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first direct: Current account reviews

4.70
Based on 1,494 reviews, last reviewed 16th Aug 2026
90% decrease in 5 star reviews
in the past 90 days
No new 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

Excellent service, good app, very reliable Been with First Direct for over 30 years. We now bank with them online but occasionally still need to talk to them by phone and they’re always quick t... Read more Reviewed on: 16th August 2026
Sunshine 's avatar
Sunshine

Latest lowest rating:

1

Stranded Abroad With 2 Young Kids. I switched from NatWest to First Direct. I regret it. I moved an account from NatWest to First Direct partly because of its reputation for customer s... Read more Reviewed on: 10th August 2026
Azhar H's avatar
Azhar H

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 (1494)

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

Progressive innovative modern easy to use app

5
Progressive innovative modern easy to use app Reviewed on: 18th February 2024

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