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first direct: Current account reviews

Name: Current account
Rating: 4.70 (1494 reviews)

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4.70

Based on 1,494 reviews, last reviewed 16th Aug 2026

90% decrease in 5 star reviews

in the past 90 days

No new 1 star reviews

in the past 90 days

85%

Latest highest rating:

5

Excellent service, good app, very reliable Been with First Direct for over 30 years. We now bank with them online but occasionally still need to talk to them by phone and they’re always quick t... Read more Reviewed on: 16th August 2026

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

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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.

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first direct Current account reviews (1494)

Not the revolutionary, fantastic system it was years ago

I have been with First Direct for over 25 years and, initially, was totally impressed with everything they do. They were revolutionary and I loved that about them. As the years went on I noticed that other banks were offering better deals and long-standing, loyal customers weren't seeing these benefits. I doggedly stayed with them, partly because I didn't want the hassle of moving accounts but, mostly because their UK-based telephone service was superb (lovely staff!) and their internet banking was quick and straightforward. Sadly, the changes they have made to their internet banking over the past few years have made quick and straightforward a thing of the past and, when I ring because I can't access my account online, I am waiting for an average 5 minutes before I get past the recorded messages to speak to a real, live person. When I mentioned this to one of the telephone staff I was told that all banks operate the same system now. This made me wonder, "Why am I staying with you then?". I am now in the process of switching my bank account and going to be paid for doing so. I shall be sad to leave First Direct but times have changed and, regrettably, my loyalty has counted for nothing. (The two stars awarded are because the staff are still lovely - as you long as you don't mind hanging on until you get through to them) Reviewed on: 19th July 2019

Best customer service

I only joined due to their incentive, and would have moved on to another but their service is so good ive stayed. Reviewed on: 1st July 2019

Fantastic, friendly service

I have had an account with First direct for around 6 Years now and have found the 1st account fits my needs perfectly. The account comes with a £250 fee free overdraft facility that takes away the worry of going slightly overdrawn and incurring fees. When I have called their Customer service department , I have always found them a pleasure to deal with and they deal with the enquiry promptly every time . Great account, excellent service. Reviewed on: 23rd June 2019

Excellent service

first direct offer a good reliable online banking service Reviewed on: 10th June 2019

simply the best

nice to speak to a uk based help line. First direct make banking so simple Reviewed on: 9th June 2019

Continued great customer service year after year

First Direct remain the easiest and most helpful bank to deal with. Reviewed on: 9th June 2019

Professional

Excellent customer service, very good product portfolio. Everything I need in banking. Reviewed on: 12th May 2019

The best account

I've been with first direct for years. They are without doubt the best bank to deal with. Their phone service if you ever need then is second to none. The app is very good and very clear. The back account is clear and provides everything you need. I would highly recommend first direct to anyone. I have encouraged several family members who have also moved to first direct and are also very happy. Reviewed on: 10th May 2019

Poor customer service - impossibly difficult online system to negotiate

Really disappointed with this bank (in process of switching to Metro). Basically, I joined almost as soon as it opened, and was pleased to recommend for quite a long time (to quite a few people). Unfortunately - as always seems to happen - it has grown bloated with self-satisfaction, uninterested in the consumer, and very well pleased with itself. So: the reasons I'm switching are: (1) poor customer service, (2) no interest on current account, (3) difficulty of negotiating online account, (4) insane level of security being required. Other than these: fab! (not!!!!) Reviewed on: 9th May 2019

Superb current account

Flawless service and no errors ever Reviewed on: 8th May 2019

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