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

20% 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

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 February. No access to my cash since my account opened. Customer service have been rude and useless. 8/5/26 Regarding FD response. As disgussed with numerous members of your team the PIN I received through the post matches the PIN on my app and doesn't work with my card. I have tried 2 ATMs and 2 store payment machines, on different days, and each time they say it's the wrong PIN. This is ridiculous. I've called customer service and I still don't have access to my account - since February!!! Reviewed on: 8th May 2026

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 banking, and customer service that’s been consistently helpful whenever I’ve needed support. One thing that really stood out was the switching offer—being able to earn £175 for switching made it even more worthwhile, alongside the fact there’s no monthly account fee. First Direct’s current offer gives eligible new customers £175 when switching through the Current Account Switch Service and meeting the qualifying criteria. Reviewed on: 5th May 2026

App, UK based telephone banking and service are bril...

App, UK based telephone banking and service are brilliant. Savings rates may not be best in class so for large balances you might want to look elsewhere but for day to day banking and bonus account it is great. Reviewed on: 28th April 2026

Good service.

Good service. Bank switch was rather smooth and paid bonus on time Reviewed on: 27th April 2026

Switched to current account a few years ago and temp...

Switched to current account a few years ago and tempted to stay rather than switch. MSE recommended it and it has never disappointed. One of the best things is the linked regular saver account which always sits atop lists of best regular saver accounts. And when you want a human being on the end of a phone, they always provide one. Instead of insisting that you rely on their latest bot Reviewed on: 21st April 2026

No decent savings options

The only drawback with our current account is that they dont have any decent savings accounts/ products alongside it. I dont want the hassle of using several different platforms. I wish FD offered something high interest on site Reviewed on: 18th April 2026

I've been with them since the 90s.

I've been with them since the 90s. Easy to contact, reasonable saving schemes, pleasant customer service, good 500 pound free overdraft facility. Etc. Reviewed on: 18th April 2026

No nonsense basic account, which has been around for...

No nonsense basic account, which has been around for ages and still has a friendly call centre in Leeds where you can confirm just how daft you are and can't figure stuff out and will be treated with a smile and a 'don't worry Sir or madam this happens alot' reply. Reviewed on: 18th April 2026

Online Banking boosted productivity

Online Banking helped me to not only send bank transfer payments immediately and easily but also allow me to check my statements to cross reference for disputes at any time all of which was needed sooner Reviewed on: 17th April 2026

Very smooth experience so far.

Very smooth experience so far. No problems, and the one query I had was dealt with efficiently. Reviewed on: 17th April 2026

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

Black Account
from NatWest 4.29 from 233 reviews
Current account
from Card One Money 3.15 from 4 reviews
Current Account
from M&S Bank - Marks and Spencer 2.52 from 156 reviews

Want to see more from first direct?

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