first direct Reviews 38,388

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.5

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the staff for their extensive knowledge, helpfulness, and professional approach, making every interaction pleasant and efficient. The customer service is frequently highlighted as exceptional, with many people appreciating the personalized and understanding support they receive. The overall service is often described as excellent, with consumers noting the efficiency and ease of their banking experience, including a straightforward online platform. However, some customers also noted occasional issues, particularly concerning payment processes and account opening. A few people mentioned difficulties with setting up credit card payments or experienced unexplained rejections when trying to open a new account. There were also isolated reports of delays in receiving funds after cheque deposits and some dissatisfaction with the online messaging service.

What people talk about most

Customer service

Users describe positive interactions with customer service. Many customers consistently praise the... See more

Staff

Consumers consistently report positive experiences with staff, highlighting their helpfulness, patience, and... See more

Service

Clients share positive opinions on service, consistently praising its efficiency and promptness. Many... See more

User experience

Customers consistently note positive experiences with user experience. Many reviewers praise the ease of use... See more

Payment

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about payment. Some customers report positive experiences, such as quick... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What makes this bank great it’s that everyone you speak to is knowledgeable, understanding and helpful. All queries are handled professionally and with upmost respect- whatever time of day or night yo... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A simple switch process and brilliant customer services so far; We like the App and are happy with savings, credit card and our other account. We switched 2 months ago and have just been given our £17... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Switching my account was seamless, excellent switch offer. Phone support which I used and had great customer service experience. Very good rates on savings account. Very good app. Clean and functional... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing customer service. Straight through to a friendly and helpful First Direct staff member within minutes. My query was answered quickly and efficiently. I’ve been with this bank for 3 decades and... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Bank

About first direct

Information provided by various external sources

At first direct, banking’s done with you in mind. You can keep track of your money on your mobile app, or Online Banking. We’re the bank that’s never closed, you can talk to us about your money day or night, 365 days of the year. We’re here to give you everything you need to make the right decisions for your money.
Download the first direct mobile app for iOS
Download the first direct mobile app for Android
App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

Contact info

4.5

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

38K reviews

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Replied to 90% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 24 hours

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A great decision to switch to First Direct!

Since we first opened our account with First Direct we have been consistently impressed with their prompt and friendly service. Calls are always answered quickly and advisers give clear and supportive explanations and help. Nothing is too much trouble and we feel extremely valued as a customer.

19 March 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hi Lesley, thank you for the amazing feedback, we really appreciate you taking the time out of your day. We hope we can continue to exceed your expectations. - Lisa

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've had an overwhelmingly positive…

I've had an overwhelmingly positive experience moving our current bank account from another bank to first direct. The process was clear and straightforward and the customer service very helpful. I would be happy to recommend the bank to others.

20 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hello Mike, we are very happy that your switch was a positive experience and that our staff have been very helpful along the way. Thank you for taking the time to give us positive feedback. -Thanks Annmarie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Happy that I made the switch with them

Happy that I made the switch with them. Everything went smoothly. Any query, question or anything else I had they patiently answered to me. So happy with the change

11 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hello Vlad, we are very happy that your switch went smoothly and appreciate you taking the time out of your day to give your amazing feedback. - Thanks Annmarie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I changed to you from Nat west,they…

I changed to you from Nat west,they were fine but if you wanted to speak to a human being it was hopeless.I have needed to contact you with regards to setting up my accounts etc.This was a breath of fresh air,I phoned you at least 4 times for general queries,the staff answered very promptly and sorted my questions straightaway.This is the sort of service you want from a bank,I would certainly recommend you to anybody that wants customer service.The £175 was a good sweetener as well. R EVETTS.
Happy customer.

1 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hello Richard, thank you for your amazing feedback. We really appreciate you taking the time out of your day. We hope we can continue to exceed your expectations. - Thanks Annmarie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I would like to thank first direct for…

I would like to thank first direct for the prompt service outstanding professional bank

1 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hi, thank you for the amazing feedback, we hope w can continue to be outstanding and prompt in your future needs. Thanks -Annmarie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Switching over was easy

Switching over was easy, since opening bank account I have added a saver credit card and loan. Love the easy to use app makes banking on the go simple. I would recommend First Direct to friends and family.

10 February 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hello Margaret, Thank you for the positive feedback. We are very happy that the switch was easy and you have already taken advantage of other products we have to offer. -Thanks Annmarie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Easy transfer from another bank

Easy transfer from another bank. Great service from day one, telephone queries dealt with promptly and effectively. App easy to use. All in all just what you want from a bank: easy efficiency and no fuss when dealing with customers.

30 March 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hello Jonathan, Thanks for sharing your experience. We’re pleased the transfer was easy and that you’ve had great service from day one. “ No fuss” is exactly what we aim for! Thanks again for choosing us. -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Recommend First Direct

I decided to move to First Direct after reading other reviews and their cash incentive to switch was very appealing.
Switching was straightforward and they keep you informed as things happen. I have also called their customer service, with no lengthy waits and found them to be professional, clued up and friendly. I have no hesitation in recommending this bank.

