Banks

First Direct

3.5 (6 reviews)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, Leeds
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3.5
6 reviews
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About First Direct

Telephone and internet bank

Customer Reviews

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Happy customer overall

K
Kimberly M.
1 weeks ago

Using First Direct for my personal and business accounts. The business banking side is especially good - statements are clear, international payments work well, and the relationship manager assigned to me is knowledgeable. Personal banking side is average but reliable. Would recommend for business customers.

Pros: Great business banking, clear statements, good RM

Cons: Personal banking is just average

Best bank I have ever used

E
Emma A.
5 months ago

Switched to First Direct last year and it was one of the best financial decisions I've made. The mobile app is fantastic - I can do everything from my phone. Fee structure is transparent with no hidden charges. Their fraud protection caught a suspicious transaction within minutes. Really impressed.

Pros: Excellent app, transparent fees, strong security

Cons: Waiting times on phone can be long during peak hours

Solid and reliable

S
Sebastian V.
5 months ago

Been with First Direct for about 18 months. Overall a very good experience. The online banking works well, savings rates are decent, and I had no issues when applying for an overdraft. Only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is their customer service can be a bit slow during busy periods.

Pros: Reliable service, good rates, easy overdraft

Cons: Customer service wait times

Good bank with room for improvement

R
Richard E.
6 months ago

I generally have a positive experience with First Direct. The mobile banking is well-designed and most transactions are processed quickly. My one complaint is that some features feel outdated compared to newer digital banks. Still, for everyday banking, they do a solid job and I trust them with my money.

Pros: Trustworthy, functional app, quick transactions

Cons: Some features feel dated

Disappointing experience overall

D
Danielle N.
9 months ago

I opened an account with First Direct expecting better based on their marketing. The account opening process took forever, they kept asking for the same documents, and once the account was open the service didn't improve. Fees higher than advertised and interest rates lower than competitors.

Pros: None that I can think of

Cons: Slow processes, misleading advertising, high fees

Decent but nothing special

E
Eugene M.
10 months ago

First Direct does the basics well enough. My current account works fine, cards work abroad, and I haven't experienced any security issues. But they don't offer anything that really stands out from competitors. Interest rates are middling and the rewards program is underwhelming.

Pros: Reliable basics, international card works well

Cons: Nothing that stands out, low interest rates