Training Example: first direct – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[H1] Get £175 for switching banks, plus an extra £25 boost
Within 45 days of your account opening, you need to: switch to us using the Current Account Switch Service (including at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders), deposit £1,000, make 5+ debit card payments, and log on to digital banking. New customers only. T&Cs apply. Extra £25 offer is available for accounts opened between 18 May and 15 July 2026.

Start your switch

[H2] 2 million customers, and loads of them have stayed with us for over a decade

[IMG: Rated excellent on Trustpilot since January 2026 based on 34,721 reviews]

[H2] Banking in black and white

Open an account in minutes
A virtual card to use straight away
No monthly fees

Open a bank account

[H2] Your money, on your mobile

Saving and budgeting tools
Track your spending
Freeze and unfreeze your card
Secure log on
Simple help topics and live chat if you're having trouble

More about our App

[H2] And that's not all we can offer

Savings accounts that really help you save, with interest
Credit cards for purchases and balance transfers
Tailored loans built for you
Mortgages that make you feel right at home
Insurance for protecting the things that matter most

About our Current Account

[H2] Wherever you find yourself during the cost-of-living crisis, we're here to help you through it

Learn more

Independent service quality survey results
Published February 2026
As part of a regulatory requirement, an independent survey was conducted to ask approximately 1,000 customers of each of the 17 largest personal current account providers if they would recommend their provider to friends and family. The results represent the view of customers who took part in the survey.

[IMG: Overall Service Quality. We asked customers how likely they would be to recommend their personal current account provider to friends and family. Ranking: 1 Monzo 82% 2 Starling 77% 3 Nationwide 75% 4 first direct 74% 5 Chase 72%]

The requirement to publish the Financial Conduct Authority Service Quality Information for personal current accounts can be found on the SQI page.
See full results >

[H2] Authorised push payment (APP) scams rankings
Authorised push payment (APP) scams happen when someone is tricked into transferring money into a fraudster's bank account.

Information about HSBC UK and first direct performance prior to the introduction of the reimbursement requirement in October 2024 can be found in PSR’s latest APP Scams Performance Report Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] published in February 2026.

If you are concerned about APP scams you can find out more on our Authorised push payment (APP) scams page.

[IMG: Protecting Your Money Fscs logo]

Your eligible deposits with HSBC UK Bank plc are protected up to a total of £120,000 or up to £240,000 for joint accounts, by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK's deposit guarantee scheme.
This limit is applied to the total of any deposits you have with the following: HSBC UK Bank plc and first direct. Any total deposits you hold above the limit between these brands are unlikely to be covered.

Find out more

[H1] The current account where you come 1st

Switch to our 1st Account with no monthly fee and get an extra £25 on top of your £175*

Apply now

[H2] 1st impressions are everything

open an account in minutes
£175 welcome bonus with a £25 boost on top*
enjoy a £250 interest-free overdraft (subject to status)**
get access to our 7.00% AER/gross Regular Saver account
no first direct debit card fees when spending abroad***

*Within 45 days of your account opening you need to: switch to us using the Current Account Switch Service (including at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders), deposit £1,000, make 5+ debit card payments, and log on to digital banking. New customers only, who haven’t previously held a first direct product. Sorry, we also can’t offer this to people who have opened an HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Subject to status. UK residents only. Extra £25 offer is available for accounts opened between 18 May and 15 July 2026.

Switch to first direct

[H3] Overdraft representative example
How does our overdraft compare? The representative APR shows the cost of borrowing over a year, so you can use it to compare the cost of our overdraft against other overdrafts and ways of borrowing.
0% EAR variable on the first £250, 39.9% EAR variable thereafter, giving a representative rate of 30.5% APR variable (assumed arranged overdraft £1,200).
**For customers with an Offset Mortgage linked to a 1st Account, the interest-free limit will not apply. Offset Mortgages are no longer on sale to new customers.

[H3] Regular Saver information
Put away between £25 and £300 for a fixed 12 month term. If you save £300 every month for 12 months and qualify for the 7.00% AER/gross p.a. interest rate, you'll earn approximately £136.50 interest (gross). Interest is calculated daily and paid 12 months after you opened the account.
AER stands for Annual Equivalent Rate. This shows you what the rate would be if interest were paid and compounded each year.
Gross is the rate of interest if interest were paid and not compounded each year. No partial withdrawals allowed. Early closure will result in interest being paid at the standard account variable rate.

