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first direct: Current Account reviews

4.71
Based on 1,427 reviews, last reviewed 23rd Mar 2026
6400% increase 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

First Direct don't patronise the customer base with... First Direct don't patronise the customer base with chintzy, photos. So the website is good. Current account is excellent. Use of account abroad i... Read more Reviewed on: 23rd March 2026
SP Hopper's avatar
SP Hopper

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.

first direct Current Account reviews (1427)

Review of the first direct, Current Account:

Simple but effective

4
Although they lack high street locations they have the best customer service available and you can use the post office to pay in cheques etc Reviewed on: 22nd November 2019

Customer service is brilliant as is their app.

5
Customer service is brilliant as is their app. Reviewed on: 26th February 2024

Best Bank

5
I have been with First Direct since it opened. Excellent bank, 24hrs 7 days a week.- always avaialble. Reviewed on: 26th February 2024

Of all the big banks this one is best

5
I’ve had current accounts with all the BIG banks and can honestly say First Direct is the one that’s easiest to interact with from a customer experience perspective. Accessible, friendly and straightforward banking. Reviewed on: 24th February 2024

First Direct was great, sadly no longer

3
First Direct used to be great however it's not kept up and is more like just a fairly average online bank. You can't invest in HSBC funds - only share dealing. They don't listen to customer requests or feedback - savings pots were asked years before the challenger banks but still aren't available. Fewer people use telephone customer services and you can use HSBC branches if there's still one available locally. Current accounts still don't receive interest or cashback on purchases or bill payments. First Direct no longer seem to be interested in being innovative or standing out from the feet dragging traditional banks. Reviewed on: 23rd February 2024

Great customer service based in the UK

5
Great customer service based in the UK Reviewed on: 22nd February 2024

Helpful and straightforward

5
Always there with helpful advice and they fix things if there is a problem. Good mortgages. Takes the time to get it right. Reviewed on: 21st February 2024

Great service!

5
I have been with first direct a number of months now and it has been a great experience. Using the current account switch service was seamless and the contact with first direct was great. When I have had to contact them for customer service enquiries, these have been easily solved via their chat feature on the app. Reviewed on: 20th February 2024

Great rates, practical features

5
I used the switch service to open my First Direct account, so I could access the 7% regular saver account - the best rate I’ve seen for ages. I got a cheque shortly afterwards and found that none of the challenger banks I used could process a cheque in the app, and I’d have to post it off. Luckily, First Direct have a great feature for processing scans of cheques in app, and it had cleared within 2 working days. I was super glad I’d opened the account! Reviewed on: 19th February 2024

Superb customer service.

5
Superb customer service. Always someone to talk to on the phone and so so friendly and efficient. Never been fobbed off - they really deserve to win! Reviewed on: 19th February 2024

Amazing customer service.

5
Amazing customer service. Easy app to use Reviewed on: 18th February 2024

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