20 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hi! Thanks for taking the time to share this. We’re really pleased the switch was straightforward and that the updates along the way helped keep everything clear. We really appreciate the recommendation. -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Moved over to them from a bank I’d been…

Moved over to them from a bank I’d been with for years and everything was so smooth and got £175 for joining! Also have a 7% savings account that you can put up to £300 pm in which is more than my previous bank allowed and was a lot lower rate! Very happy to have moved 😊

20 March 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hello Michelle, thanks so much for sharing this! We’re really pleased the switch went smoothly and that you’re enjoying the joining offer and the 7% savings account. If you ever need a hand with anything or want to make the most of your accounts, we’re here to help. -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great experience so far

Great experience so far. Good customer service and a great App.

20 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hi Peter! Thanks for your review. We’re glad you’ve had a great experience so far! Thanks for choosing first direct. -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Impressed

I am quite impressed by the dealings I have had with first direct so far having just changed my accounts to them. I have had no reason to contact them at all as everything has run so smoothly.

20 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hi Dennis, Thanks for your review. We’re really pleased you’ve been impressed so far and that the switch has gone so smoothly you’ve not needed to contact us at all. Thanks for choosing first direct, we’re here if you ever need a hand. -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service from First Direct.

First Direct have been exceptional in transferring my account. The process was very smooth and without hitch. The £175 bonus for joining is also a boon. Highly recommended.

20 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hi Francis! Thanks for your review. We’re really pleased the account transfer was smooth and hassle-free, and that you’re enjoying the £175 switching bonus too. Thanks for recommending first direct, we appreciate you choosing us. -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A simple switch process and brilliant…

A simple switch process and brilliant customer services so far; We like the App and are happy with savings, credit card and our other account. We switched 2 months ago and have just been given our £175 switching incentive (having met the criteria) unlike with the TSB who denied our incentive bonus without explaining what aspect had not been met when we moved to TSB from COOP a few years ago. Thank you First Direct.

20 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hi Steven! Thanks for your review. We’re really pleased the switch was simple and that customer service has been brilliant so far. And we’re glad the £175 switching incentive was paid promptly once you’d met the criteria. Thanks again for choosing first direct. -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service

Changing to First Direct was an excellent decision that I made
They answer the phone so quickly and always help with any problems or issues that I may have. Their app is so easy to use

20 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hi Judy! Thanks for your review. We’re really pleased switching to first direct has been such a positive decision for you. It’s great to hear that our team’s been able to help you with any issues. And we’re glad you’re finding the app easy to use too! -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Can't fault First Direct

Can't fault First Direct, made everything easy and seamless swopping banks, easy to use online app, even for someone not great with tech, lots of perks too

4 March 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hello Mark, thanks for the great review. We’re really pleased the switch to first direct felt easy and seamless, and that you’re finding the online app straightforward to use. Great to hear you’re enjoying the perks too! -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Really efficient change over process…

Really efficient change over process for direct debits. The app is really simple to use and the interest rates for the current and savings accounts are really good.

20 April 2026
Unprompted review
first direct logo

Reply from first direct

Hi Jim, we’re glad the changeover for your Direct Debits was efficient, and that you’re finding the app simple to use. Thanks for banking with us! -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Changing bank accounts…

I decided to change my account to First Direct and have been impressed since the outset. They transferred everything quickly and efficiently, as was a query I had. The person I spoke to was both knowledgeable and polite. The whole experience has been so refreshing.

21 March 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hi Beverley! Thanks for your review. We’re really pleased you’ve been impressed from the outset and that the switch was handled quickly and efficiently. It’s also great to hear your query was sorted promptly by a knowledgeable, polite colleague. We appreciate you choosing first direct! -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Trustworthy bank.…

Have just changed my bank to First Direct and everything has gone perfectly. Main reason for changing banks as I was fed up talking to AI at previous bank. I know now that if I have a problem a human will help resolve it and will be far quicker than AI.

20 April 2026
Unprompted review
first direct logo

Reply from first direct

Hi Alan. Thanks for sharing this and welcome to first direct! We’re really pleased your switch to first direct has gone smoothly. It’s also great to hear you value being able to speak to a real person when you need help. Our teams are here to get things sorted quickly and properly. Thanks for choosing us. -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is the bank that I have been looking for!

I had been loyal to my previous bank for over 30 years despite a number of issues. Then I'd had enough and, going by other customers reviews of First Direct, with a financial incentive and a decent savings account attached, I made the change.
The whole process was seamless with an excellent use of technology, easy to use even for a non-tech person like me. The accounts were set up, everything was swapped from the old bank with no problem. The incentive payment was swift; the regular savings account is automatically topped up and the layout of all the transactions past, present and future are all displayed clearly.
I only have one question remaining. Why didn't I do this a very long time ago?

17 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hello Dan! Thanks for such a brilliant review. We’re really glad you made the switch and that the whole process felt seamless. It’s great to hear the tech’s been easy to use and transaction layout are clear and straightforward. Welcome to first direct, we’re pleased you’re here now! -Matt

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent online bank

Excellent online bank, very good app easy to navigate.rang them a couple of times with queries and was met with true professional help.and wasn't waiting for person to answer

9 April 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from first direct

Hi Phil, thanks for taking the time to share this. We’re really pleased you’re finding the app easy to navigate, and that when you called with queries you got through quickly and were supported by a helpful, professional colleague. -Matt

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