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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

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

Very happy

5
Excellent customer service, the app works well, clear emails, yet to discover any hidden fees. To be honest, First Direct has provided me with the best customer service of any company that I have dealt with here in the UK. Reviewed on: 3rd April 2022

Always there for you

5
Great service, I've been with them for years. I had a couple of problems with non receipt of goods I'd ordered and they refunded me immediately. Reviewed on: 3rd April 2022

Good telephone banking service

4
The callcenter staff are knowledgeable and= helpful. Sometimes there is a bit of a call waiting time. Reviewed on: 3rd April 2022

Amazing customer service

5
I've had very little reason to contact First Direct in the past, because the service is so excellent, however when I have spoken to anyone they have always been very helpful and friendly. I would not bank with anyone else now. Reviewed on: 3rd April 2022

All good. No problems. No quibbles

5
I switched to first direct from Halifax and have had no problems or difficulties at all. Reviewed on: 3rd April 2022

It's just so easy to bank with them

5
There is nothing better than calling your bank and getting through to a real person within seconds, no press this number for this or that number for that. Real people ready to help straightaway Reviewed on: 3rd April 2022

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