Smart Money People Logo

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

Cannot transfer money after 6pm

2
Can’t transfer money after 6pm - something I have never experienced with other banks. Too many security questions to setup app- also 2 passwords for the account which is tedious. The first direct is so far behind the competition in terms of features, including the new challenger banks, that is is almost embarrassing. It’s so barebones you would think you have a limit on your account. Customer service is good, but I’ve contacted them 4 times since I had the account for 2 weeks - which is more than I contacted my previous bank in 2 years. The fact that you need to contact support to change a standing order for the linked savings account monthly payment is also ridiculous. I lasted 3 working days post switch completion and realising the 6pm limit after contacting support before switching back to my previous bank. Really not worth the limitations, which is a shame as they some how rank high in terms of customer satisfaction and app ratings - the LBG companies apps are scores better than FirstDirect. Would absolutely not recommend other than for switching incentives - but even then I would avoid. Reviewed on: 31st May 2023

A rating of 1 becasue 0 isnt an option.

1
The systems with online banking are difficult and quite frankly not fit for purpose. The staff on the phoneline are rude and unhelpful. The complaints team are full of platitudes and really could not care about your concerns. I would recommend that anyone looking for a bank avoids first direct. Reviewed on: 28th April 2023

Money Recovery

5
I'm grateful for recover coin and his team for bringing back my lost money. I invested $65,000 worth of coins with Coin-Flip 6 months ago but they ripped me off the return of investment and the investment capital as well. Recovercoin AT rescueteam DOT com are the best when it comes to bitcoin and money recovery. They were able to recover my stolen coin, and it was helpful. You can easily reach them via Email: ([email protected]) Reviewed on: 18th April 2023

Setting up a paye

5
I setup a payment to my Santander ISA. Not only was it easy the call handler David made sure that I was not a "SCAM". So I am sure that my money is safe in their hands. THANK YOU. Reviewed on: 12th April 2023

Wouldnt go anywhere else

5
First direct is now my main bank after banking with both HSBC and Halifax and it’s head and shoulders above the rest of the banking world. The app is easy to navigate and the customer service is the best around, with quick and thorough replies! Reviewed on: 12th April 2023

They bring a human touch to banking

5
Best bank ever! Love their customer service and products Reviewed on: 11th April 2023

Great customer service

4
Customer service is always helpful and considerate. Reviewed on: 11th April 2023

Direct banking and more

5
Easy to open additional savings accounts. Customer services were there when needed them and they sorted out the issue. If your thing is security I doubt you'll find a better place for your data. Reviewed on: 11th April 2023

Better than legacy banks, still behind on challengers

4
Not had any issues and any time I have had to get in touch has been great customer service. I feel as though their model of having no branches is somewhat behind the challengers which are online only, given that a lot of things they do still require paper and post (even setting up a direct debit to pay theor own credit card) which is just bizarre. Other than that haven't any complaints. Reviewed on: 11th April 2023

Always there

5
I have been with this bank for many years now and although they have refused me for a loan or credit card,, as a bank account they have been great, they have spotted a few fraudulent items on my account and have helped without question when I queried transactions I didn't recognise, refunding me and sorting out any issues Reviewed on: 11th April 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