How to Register for First Direct Bank, Telephone banking Mobile app and Online Banking

Last Updated on August 5, 2025 by admin

First Direct Bank, a pioneer in the world of digital banking, was launched in 1989 as a division of HSBC Holdings. From its inception, it sought to revolutionize the banking experience by offering customers the convenience of conducting their financial activities without the need for physical branches.

This approach to banking was innovative at the time and marked a significant shift in how bank customers interacted with financial institutions.

First Direct quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional customer service and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its clients.

As technology advanced, First Direct embraced the digital revolution, further enhancing its services by providing robust online banking options.

The bank’s transition to the digital platform was seamless, largely due to its foundational belief in offering accessible, user-friendly banking solutions.

This made it a leader in online banking as it consistently focused on providing a secure environment where customers could manage their accounts, check balances, transfer funds, and perform other banking activities with ease.

The introduction of the First Direct mobile app marked another milestone in the bank’s journey towards comprehensive, round-the-clock banking services.

Read: How to register for Royal Bank Of Scotland online and mobile app and transfer money

Table of Contents

Features Of First Direct Online Banking

First Direct’s online banking platform offers a range of features designed to provide convenience, security, and efficiency for users.

The platform allows customers to easily manage their finances from any location with internet access. One of the key features is the seamless ability to view account balances and transaction history in real time, which enables users to keep track of their spending and budget more effectively.

Customers can also make fast and secure payments, whether transferring money between their accounts or sending funds to others.

Additionally, users can set up and manage regular payments such as direct debits and standing orders, ensuring bills and recurring expenses are handled promptly.

Here’s a breakdown of its standout features:

Unified Access: View all your First Direct accounts under one login
Account Management:
- Check balances and view statements (up to 6 years)
- Request free paper copies of statements
Payments & Transfers:
- Pay bills and transfer money between accounts
- Set up standing orders and manage Direct Debits
Card Services:
- Request replacement cards
Secure Messaging:
- Send and receive messages directly with the bank
Midata Download:
- Use the UK government’s Midata scheme to compare accounts and find better value

Read:How to register for Standard Bank Internet/Online Banking and mobile App

How To Set Up Online Banking With First Direct

Setting up online banking with First Direct is a straightforward process that begins by ensuring you have access to a secure internet connection and a compatible device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

First, visit the First Direct website and locate the online banking registration option. You’ll need to provide some personal information, including your First Direct account number and sort code.

Be prepared to verify your identity, possibly through security questions or a one-time passcode sent to your registered mobile number. During this process, you’ll also create a unique username and a secure password, both of which you should store safely for future reference.

If you are using a smartphone, downloading the First Direct mobile app can enhance your online banking experience. Available on both the App Store and Google Play, the app offers a convenient way to manage your finances on the go.

Once downloaded, open the app and log in using the credentials you set up during the online registration process. You might be required to set up additional security features, such as biometric logins including fingerprint or facial recognition, to ensure your account remains protected.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you rolling: You’ve got two options:

For Existing First Direct Customers:

Register for Phone Banking: If you haven’t already, you’ll need to register for Phone Banking. You can do this by calling First Direct’s customer service line For Existing Customers call 03 456 100 100 for International call +44 113 234 5678
Register for Online Banking: After you’re set up with Phone Banking, you can then register for Online Banking.
Log in: Once registered, you’ll be ready to log in to your Online Banking account using a web browser on a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Download the App (Optional but Recommended): To access your accounts on the go, download the First Direct app on a compatible device (iOS 14+ or Android 9+). The app provides a convenient way to manage your money, check balances, and transfer funds.

What You’ll Need to Register:

Your sort code and account number.
Your telephone password (this is typically sent to you in the post after you’ve opened your account).

To register for online banking via the app:

Download the app.
Open the app and select “New to Digital Banking.”
Follow the on-screen instructions.

For New Customers:

If you are not yet a First Direct customer, you’ll need to open an account first. The process to open a new account and set up online banking is typically done through the First Direct app.

Download the First Direct App: The application process is primarily conducted through the mobile app.
Follow On-Screen Steps: The app will guide you through the process of opening a new account, which includes providing personal details, uploading identification documents, and verifying your identity.
Receive Account Details: Once your identity is verified, you’ll receive your account details, including your online banking login information.
Start Banking: You can then use the app to manage your account and start your everyday banking activities.

Read; How to register for Lloyds Online Banking and Mobile App

First direct telephone banking

First Direct is known for its excellent customer service, including its 24/7 telephone banking. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

General Information

First Direct’s telephone banking is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When you call, you’ll be connected to a real person, not a machine, for assistance with your banking needs.
First Direct uses a “Voice ID” system for security. When you call, the system analyzes your voice to verify your identity. This means you may not need to remember and provide as many security questions over time.

Registering for First direct Telephone Banking

You’ll need to register for telephone banking before you can set up online or mobile banking.
You will need your sort code and account number, as well as your telephone password, which is typically sent to you in the post after you open your account.
The main number for existing customers to call for general inquiries is 03 456 100 100. For calls from outside the UK, the number is +44 113 234 5678.

What can you do with First direct Telephone Banking

Once you’re registered, you can use first direct telephone banking for a variety of tasks, including:
- Checking your account balance and recent transactions.
- Paying bills.
- Transferring money between your accounts.
- Setting up or canceling Direct Debits and standing orders.
- Requesting replacement cards.
- Getting assistance with other banking queries.

Read: How to register for westpac online banking and Mobile App

How to transfer money from First direct bank

Transferring money from your First Direct account is a secure and simple process, whether you’re using their mobile app or online banking. Here’s a breakdown of the steps and what you’ll need:

Transferring Money within the UK

1. Set up a New Payee: If you’re sending money to someone for the first time, you’ll need to add them as a new payee.

Mobile App: Log in to the app, go to ‘Payments,’ and select ‘Send to a new person’ or similar.
Online Banking: Log in, go to ‘Move Money’ or ‘Payments and transfers,’ and follow the instructions to set up a new payee.

You’ll need the following information for the person or business you’re paying:

Payee’s name (must be an exact match to the name on their account for security purposes, as First Direct uses the “Confirmation of Payee” service)
Payee’s sort code (6 digits)
Payee’s account number (usually 8 digits)
Account type (personal or business)
A payment reference (to help the payee identify the payment)

2. Make the Payment: Once the payee is set up, you can make the payment.

The process is similar to setting up the payee. You’ll select the payee from your list, enter the amount, and confirm the transaction.
Payments are typically instant, thanks to the Faster Payments service, although internal checks may sometimes cause a slight delay.

Transferring Money Between Your Own First Direct Accounts:

You can easily transfer money between your own First Direct accounts (e.g., from a savings account to a current account) through the app or online banking.
On the app, select ‘Payments’ and then ‘Send and transfer money’. In Online Banking, look for ‘Manage Money’ and then ‘Transfer between my accounts.’

International Payments

First Direct also allows you to send money outside the UK.

This can be done via the mobile app or online banking.
You can send up to £50,000 online per day. If you need to send more, you can do so over the phone.
For international transfers, you’ll need additional details, including:
- The payee’s full name and address.
- The payee’s IBAN (International Bank Account Number).
- The payee’s SWIFT/BIC code (Business Identifier Code).
- The bank’s address.

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I’m a content writer with an M.Sc. in Business Administration, combining analytical business knowledge with creative writing. My work focuses on producing content that not only informs but also supports strategic objectives, helping brands connect meaningfully with their audiences

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