Paid advertisement
Smart Money People Logo
Newsletter

first direct: Current account reviews

4.74
Based on 1,494 reviews, last reviewed 18th Jun 2026
5% decrease in 5 star reviews
in the past 90 days
100% increase 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

Very friendly and helpful staff Whenever I have had trouble logging into my account or other issues in regards to my account, the staff are always very friendly and helpful. The are... Read more Reviewed on: 18th June 2026
Rob's avatar
Rob

Latest lowest rating:

1

1 star is far too generous. 1 star is far too generous. First Direct sent an email asking me to provide another review even though i have been waiting for a working PIN since Fe... Read more Reviewed on: 8th May 2026
Linda's avatar
Linda

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 (1494)

Review of the first direct, Current account:

Quick Service

4
Fast response to any issues and helpful at sorting things out quickly. Reviewed on: 25th May 2024

tried to apply for an account

1
Tried 4 times to apply for a current account online but every time got 'sorry technical error we have it recorded. No reason why. I suspect it was because i did not have a mobile to validate myself but.... Tried the number given online if the process fails - waited 15 minutes - no answer - obviously they didn't know i was a potential new customer. Tried a number for new customers - got put through to the mortgage department who started taking details about the account i don't have. Explained I was trying open an account He said he would give me the number for new accounts - he gave me the number i started off with - said there would be at least a 20 minute wait - good customer service!!!??? I surrendered - if this is the service for new accounts what is it like for existing customers? Another bank who cannot accommodate non-mobile users. Reviewed on: 3rd May 2022

Best current account

5
Best customer service of any bank's current account Reviewed on: 4th April 2022

Long standing Account

5
I have been with First Direct for over 20 years , nothing is ever too much bother, i always coming away very satisfied i have a bank i can trust 24 hours a day. Reviewed on: 4th April 2022

NO. 1 CUSTOMER SERVICE

5
EVERY TIME I NEED TO SPEAK TO ANYONE I GET EXCELLENT SERVICE. ALL THEIR REPRESENTATIVES ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THE CUSTOMER AND LISTEN BEFORE JUMPING IN. I CANNOT PRAISE THEM ENOUGH. Reviewed on: 4th April 2022

First class service

5
Prompt at answering the telephone with a friendly English-speaking operator, from the UK. Reviewed on: 4th April 2022

Really Easy To Use

5
Always really easy to use on line or by phone. Rarely have any issues but on the odd occasion there has been it was always sorted out quickly, correctly and with an apology Reviewed on: 4th April 2022

Amazing Customer Service, Limited Perks

4
Customer Service from First Direct is always spot on, probably the best out of all the banks. They also offer a £250 interest free overdraft which we rarely use but is a good piece of security if needed. Only downside is that they don’t offer any cashback or rewards by shopping at certain companies and you can only carry out in-person tasks at HSBC branches. Reviewed on: 4th April 2022

Great customer service but app needs improvement/!

5
Always received excellent customer service,however the app is often difficult to navigate and not user friendly. Reviewed on: 4th April 2022

Fantastic Service and good app

5
I switched to First Direct around 12 months ago. The switch was very straightforward and communications excellent. Very good online banking app. I have used the customer service helpline and received an excellent service. Reviewed on: 4th April 2022

Fab First Direct

5
I switched to First Direct 10 years ago and have never had a problem with them. The app is really simple and easy to use, I couldn’t recommend them enough. Reviewed on: 3rd April 2022