First Direct

I banked with this bank for 15 years. NEVER AGAIN! Whilst I was employed fantastic, they couldn’t do enough for me. I then set up my own business. Informed them of this, told them things would be tight for 18mths/2 years max but that I would continue to inform them and do my best. NO payment of mine was ever more than 1 week late within the 2 year period and I got nothing but a THOUSAND pounds in charges, patronised and told to ‘sort myself out’! This bank is the ’CAN’T THINK PAST MY TICK SHEET’ bank! They are useless. I’m so glad I shopped around and have, now I’m affluent again, moved ALL of my accounts to Barclays, who did think outside the box, offered me a personal service, didn’t lump charge after charge on me, assisted me no end. Therefore they now have my utmost praise and more importantly my now successful business and personal accounts!!! AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!!!!!!

As a customer of nearly 19 years’ standing, I cannot recommend this bank highly enough. The customer service is simply outstanding -- you can get through on the 'phone quickly (usually) and speak to a real person (always!), which is so much better than trying to deal with an automated service. The people you speak to always seem friendly and efficient, and the bank have been very helpful over the years too. All in all, I wouldn’t ever consider banking anywhere else -- they’re the best!

I love banking with First Direct! They might not always offer the best interest rates but they get the really important things right - the customer service is fantastic and the staff are always lovely on the phone - they seem so happy! The online banking service is also excellent, but been able to call and speak to a real person 24 hours a day without any of that 'press one for whatever’ business is priceless - I wouldn’t bank any where else!

First Direct is a brilliant bank.

I moved to the UK when I was 32. From the moment I arrived I heard horror stories from other expats about the difficulties they had setting up bank accounts. With no prior address, utility bill, or credit history they were often laughed right out of high street banks.

I spotted ads for First Direct at the time that were promoting them as the UK’s first “virtual” bank, with all interactions processed online, by phone, or by post. With nothing to lose, I applied for a current account online.

They immediately gave me one. They set me up quickly and professionally with no fuss at all. They asked me if I wanted a credit card and gave me a generous limit.

I continue to be with First Direct, 7 years and counting, and have always found them to be excellent. If you ring them you get a human being right away, and after answering a couple of security questions they’re happy to help you. They keep a close watch on my account and card activities and always ring up if they see anything suspicious.

Their web site is easy to use and comprehensive. I’ve used it for credit card limit increases, savings accounts, foreign currency, and several foreign transfers.

First Direct are a subsidiary of HSBC, so if you do need to go into a branch to speak to someone or make a deposit you can do it at any HSBC branch.

First Direct had an ad campaign a couple of years ago saying they were the UK’s most recommended bank. Everyone I know that uses them feels the same as I do. They’re tops.