How do employees rate first direct?

Employees rate first direct 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 378 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor.

How can I get a job at first direct?

To get a job at first direct, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at first direct and prepare for tough questions.

Do people recommend working at first direct?

Overall, 72% of employees would recommend working at first direct to a friend. This is based on 378 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor.

How do job seekers rate their interview experience at first direct?

62% of job seekers rate their interview experience at first direct as positive. Candidates give an average difficulty score of 3 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) for their job interview at first direct.

How do employees rate the business outlook for first direct?

67% of employees think that first direct has a positive business outlook . This is based on anonymous employee reviews submitted on Glassdoor.

first direct Career: Working at first direct

first direct Snapshot

3.8

based on 378 ratings

72% would recommend to a friend

Chris Pitt

81% approve of CEO

3 OfficesLocations

Description first direct (a division of HSBC UK Bank plc.) launched in 1989, with one sole mission – pioneer amazing service.

first direct is the bank that doesn’t have branches. We were the UK’s first 100% telephone-based bank, and soon after we launched one of the UK’s first internet banking platforms. We’re now a fully-fledged digital bank that never closes, powered by humans - our amazing people, who are there for our customers 24/7, with offices based in Leeds and Glasgow.

Our legacy has been built on exceptional customer service. We’ve always been at the forefront of delivering experiences that exceed expectations – it’s what we do best.

We offer a wide range of products, from our award-winning 1st Account and mortgages to personal loans, credit cards and more. We changed what being a bank means – we're not over there, on the high street…we're right here, on your phone, laptop or tablet.

We are first direct.

Life at first direct

Company updates

first direct

9mo

We're adding to our trophy cabinet! Last night, we brought home the Best Company Culture 1000+ Award at the UK Employee Experience Awards 2025, along with a silver for Best Employee Engagement. We’re so proud of this achievement, and we're just as proud of our amazing people for making winning awards like this possible....Show more

We're adding to our trophy cabinet! Last night, we brought home the Best Company Culture 1000+ Award at the UK Employee Experience Awards 2025, along with a silver for Best Employee Engagement. We’re so proud of this achievement, and we're just as proud of our amazing people for making winning awards like this possible.

0

first direct

10mo

We've scored a hat-trick! Best Bank Mortgage Provider and Best Remortgage Provider for the third year running at the 2025 Moneyfacts Awards. Winning awards like this wouldn't be possible without the hard work and dedication from everyone in our Mortgages teams. Thanks for being awesome....Show more

We've scored a hat-trick! Best Bank Mortgage Provider and Best Remortgage Provider for the third year running at the 2025 Moneyfacts Awards. Winning awards like this wouldn't be possible without the hard work and dedication from everyone in our Mortgages teams. Thanks for being awesome.

0

first direct

1y

We're proud to be sponsoring Leeds Pride for the 10th year running. It’s all about standing up for inclusion, visibility, and equality. We can’t wait to see you in July. #PrideMonth...Show more

We're proud to be sponsoring Leeds Pride for the 10th year running. It’s all about standing up for inclusion, visibility, and equality. We can’t wait to see you in July. #PrideMonth

1

first direct

1y

What a night. Six wins, two silvers, and one very proud team. We’re absolutely chuffed to come away from the UKCCA with our arms (and hearts) full. Recognition like this means the world — but truthfully, it’s all down to our people. The ones who show up every day, go above and beyond, and keep our customers at the heart of everything. #UKCompanyCultureAwards...Show more

What a night. Six wins, two silvers, and one very proud team. We’re absolutely chuffed to come away from the UKCCA with our arms (and hearts) full. Recognition like this means the world — but truthfully, it’s all down to our people. The ones who show up every day, go above and beyond, and keep our customers at the heart of everything. #UKCompanyCultureAwards

1

first direct

4y

Here at fd, we know that menopause is more than just a women’s issue: it can affect families, friends and loved ones too. That’s why this #WorldMenopauseDay we encouraged our people to learn more about the menopause, talk openly about it, and understand how they can play their part in supporting those who may need it. We’d love it if you could show your support too and help us break down the taboo surrounding something that affects many of us at some stage. ...Show more

Here at fd, we know that menopause is more than just a women’s issue: it can affect families, friends and loved ones too. That’s why this #WorldMenopauseDay we encouraged our people to learn more about the menopause, talk openly about it, and understand how they can play their part in supporting those who may need it. We’d love it if you could show your support too and help us break down the taboo surrounding something that affects many of us at some stage.

2

Photos

first direct photo of: UK Company Culture Awards 2025

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Employee reviews at first direct

first direct has an employee rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, based on 378 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The first direct employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Finance industry (3.7 stars).

Ratings by category

4.1

Diversity and inclusion

4.0

Compensation and benefits

3.9

Culture and values

3.6

Career opportunities

3.5

Work/Life balance

3.5

Senior management

Employee reviews

Head of customer serviceFormer employee

5.0

Best Place to Work

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first direct

first direct Snapshot