Smart Money People Logo

first direct: Current Account reviews

4.72
Based on 1,443 reviews, last reviewed 24th Mar 2026
7900% 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

Excellent and Efficient with Friendly Customer Service First Direct is an Excellent online bank, and so easy to make all transactions with using the Banking App, so quick to check all payments going in and... Read more Reviewed on: 24th March 2026
David Jones's avatar
David Jones

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 (1443)

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

Absolutely useless

1
Lied to, messed about. Given an account via their online process but can't open joint account online. Then lied to about changing it to a joint account and doing the application over the phone with the most condescending and patronising person I have ever dealt with we were told we can't have a joint account because you are a business, which we are not. They clearly have useless processes, very unprofessional staff and are just unbelievably bad Reviewed on: 13th March 2023

easy banking

4
Opened a new account and used their switching service and all went smoothly. First few weeks of banking have been super easy. banking at my fingertips Reviewed on: 11th March 2023

Excellent customer service

5
I made a switch to first direct in November, taking advantage of the reward for switching. Sign up was easy, and although there was an issue with verifying my address due to the house having a name in some places and just the house number in others, I was able to call up, speak to an adviser very quickly and sort this out. The app is easy to use and although there is no branch to walk into to get things sorted, I feel like phoning up isn't an issue as I don't need to wait in a queue for ages to speak to someone. Really pleased I made the switch and they automatically sorted out the transfers of my direct debits etc. I have had a great experience and it was well worth the switch. One happy customer right here. Reviewed on: 11th March 2023

Easy to use and helpful

5
I have been banking with First Direct for a number of years, over 20, and always found them helpful in opening other accounts such as savings. If overdrafts are required they are also amenable. Reviewed on: 11th March 2023

Great service

5
Great service via call centre. No fees. Reviewed on: 10th March 2023

Great incentive bonus when switching

5
Switched from Santander due to the £175 incentive bonus, which arrived really quickly within 2 weeks of the account opening. Everything transferred smoothly and the app is a lot better. Highly recommend. Reviewed on: 10th March 2023

Great customer service, and app

5
It just works. Top marks for customer service; ease of use and the app. Reviewed on: 10th March 2023

Since 1993 and still the number 1

5
It’s been 30 years since I joined the First Direct revolution in banking and it’s exactly that. The unrivalled level of service has continually outstripped any other banks I have used and there’s been a few. Always they’re always helpful alway ready to go that one step further. Truly 24/7 banking since 93 - they are so good I would have bought the company if I had the money!! Reviewed on: 10th March 2023

Good but service has deteriorated in recent years

4
Have held a first direct account for over 27 years. Still good but service not as good in former years. Time to answer phone much longer. Poor interest rates except on regular savers account. Reviewed on: 10th March 2023

Best online bank for me

5
I have been banking with first direct for a very long time now, and I see no need to change that. I really like their clear and straightforward communication. The online interface is very user-friendly, and I can quickly apply for other financial products. My statements are easily accessible, and I can download them onto my computer, thus saving paper and the environment. Whenever I have had interaction with first direct staff, they have been very helpful. And I like that I can contact them out of regular working hours. Reviewed on: 10th March 2023