first direct

first direct, personal and online banking in the UK

first direct is a division of HSBC UK Bank plc that provides personal banking services in the UK. Its proposition is built around online and telephone banking, with communication that the institution itself describes as direct and straight-talking. According to data on its site, it serves more than 1.7 million UK customers and its base exceeds 2 million customers, many of whom have stayed with the institution for more than a decade.

Personal banking products

first direct's range covers the main financial needs of individuals. On the accounts side, it offers the 1st Account and the Joint Account, with the option of an overdraft. For borrowing, it has personal loans, car loans, home improvement loans and debt consolidation loans. Its card offering includes purchase cards and balance transfer cards. In savings, it offers savings accounts, a Regular Saver account, Cash ISA, Fixed Rate Cash ISA, Bonus Savings Account, Fixed Rate Savings and Savings Account. The range is completed with mortgages and a share dealing and investment service through Sharedealing and Stocks and Shares ISA.

Banking channels and digital tools

The institution allows customers to manage their accounts through its mobile app and online banking, as well as phone banking and Open Banking. App features include saving and budgeting tools, spending tracking, the ability to freeze and unfreeze the card, secure log on and a help service with live chat. Payments and transfers include Direct Debits, standing orders and international payments, and the institution supports payments with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Switching accounts and current promotion

The site highlighted a £210 offer for switching banks: £175 plus an extra £35. To qualify, the customer had to switch using the Current Account Switch Service, with at least two Direct Debits or standing orders, deposit £1,000, make five or more debit card payments and log on to digital banking within 45 days of opening. The promotion was reserved for new customers and the extra £35 applied to accounts opened between 14 September and 2 December 2026, under the stated terms.

Deposit protection and regulatory transparency

Eligible deposits with HSBC UK Bank plc are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK deposit guarantee scheme, up to £120,000 or up to £240,000 in joint accounts. This limit applies to the total deposits a customer holds with HSBC UK, HSBC Private Bank, first direct, M&S Bank and M&S Savings and Investments. The institution also publishes the results of the independent service quality survey for personal current accounts, corresponding to August 2026, and provides information on its performance regarding authorised push payment (APP) scams.

Other services and institutional presence

The offering is completed with insurance, including home insurance, and with the First Directory service. The institution has the first direct bank arena and charity partnership programmes. The site is designed for use in the UK and the company warns that calls may be monitored or recorded.