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first direct: Current account reviews

4.70
Based on 1,495 reviews, last reviewed 19th Aug 2026
88% 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

You can talk to a human on the phone A human is available without talking to a bot for 20mins, they are in the UK with good English. Reviewed on: 19th August 2026
Helen R's avatar
Helen R

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.

first direct Current account reviews (1495)

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

Stress-free

5
Never any problems, customer service excellent when required, app is useful and easy to navigate. Reviewed on: 31st January 2023

First class

5
Been with them for over thirty years and never found any reason at all to want to move. Excellent Reviewed on: 31st January 2023

Excellent

5
Very reliable service and good interest rate Reviewed on: 29th January 2023

Easy online services and transparency

5
They’ve been a great bank for me. I’ve not needed to visit branches before due to all of their useful services being provided in a digital format that is user friendly. The rates of interest on savings aren’t very good but that is generally the climate I believe. Reviewed on: 29th January 2023

Lack Luster

1
No online app facility to request overdraft increase. Spent 40mins on the phone (whilst working) with 4 separate agents to go through the process of being reviewed only to be told i would have to await a notification on the decision within a further 48hours. In comparison to whom my partner banks with (i wont name as i am not here to promote), they have a straight forward online app request function that provides an immediate answer. Nothing against each of the agents i spoke with as they provided the best customer service they could. Unfortunately this is let down by the overall process itself taking far too long. Reviewed on: 27th January 2023

Excellent customer service

5
Banked with First Direct for many years and cannot fault them for customer service Reviewed on: 19th January 2023

First Direct

5
Amazing customer service and easy to use app Reviewed on: 19th January 2023

Always patient, helpful and professional

5
Always there at the end of a phone when needed. They’ve really earned my loyalty Reviewed on: 18th January 2023

A1 customer service

5
Been with them for over a decade - and in the few times I have needed to contact them they have been swift and clear and above all very helpful Reviewed on: 18th January 2023

Accessible

4
I have been with First Direct for a long time and I would have given them 5 stars and 10 out of 10, however they are pushing me to the App. I was happy with the website log in and don’t like Apps, so I may have to switch banks now. Reviewed on: 16th January 2023

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