. No problems and very easy to deal with if you do ever have to phone Reviewed on: 27th August 2015

The No1 Bank that gives great service

If you want an account from a bank that looks after its customers,First Direct is a good choice.First Direct is always at or near the top in terms of customer experience especially on MSE. Of the few times i have needed to contact the bank via its call centres i have always been satisfied without being passed around various departments that i was used to with other banks. Reviewed on: 26th August 2015

Good current account with great customer service

I switched to First Direct after hearing about their £125 joining incentive. I was accepted for the account and the switch went through smoothly. At various points during the switch I needed to phone First Direct's customer service line and I found their call center staff to be really helpful and friendly. The joining incentive was paid quickly and I also signed up for a 6% regular saver which is linked to the current account - this is the best I have seen on the market. Overall a very positive experience! Reviewed on: 25th August 2015

Great product, great service

I switched to First Direct purely for their offer of £125 for switching current accounts. I had seen this advertised in a few places, and thought it seemed worth the trouble of switching accounts. The process to switch was very straightforward, and they moved all my direct debits etc across no problems. When they sent me all the documents for the account, I had a couple of questions, so I thought I would call them to get my answers. The phone was answered very quickly by a real person in the UK, who was able to answer my questions straight away. I was really impressed I didn't have to sit on hold for ages. A few weeks later I got my £125 for switching. One benefit for me is that the account gives you access to a 6% regular saver account, so that you can put money away each month and get a better than average return on the savings. I haven't used the overdraft at all, so I couldn't comment on the cost of this and whether it is good or not. The other feature I have used is the online messaging service when I have had questions, and they have always replied within 48 hours with a comprehensive answer to my question. The customer service really makes them stand out for me, and I would recommend them. Reviewed on: 25th August 2015

Superb Service

Switched from HSBC to FD and even got the bonus. Service has been exceptional throughout and up to the reviews found on the net. Very friendly phone contact every time and although I needed to set up a number of different passwords, even changing them when I forgot was possible while still secure. My questions where answered every time and additional documents sent straight away. Can only recommend FD so far. Reviewed on: 18th August 2015

I wouldn't leave them for anything

I have been with First Direct since shortly after they started, as an offshoot of the then Midland Bank. Initially it was a matter of telephone banking, but it wasn't long before I could manage my accounts online, and since then I have never looked back. Their customer service and call centre are second to none; their Regular Savings Account (open only to current account holders) offers a superb 6% interest; and although I use Santander's 123 account as a savings account for better interest on lump sums, no offer could tempt me to leave First Direct as my primary bank. Reviewed on: 12th August 2015

First for service

Great service yet again from First Direct. I had to wait less than 30 sec for my call to be picked-up and the personal on the other side was really really friendly and helpful. Reviewed on: 16th July 2015

Can't fault it!

I have never had any issues with this bank at all. In fact, they call me to tell me when something is going wrong! No pressing buttons to get to speak to someone. Always answer after 2 rings. Really can't fault them, a breath of fresh air after banking with Santander for 10 years! Reviewed on: 29th April 2015

Fully deserve their excellent reputation

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

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