[H2] Account terms and conditions

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[H3] *Switch to us in only 7 working days

Within 45 days of your account opening you need to: switch to us using the Current Account Switch Service (including at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders), deposit £1,000, make 5+ debit card payments, and log on to digital banking. Your card transactions can be made in-store or online, and could be from your digital wallet or using your actual card.
Step 1: Open an account

Switching your everyday banking to your new first direct account is easy. Once your first direct account is open, simply log into your first direct app, select the account you wish to transfer into, tap 'switch to us' from your account menu and follow the instructions. We will ask you for your account details, existing account details and preferred switching date.
Step 2: We'll let your old bank know
Once we’ve received your switch request and your current account is open, we’ll let your old bank know you're moving.
Step 3: Switching Days 2 to 6
We set up all your regular payments on your new first direct 1st Account. We tell all your Direct Debit originators you've moved banks and give them your new details, including your employer so your salary can be redirected. There's nothing at all for you to do, no calls or anything.
Step 4: Switching Day 7
This offer is limited to one payment per customer or joint account. You’ll get the money by the 20th of the following month in which all criteria has been met. New customers only, who haven’t previously held a first direct product. Sorry, we also can’t offer this to people who have opened an HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018. Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
Subject to status. UK residents only.
Full offer terms and conditions (PDF)

[H3] **How our overdraft works

An overdraft can be used to borrow money on your current account and can help in months where there are unplanned events. Overdrafts are not suitable for long term borrowing and will typically result in you being charged interest.
An arranged overdraft is where we agree an overdraft limit with you. We share information about how you use your account with credit reference agencies.
An unarranged overdraft is when you authorise a payment that would take your account overdrawn or beyond your arranged limit without agreeing in advance an overdraft to cover it. We’ll always consider an unarranged request and will make the payment if we can, subject to status. An unarranged overdraft may result in declined transactions. If you are in your unarranged overdraft for greater than 30 days this could have an impact on your credit file.
The monthly cap on unarranged overdraft charges for the 1st Account is £20. Further details can be found online at our overdrafts homepage.
Use our Eligibility Checker and Cost Calculator to find out more about our overdraft service before applying for or changing an arranged overdraft.
You have 14 days to cancel an overdraft agreement beginning on the day we provide the overdraft or on the day you have received our letter, whichever is later.
You can also ask us to reduce or remove your arranged overdraft limit at any time by calling us on 03 456 100 100. You’ll have to repay any overdrawn amount plus any interest for the period you’ve had it.
**For customers with an offset mortgage linked to a 1st Account, the interest-free limit will not apply.

[H3] ***No first direct debit card fees when spending abroad

It gets even better than no first direct debit card fees when spending abroad. There's also no first direct fees for withdrawing cash from a cash machine outside the UK, or when making a debit card payment in a foreign currency in the UK.
Of course, even though you'll pay no first direct fees, you may still be charged for fees that are outside of our control. For example, some cash machine operators may apply a direct charge for withdrawals from their cash machines (this should be advised on screen at the time of withdrawal).

[H2] Who can apply?
Probably you! You just need to be over 18, a UK resident and haven't been declared bankrupt or registered for an Individual Voluntary Agreement in the last six years (or be in the process of doing so). You also need to have a phone number and email address so we can get in touch with you.

Go to our service quality page to find out how you can open an account and what information and documents you need to give us.

[H2] Let's get the ball rolling

Instant access to your current account (if approved)
A virtual card to use straight away

Head to the first direct App to get started

Or scan the QR code to download it to your device

Apply now

Looking for a joint account? Take a look here.
Or are you an existing customer after another 1st Account? Then give us a call us on 03 456 100 100.

[H2] Current account FAQs

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[H4] Can I have more than one current account?

Yes, you can have more than one solo 1st Account and more than one joint 1st Account. If you are an existing customer after another 1st account then give us a call on 03 456 100 100.
Thinking about moving to first direct? It’s super easy to switch your current account to us using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). Simply open an account, hit switch and we’ll move everything over, including your salary, Direct Debits and standing orders.
Read more about switching to first direct.

[H4] Will I get a debit card with a current account?

Yes, every current account comes with a debit card. If you have a joint 1st Account, you’ll each get one.
Please note: a debit card takes on average 6 days to arrive in the post – but you’ll get instant access to your new account and a virtual card to use straightaway.

[H4] What documents do I need to open a current account?

