+£210
34 mins
First Direct
£175 Free Cash•34 mins
£175 Free Cash
+£210What is First Direct?
First Direct is the UK's original branchless bank, launched in 1989 and now part of HSBC. With 1.9 million customers and consistently top rankings for customer service, they offer 24/7 UK-based phone support and an award-winning mobile app.
Launched
1989
Customers
1.9m+
App Store
4.8 (433k)
★★★★★★
Key Terms
Profit
+£210
Credit checkHard check
Direct debits2
Pay-in£1,000
Card transactions5
Free cash£175
Free cash arrives34 days
Eligibility: New customers only. No previous First Direct products, and no HSBC current account opened since 1st January 2018
Step by Step Guide
Chris's overview
Optional·2 min read
This is a solid bank switch with straightforward criteria. Within 45 days of opening, you need to: complete the switch with 2 Direct Debits, pay in £1,000, make 5 debit card transactions, and log on to digital banking. Most of this can be done in the first week.
The extra win here is the £40 from TopCashback, bringing your total to £210. First Direct is also genuinely one of the best banks for customer service - their 24/7 UK-based phone support is excellent, and the 1st Account has no monthly fees.
One thing to note: if you've opened an HSBC current account since January 2018, you won't be eligible. First Direct and HSBC share the same parent company, so they treat this as existing customer territory.
Pre-switch checklist
Optional·1 min check
Before starting a switch, check the existing current account you're switching from:
Plus:
1
Apply for First Direct 1st Account
15 mins
- Use the button below to go to TopCashback for an extra £40 cashback
- Search for 'First Direct' and click through to start your application
- Select the 1st Account (free, no monthly fee)
- Complete the application — you’ll set up the switch separately once your account is open
2
Download the App & Start Your Switch9d
5 mins
Switch completes in 7 working days (9 calendar days).
- Download the First Direct app from the App Store or Google Play
- Log into your new First Direct account
- Select the account you want to transfer into, then tap ‘Switch to us’ from your account menu
- Enter your existing bank’s sort code, account number, and preferred switching date
- The switch will move your Direct Debits and standing orders automatically
Complete within 45 days of account opening
3
Pay in £1,0009d
5 mins
Switch completes in 7 working days (9 calendar days).
- Deposit at least £1,000 into your new First Direct account
- Your salary counts towards this if it's £1,000 or more
- You can also do a manual bank transfer
Complete within 45 days of account opening
4
Make 5 transactions9d
5 mins
Switch completes in 7 working days (9 calendar days).
- Make 5 or more payments using your First Direct debit card
- Contactless, online, or chip & PIN all count
- Any amount works - even a £1 coffee counts
Complete within 45 days of account opening
5
Receive £175 cash+20d
2 mins
£175 paid within 20 days of meeting criteria
- Check your First Direct account for the £175 credit
- Keep First Direct as your main account, or switch it to your next bank switch offer
6
Receive £40 cashback90d
2 mins
£40 cashback paid within 90 days of applying
- Your TopCashback bonus will become payable – withdraw this to your bank
Offer Complete
Done? Tick off each step above to see your total.
First Direct Full Review
Completed the offer? Awesome! Here's our full review on why First Direct could work well for you going forward.
First Direct is the UK's pioneering telephone and online bank, launched in 1989 as the country's first branchless bank. Now part of HSBC, they've consistently topped customer satisfaction surveys - winning 'Most Trusted Financial Provider' and ranking #1 for service quality. With 1.9 million customers, they're known for 24/7 UK-based customer service and award-winning mobile banking.
Is First Direct safe?
First Direct is a division of HSBC UK Bank plc, one of the world's largest banking groups. Your deposits are protected by the FSCS up to £120,000, and they've been operating since 1989 - over 35 years of trusted banking.
Who is First Direct for?
First Direct is ideal for people who don't need physical branches and prefer managing their money online or via phone. Their 24/7 UK-based customer service is genuinely helpful (not a call centre maze), and the app makes day-to-day banking simple. Perfect if you value great service over branch access.
Top 5 First Direct Features
1
24/7 UK-Based Support
Real people, based in Leeds, available any time
2
Award-Winning App
4.8 stars on iOS with fingerprint/face login
3
Fee-Free Overseas Spending
No fees on card purchases abroad
4
Linked Savings Account
7% Regular Saver available to customers
5
Overdraft Buffer
£250 interest-free buffer on 1st Account
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✓Consistently top-rated for customer service
- ✓24/7 UK-based phone support
- ✓No monthly fee on 1st Account
- ✓Fee-free spending abroad
- ✓7% Regular Saver available
Cons
- ✗No physical branches
- ✗HSBC customers since Jan 2018 not eligible for switch bonus
- ✗Android app rated lower than iOS
Chris's Verdict
First Direct is arguably the best bank for customer service in the UK. They've won countless awards, and their 24/7 phone support is genuinely excellent - you'll speak to a real person in Leeds, not navigate a frustrating phone tree. The 1st Account has no monthly fees, fee-free overseas spending, and access to a 7% Regular Saver. The only real downside is no branches if you need in-person banking. For the switch bonus, note the HSBC exclusion - if you've had an HSBC current account since January 2018, you won't qualify.
