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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

The epitome of what a bank should be

5
Easy banking via mobile, phone, and online. A bank that truly believes in providing for its customers. They have responded to the current situation by helping their customers. Reviewed on: 10th January 2023

super

5
Gerat account, only criticism the app is not really offering all it should, other members of the same banking groups apps are better Reviewed on: 10th January 2023

Good customer service

4
Excellent customer service always putting the customer first. Excellent ap too which does just about everything. Reviewed on: 10th January 2023

Poor safeguarding and customer care

1
Waiting 17 months for a bank card. Waiting 8 months for POA to be recognised and still waiting. Bank have now locked the account of a disabled vulnerable person who has cognitive disabilities and is unable to verify her account. There is no safeguarding in place to prevent this from happening. We have been trying to sort this out for over 2 hours on the telephone. Line managers don’t take phone calls apparently and to make a formal complaint you have to first go to customer care (ironic title for a bank who thinks it’s ok to do this to people). Reviewed on: 20th December 2022

Great phone service but lagging behind on App

4
The service is very professional and helpful - but I cannot do simple things like have automatic categorisation of spend in the app - which puts it well below other more modern banking services. It feels like a very nice brand to be with, but I wonder what we are missing out on. Reviewed on: 17th October 2022

Excellent company

5
I have been with First direct for over 25 years and they have been excellent when I have needed them Reviewed on: 14th October 2022

Easy to use and helpful

5
Always helpful over the phone to resolve any issues Reviewed on: 27th September 2022

The only online bank you need

5
I can't praise First Direct enough. I've used them since they began, so for 33 years! Their systems are so slick and easy to use and their customer service is outstanding. Reviewed on: 13th September 2022

Totally reliable

5
Excellent choice of ways to contact any day , any time. I like online for most transactions but can talk to a real person easily. Reviewed on: 3rd September 2022

Been a customer from about day 3 of First Direct

5
Customer Service is amazing - friendly but clear, online services also easy to use. Highly recommend Reviewed on: 30th August 2022

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