First Direct review
Updated October 12, 2026 · SumCue Editorial Team
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Our verdict
first direct offers straight talking banking centred on current accounts, savings, cards, loans, mortgages and insurance. For UK households seeking mobile led everyday banking with budgeting tools and direct help, it provides a clear and practical option.
Key facts
- Best for
- Straight talking UK everyday and mobile banking
- Minimum deposit
- £1↗
- Access terms
- Savings accounts open only to existing 1st Account customers↗
- Account kind
- Easy access↗
- Legal entity
- HSBC UK Bank plc↗
- Headquarters
- United Kingdom↗
- Support channels
- Phone, Help-centre↗
- Official website
- firstdirect.com
Facts checked September 26, 2026, 2 sources
Pros and cons
Pros
- Serves UK households across current accounts, savings, loans, cards and mortgages
- Provides mobile banking with budgeting tools and card freeze control
- Offers virtual card use quickly after opening an account
- Publishes independent service survey results for personal current accounts
Cons
- Focuses on UK customers, limiting relevance for households elsewhere
- Centres everyday banking around mobile and digital access
- Highlights current accounts more strongly than specialist savings choice
Who it suits
- UK households managing current accounts and savings together
- Mobile banking users wanting budgeting and card controls
Who should look elsewhere
- Households outside the UK
How First Direct compares
Where First Direct is available
- Available
- United Kingdom
Countries from the brand (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Which products does first direct cover?+
first direct covers current accounts, savings, loans, credit cards, mortgages and insurance. Savings accounts aim to support steady saving with interest, while cards cover purchases and balance transfers.
Who does first direct serve?+
first direct serves UK households and supports over 1.7 million UK customers. Many customers have remained with the bank for over a decade, which points to durable everyday relationships.
How does mobile access work with first direct?+
Mobile access puts money management on a phone with saving and budgeting tools. Customers can use a virtual card soon after opening and can freeze and unfreeze a physical card within the service.
What is the minimum deposit at First Direct?+
The minimum deposit at First Direct is £1. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Which company operates First Direct?+
First Direct is operated by HSBC UK Bank plc. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Where is First Direct based?+
First Direct is based in United Kingdom. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
How can I contact First Direct support?+
First Direct offers support through Phone, Help-centre. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Sources
- firstdirect.com/savings.html checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Headquarters, Legal entity, Minimum deposit
“your eligible deposits with first direct are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (the UK's deposit guarantee scheme)”
- firstdirect.com/savings/compare-savings-accounts.html checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Access terms, Account kind, Support channels
“All our savings accounts are for existing 1st Account customers only.”
Compiled from 2 source pages, checked October 13, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: Headline rate, Rate type, Term, Deposit protection.