To apply for a 1st Account you’ll need:
proof of identity
proof of address
proof of income (in some cases).
You can find more information about what documents are accepted for each in our Security Procedures and FAQs.
You can also read more about the application process in our article ‘How to open a bank account’.

[H2] Useful information
Account Terms and Conditions and Charges (PDF)
Privacy Notice (PDF)
Glossary of terms (PDF)
Information sheet and exclusion list (PDF)
Important notes

If you're not happy with your account, you have a 14 day period after you receive your welcome pack to close your account. Please see the Account Terms and Conditions and Charges for full details.
first direct is a division of HSBC UK Bank plc and HSBC has accounts more suitable for customers living outside of the UK. For more information please call HSBC on +44 1226 261 010 or visit hsbc.co.uk.
For more information about accounts and other products you can refer to the Money Advice Service™ website Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].
iPhone, iPad, iPad mini, iPod touch and Touch ID are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android™ is a trademark of Google LLC.

Your eligible deposits with HSBC UK Bank plc are protected up to a total of £120,000 or up to £240,000 for joint accounts, by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK's deposit guarantee scheme.
This limit is applied to the total of any deposits you have with the following: HSBC UK Bank plc and first direct. Any total deposits you hold above the limit between these brands are unlikely to be covered.

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Travel and international

Travel help and advice

Using your card outside the UK
Current Page

[H1] Using your card outside the UK

You can safely use your first direct debit, Credit or Gold card anywhere in the world, the same way as you would at home. It's worth bearing in mind that fees may apply when using your card outside the UK.

At a glance

Using your Debit Card outside the UK

Using your Credit or Gold Card outside the UK

Show the section
At a glance

[H2] It pays to go local

If you’re using your card outside of the UK and given the choice of paying in pounds or in local currency, consider choosing local currency. By selecting this option, you’ll usually get a better exchange rate and you’ll avoid any additional conversion fees the retailer or their bank may charge.
Read more about paying in local currency vs GPB while abroad.

[H2] Holiday checklist

Before you go away, have you got everything covered?
Travel Insurance
Travel Money

We like to make things simple, even our fees, have a look at our table below for a breakdown.

Fees for a debit card payment in a foreign currency
Fees for a cash withdrawal in foreign currency, or from a cash machine outside the UK
ATM card limit
Debit card
None
None
Up to £500 (Dependent on available balance)

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee (for purchases)Non-Sterling Transaction Fee
(for purchases)
Non-Sterling cash fee (use at ATM)Cash Advance Fee
(use at ATM)
ATM card limitATM card limit
Credit or Gold Card
2.99%
2.99% (minimum  £3.00)
ATM card limitUp to £500 in local currency

Show the section
Using your Debit Card outside the UK

[H2] Using your Debit Card outside the UK

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[H4] Are there any fees when I use my first direct Debit Card in restaurants/shops?

No, first direct will not charge fees for using your Mastercard Debit Card to make a payment in a foreign currency.

[H4] Are there any charges for withdrawing from ATMs?

first direct will not charge fees for using your Mastercard Debit Card for withdrawing cash from an ATM in the UK, making a cash withdrawal in a foreign currency or from a cash machine outside the UK.  Some cash machine operators may apply a direct charge for withdrawals from their cash machines and this should be advised on screen at the time of withdrawal.
There is a daily cash withdrawal limit of £500 (or the foreign currency equivalent) at ATMs and you may need to enter your card twice depending on the ATM as some ATMs only allow lower amounts. Find out more about using cash or card abroad in our guide.

[H4] Where can I see any fees?

Any fee incurred will be shown in GBP, on a separate line of your statement. 

[H4] How long do fees normally take to show on my statement?

We will deduct the payment from your account once we receive details of the payment from the card scheme, at the latest, the next working day. Payments normally debit within seven working days.

[H4] What is a foreign currency payment?

Any payment made inside or outside of the UK which is paid for in a foreign currency and not in GBP. For example, in a shop or restaurant. 

[H4] How is the exchange rate calculated?

Any foreign currency payments (or cash withdrawals in a foreign currency) are converted to GBP by using the Mastercard Exchange Rate applying on the day the conversion is made. Mastercard Currency Converter | Currency Exchange Rate Calculator Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]
We pass this rate directly onto you without any additional fees or charges.

[H4] How much will I be charged paying in local currency in the European Economic Area (EEA)?

Travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA) 1? Take a look at how paying in local currency with your first direct debit card compares to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) latest foreign exchange rates.
You’ll be able to see the total cost of the currency conversion as a percentage mark up over the ECB foreign exchange rates depending on how you pay.
1European Economic Area where you can pay in currency includes Aland Islands, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, Saint Barthelme, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St-Martin, Sweden and Switzerland.

Show the section
Using your Credit or Gold Card outside the UK

[H2] Using your Credit or Gold Card outside the UK

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[H4] Will I incur more than one fee on my Credit or Gold Card?

In some circumstances yes. If you use your Credit Card or Gold Card to make a cash withdrawal in foreign currency outside of the UK, you will incur both the Non-Sterling Transaction Fee and Cash Advance Fee. Have a look at our fees table for a handy break down.

[H4] Where can I see these fees?

Any fee incurred will be shown in UK Sterling, on a separate line of your statement.

[H4] How long do fees normally take to show on my statement?

Transactions normally debit within seven working days.

[H4] What is a Non-Sterling transaction?

Any transaction made outside of the UK which is paid for in foreign currency. For example, in a shop or restaurant.

[H4] What is the Cash Advance Fee?

This fee is for making a cash withdrawal in foreign currency outside of the UK.

[H4] Are there any other possible charges to be aware of?

Potentially, some cash machine operators may apply a direct charge for withdrawals from their cash machines and this should be advised on screen at the time of the withdrawal.

[H4] How is the exchange rate calculated?

Any Non-Sterling transactions (including cash withdrawals) are coverted to Sterling by using the relevant payment scheme exchange rate applying on the day the conversion is made.

[H4] Do I have extra protection using my credit card?

In some cases you may also be able to claim under Section 75 of The Consumer Credit Act. Section 75 of the Act offers protection to customers who use their credit card to pay for goods or services with a total purchase price between £100.01 and £30,000. This responsibility applies even if only part of the purchase is paid with a credit card.

[H4] How much will I be charged paying in local currency in the European Economic Area (EEA)?

Travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA) 1? Take a look at how paying in local currency with your first direct credit or Gold card compares to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) latest foreign exchange rates.
You’ll be able to see the total cost of the currency conversation as a percentage mark up over the ECB foreign exchange rates depending on how you pay. You can find out more about these fees below.
1European Economic Area where you can pay in currency includes Aland Islands, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, Saint Barthelme, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St-Martin, Sweden and Switzerland.

Non-Sterling Transaction Fee
(for purchases)
Cash Advance Fee
(use at ATM)
ATM card limit

Credit or Gold Card
Non-Sterling Transaction Fee (for purchases) 2.99%
Cash Advance Fee (use at ATM)2.99% (minimum £3.00)
ATM card limitUp to  £500 in local currency

[H1] Everyday banking? App’s the way to do it

Our App is packed with great features so you can bank wherever, whenever.

[H2] Everything you'd expect from an App and more...

payments and transfers

view PIN and card details

stay in the know with push notifications

track your spend with Spending Insights

chat with us

secure log in.

[H2] What you can do in our App

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[H4] Take a look at the growing range of features in our App:

Manage your money
Mobile App
Online Banking

Manage your moneyView balances, & transactions
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneySee pending card authorisations
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneySee upcoming payments in or out
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneyTransfer between your own first direct accounts
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneyPay friends & family within the UK
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneyPay a company
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneyInternational payments
Mobile App✓
Online Banking
Manage your moneyPay in a cheque
Mobile App✓
Online Banking
Manage your moneyPush notifications – see your spending in real time
Mobile App ✓
Online Banking
Mobile AppQuery a transaction
Online BankingPlease chat with us
Manage your moneyInsights - see your spending by category or merchant
Mobile App✓
Online Banking
Manage your moneyChat with us
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneyView and download statement
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneyView your standing orders and Direct Debits
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneySet-up a new standing order
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneyCancel a Direct Debit
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneyCancel a standing order
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneyAmend a standing order
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneyMy documents
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Manage your moneyOpen Banking
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓

Card Controls
Mobile App
Online Banking

Card ControlsReport your card as lost or stolen
Mobile App✓
Online Banking
Card ControlsReplace a damaged card
Mobile App✓
Online Banking
Card ControlsFreeze or unfreeze your card
Mobile App✓
Online Banking
Card ControlsPlace a gambling restriction on your debit card
Mobile App✓
Online Banking
Mobile AppView card PIN and card details
Online Banking✓

Personal details
Mobile App
Online Banking

Personal detailsChange your address
Mobile App✓
Online Banking
Personal detailsChange your contact details
Mobile App✓
Online Banking✓
Mobile AppChange your name
Online BankingPlease chat with us to order a form
Personal detailsUpdate your communication preferences
Mobile App
Online Banking✓
Mobile AppChange your employer address
Online BankingPlease call us
Mobile AppChange your employment details
Online BankingPlease call us
Mobile AppChange/update your nationality
Online BankingPlease call us

Note: this is a list of common queries. It does not represent the full list of queries you can take in relation to your account.

