Normally, with a Regular Saver account, the rate at the start is the rate that you get all the way through. But as interest rates generally started to climb, First Direct suddenly doubled the interest rate from 3.5% to a generous 7%, even though I was just over half-way through the term. I've never known a bank do that before!
Reviewed on: 10th January 2023
First Direct is a superb online bank. The web site never falls over; it is easy to navigate, and one has total control of one's accounts. For the odd occasion when one needs to phone up instead, the call is always always answered within two rings; having banked with First Direct since 2017 I have only ever once had to wait on hold for somebody to be free to answer. There are switching bonuses all over the place now, but I would never switch from First Direct.
Reviewed on: 5th January 2022
First Direct are what a bank should be. I have been with them since shortly after they began as a telephone-only bank. Only once in all that time have I had to hold on (I think it was about 45 seconds) before speaking to a human; every other time one gets straight through. There are no ghastly computer questions to wade through first. The accounts are well thought out and operate smoothly online; there are none of the computer disasters you hear of from other banks. And until recently the Regular Saver paid a really excellent rate of interest.
Reviewed on: 20th November 2019
After a catastrophic flood in the year 2000, the company were at first sympathetic; the assessor visited the house, and authorised the first payments. But after he left the firm, it seems that Aviva got bored with the claim, and refused the final payments, without any reason.
Reviewed on: 6th July 2019
