Smart Money People Logo

first direct: Current Account reviews

4.69
Based on 1,357 reviews, last reviewed 15th Sep 2025
88% decrease in 5 star reviews
in the past 90 days
100% decrease in 1 star reviews
in the past 90 days
See only 5 star reviews
85%
See only 4 star reviews
9%
See only 3 star reviews
2%
See only 2 star reviews
1%
See only 1 star reviews
3%

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

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.

first direct Current Account reviews (1357)

Review of the first direct, Current Account:

Quick Service

4
Fast response to any issues and helpful at sorting things out quickly. Reviewed on: 25th May 2024

Great Bank,.First Class Service

5
Have been with First Direct for over 15 years, always helpful, friendly & knowledgeable. Hassle free banking Reviewed on: 5th September 2023

Utterley Useless

1
I set up an account recently and then attempted to switch from my old co op account. Impossible! First of all when I tried to convert my account from sole to joint I was told 'no problem we can do it over the phone' and then when attempting this I was told we have to set up a whole new account jointly. Life's too short. A week later I tried again via the app which said to call if I want to switch from my joint account with co op to sole acc with FD. NOOO can't do that either. So realising they are as useless as my previous bank I told them to close account as I now have no intention of using them. Of course they said they couldn't do that either. You really couldn't make it up! So don't be fooled by these 'best bank' reviews. They really are completely useless. I'll stick with Co op. That's how bad First Direct are. Goodbye. Reviewed on: 30th August 2023

Still the best

5
Still the best bank out there for customer service, especially answering the phone compared with other banks. Will never leave them. Reviewed on: 14th August 2023

Good service

5
I have had an account with first direct for over 20 years with no complaints over their service. Reviewed on: 13th August 2023

Couldn't sign up

1
I went through all the sign process the told to sign in, tried and tried but it said wrong credentials? Eventually it told me I have to call. If its this much faffing to just register I hate to think what it's like if there's an real issue. Based on this experience, I'll pass on First direct and stay put. Reviewed on: 6th August 2023

Brilliant bank

5
Everything you need in a bank, and so good customer service. Reviewed on: 4th August 2023

Great Service

4
After recently switching to the First Direct First Account, I have experienced great service. If I had a query, I have phoned up and they have been very polite and willing to help in any way possible. Also, they provide a generous switching benefit of £175. Reviewed on: 30th July 2023

Switching was really easy

5
I switched to First Direct a few months ago and the hole process was really smooth and easy. First Direct have been great so far. The other products I've been offered now I'm a customer, such as saving and interest free credit card, have been great also. Reviewed on: 14th July 2023

Great bank

5
Great customer service, reliable app Reviewed on: 3rd July 2023

Refused to help a deaf customer

2
We have been happy with FD for a few years, but yesterday and today has changed my opinion. My husband is profoundly deaf and when I tried to call on his behalf, with him sitting next to me and happy to answer questions if I repeated them (lip reading), they refused to help. We didn’t want info, or any transactions, just to warn them that his computer may have been hacked, so could they keep an eye on his account. I asked if they could send a 3rd party mandate, (as other banks do), so that he could authorise me to speak on his behalf, but they told me he needed to give me Power of Attorney!! Not only did they not help, they told me they were blocking his account as my call and his inability to get through security had compromised it. We were told to go into the City today with ID, phone, cards etc to an HSBC branch to validate his identity, then call again. We did that today and after validating his ID I called from the branch phone line. They kept me on the phone for over 50 minutes and still refused to discuss anything unless he could talk on the phone. They suggested a 3rd party text relay service and offered to send a form to us, but said they were leaving his account blocked until they could talk to him on the phone!! We came home and switched both of our accounts to another bank! I am disgusted at the lack of support, understanding and accessibility. We are both so upset. We wasted hours, paid for parking and fuel and all for nothing. We will never use First Direct again. Reviewed on: 29th June 2023

Do you have a different first direct product?

Share your experiences with products to help others make smarter financial decisions and learn more about different products available. Write a review

Want to see more from first direct?

    View all products