[H2] It's not just us who love our App. We have over 441k ratings on the App Store with average rating of 4.8 out of 5*
*Correct as of September 2025.

[H2] Know more with push notifications
See your spending in real time with push notifications. To turn them on you'll need to:
open the first direct App
go to the menu
select 'Notification Preferences'
turn on notifications for 'Transactions' and select your account(s).
Haven't got our App yet? Download it below.

Download our App

[H2] Insights help you keep track of your spending
Get a better understanding of where your money goes each month

Transactions are automatically categorised so you know what you're buying and where
Sort your transactions using your own labels

More about Spending Insights

[H2] Manage your money, all in one place

Make payments to family, friends and businesses
Set up standing orders and view Direct Debits
Pay in cheques digitally using your camera
View your statements, balances and pending transactions

More about making payments

[H2] Card controls at your fingertips
From viewing your PIN to controls for gambling transactions, you're in control of your money.

View PIN and card details
Freeze and unfreeze your cards
Set cash machine withdrawal limits
Block your card for gambling transactions
Add your card to your digital wallet
Report lost, stolen and damaged cards

More about card services

[H2] Ready to start banking on your mobile?

Download our App to a compatible device

Apply for an account in minutes
Instant access to your current account

Scan the QR code to download or open our App on a compatible device.

Download

[H2] FAQs

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[H4] Forgotten username and password?

Can’t log on? Don’t worry, you can recover your username via our Online Banking in a few simple steps, or reset your password using our digital banking help tool.
From the Online Banking ‘Log on’ screen, select ‘Forgotten your username?’
Choose either sort code and account number, or credit card number, to confirm you are you and enter the details.
Your username will be shown on screen.

[H4] Is the App secure?

Yes, we make our App secure by using ‘2-factor authentication’. This means you need 2 independent pieces of security information to access your account.
First, you need to enter your Digital Secure Key PIN so we know it's really you. Either type it or use fingerprint or face recognition.
Then our Digital Secure Key generates a unique, one-time code that will only work on that device. This means we also know it’s your device being used to access your account.
Learn about securely logging in to our App with your face or fingerprint.

[H4] What username do I use to log in?

Your username is the unique name that you created when registering for Mobile or Online Banking. It can be between 5 and 76 upper and lower case letters and numbers.
If you haven't yet registered for our App, simply download it and follow the on-screen instructions.

[H4] Devices the App can be used on

Apple: compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch running on iOS 15 or later
Android: any mobile device running Android 9 or later
At the moment we don't support devices with Android Go.
We regularly update our Mobile App to introduce new features, and make improvements and occasionally, that means the App’s compatibility with operating systems may change. We’ll keep this information updated here, so you can always check.

[H4] Are there any charges?

There's no charge for the App. But as it relies on an internet connection, you'll be paying for the data you use through your mobile phone plan if you aren't connected to Wi-Fi.

[H4] Can I use the App abroad?

Yes, the App works abroad but be careful as data charges may be added, please check with your provider.

[H4] What permissions does this app ask for?

Device ID & Call information
this allows our App to read the phone's status and identity for security and verification purposes
to dial first direct directly from within our App.
Wi-Fi connection information
this gives our App full network access, and allows it to view Wi-Fi and network connections
our App uses these to check your connection so it can access first direct's systems.
Push notifications
this request allows first direct to send push notifications to your device.
Photo/Media/Files
this gives the app access to save files onto your device. This lets you store documents, for example loan agreements.
Camera
this allows you to pay in a cheque via our App by taking a photo of it and submitting this to us (value limits apply).
allows you to scan a QR code and use the App on up to 3 devices
If you reject any of the permissions, you may find that some functions are unavailable.

iPhone, iPad, iPad mini, iPod touch, Touch ID and Face ID are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android™, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. BlackBerry® and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered in the U.S and countries around the world. Windows Phone® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.