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first direct: Current Account reviews

Name: Current Account
Rating: 4.7 (1335 reviews)

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4.68

Based on 1,335 reviews, last reviewed 6th Apr 2025

1171% increase in 5 star reviews

in the past 90 days

No new 1 star reviews

in the past 90 days

85%

Latest highest rating:

5

Always meets your needs when you contact them. Always meets your needs when you contact them. Reviewed on: 6th April 2025

Latest lowest rating:

1

Beware when using FD credit card! Beware when using FD credit card!!!!! They are unhelpful if you report a fraudulent transaction on their credit card. Reported a fraudulent transactio... Read more Reviewed on: 18th March 2025

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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.

first direct Current Account reviews (1335)

Review of the first direct, Current Account:

Over time you'll tire of them

Looking at some reviews here from what I assume to be new customers perhaps they might feel less positive after a few years experiencing the attitude of this bank. Their adverts should display this bank as a dictatorial dinosaur. Banking here is based on what they consider is best for them not the customer, although their telephone staff do actually seem to accomplish what you call them about unless it is to complain. Products are less than ordinary; rates are generally awful but the most frustrating thing is their online system. Not only do you have this silly, tiny, turn itself off half the time before you manage to press the right button security device which you need to use to generate a code to do pretty ordinary things like just send a message to them, or even just apply for a new product - but I find the most annoying thing is when you have successfully set up a payee; tested it however you want to prove it works, they will go and delete it after a period of non-use without asking or telling you beforehand so you have to set it all up again with that awful security device as well as inputting all the bank details. They even delete payment links to other first direct accounts you hold the same way. Your email box will also get cleared down more quickly than you might expect, but they do not offer a download facility for you to click a button to save on your own storage any you want to keep. There have been instances where they have changed their products beyond all recognition of what you signed up for in the first place. Initially their cash ISA started off with tiered interest bands for different amounts saved which were at decent rates compared to others available, now they have no bands with a pitiful rate for any amount saved. Whilst being with them we have sent forms to them with more than the one form in the envelope; to ensure they were aware that the envelope contained multiple forms this was clearly boldly written on both sides of the envelope as well as inside the opening flap. They processed only the ONE form and were completely unable to locate the others sent, apologies were meagre; they hardly acknowledged their incompetence. They have a regular savings account that can only be funded from your 1st account but when you make out the online application you are given the drop down of all your accounts to select to fund it from, if you choose any other than the 1st account they did not flag this up as an error but let the processing go through to need to be subsequently amended, their systems could be designed to stop little things like this but it makes you question the degree of testing or understanding put in to their development. Bring any of these frustrating deficiencies to their attention and they don't want to know or do anything to improve matters for the benefit of their customers. They do not listen. Other banks and societies who actually consider customer needs are there; I recommend to use them rather than this lot. How they can consider the value their current account as worth £120 a year then dispense with your set-up payment details without even consulting or actively warning you is disgraceful. I've tried to bring up matters directly with them to improve things but they really do not want to know so maybe publicly showing people what they might be having to put up with could get this head in the sand attitude to change? Reviewed on: 15th December 2018

Always meets your needs when you contact them.

Always meets your needs when you contact them. Reviewed on: 6th April 2025

From start to finish

From the first steps of transfer bank account to trying to sort out and clarifying problems caused by another agency, the customer service has been excellent, helpful, friendly and efficient Reviewed on: 5th April 2025

Excellent.

Excellent. Easy to use online banking, supported by friendly, efficient 24/7 phone banking. I have been with First direct for years and have never had a less than 1st rate experience. I seldom think about my bank as it does what I need day to day, and I can quickly contact staff via a phone call if I need information or advice. Reviewed on: 3rd April 2025

First Direct, First Class!

Every single time I interact with First Direct, I am never disappointed- always do what they say that’ll do - my current account, joint account and mortgage with them and highly recommend. Competitive rates, first class service but most importantly, that ‘personal’ touch. Reviewed on: 2nd April 2025

Protects your money always

Straightforward to move money, regular updates/advice and information..protects your money always Reviewed on: 2nd April 2025

Reliable banking

Great customer service, current account runs smoothly never had any issues Reviewed on: 2nd April 2025

Excellent service

Always available on the phone and UK call centre Reviewed on: 2nd April 2025

Excellent customer service by phone and app

Most interactions happen efficiently in the mobile app, but it’s easy to get personal answers quickly by calling up. Having a savings pot is an excellent benefit. Reviewed on: 2nd April 2025

Excellent bank

I have been banking with them for many years now and there’s nothing I could complain about. Reviewed on: 2nd April 2025

Hassle free banking,

Hassle free banking,straightforward and an easy to use website.Excellent interest rates on fixed rate accounts Reviewed on: 2nd April 2025

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