Write a review

Go to business site

first direct: Current account reviews

Name: Current account
Rating: 4.73 (1489 reviews)

View other first direct products

4.73

Based on 1,489 reviews, last reviewed 8th May 2026

9% increase in 5 star reviews

in the past 90 days

100% increase in 1 star reviews

in the past 90 days

85%

Latest highest rating:

5

I’ve had a really positive experience with First Dir... I’ve had a really positive experience with First Direct’s 1st Account. The account is simple to manage, with an easy-to-use app, reliable online banki... Read more Reviewed on: 5th May 2026

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

Read all reviews See your review

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 (1489)

Review of the first direct, Current account:

Simple but effective

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

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

Best customer service ever received from a bank

As it says on the box - this bank has the best customer service I have ever received from a bank! I highly recommend their first account if it works for you. Reviewed on: 2nd May 2019

Rude and time-consuming

I have put up with First Direct for about two decades. They were excellent for a while but they've grown very arrogant and unhelpful over time - while their security features take forever (one gets a little fob, to create codes for every single thing). I appreciate that security is an issue, but my husband doesn't have to do this, with Lloyds. Their staff are extremely offhand and unhelpful as well - and, in some ways, the worst of all - it's VERY hard to search for anything, or to accomplish tax returns, with their archaic system. I really would NOT recommend this online bank to a friend - would advise them to steer well clear, instead! Reviewed on: 1st May 2019

Excellent

Quick to set up, recommended. Lady talked me through and was extremely pleasant. Reviewed on: 23rd April 2019

Great 24 hour banking

I've been with this bank for many years and have a savings account and also had a couple of personal loans with them. I consistently get great customer service with them and have absolutely no complaints. Reviewed on: 20th April 2019

Great customer service

Great customer service on the phone Convenient app and access to hsbc branches Reviewed on: 19th April 2019

Excellent customer service

Excellent service with UK based call centre - very helpful Reviewed on: 19th April 2019

Fantastic customer service

Helpful & friendly staff No long telephone waiting times! Reviewed on: 15th April 2019

No Problems

Been banking with first direct for a few years now and never any problems. A good phone app and online banking makes things very easy. Reviewed on: 15th April 2019

Do you have a different first direct product?

Share your experiences with products to help others make smarter financial decisions and learn more about different products available. Write a review

Alternative products

Current Account
from Allied Irish Bank - AIB 2.49 from 16 reviews
Essential Current Account
from Virgin Money 3.07 from 146 reviews
Personal Current Account
from Bank of Ireland 4.35 from 14 reviews

Want to see more from first direct?

Travel Money
from first direct 5.00 from 1 reviews
Tracker Rate Mortgage
from first direct 4.91 from 8 reviews
Fixed Rate Savings
from first direct 4.90 from 20 reviews

View all products

Join Smart Money People

Keep up to date on ratings of your favourite businesses. Find out about our awards and write new reviews with ease

Create an account

News, guides and insight from our team

View resource hub