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References
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[1]
Banking in black and white: first direct - HSBC History WebsiteAt midnight on 1 October 1989, Midland Bank (now HSBC UK) launched First Direct, the UK's first telephone-only bank.
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Telephone Banking | Phone Banking - First DirectOur Phone Banking service is already very secure, and has been ever since we launched in 1989, but when new technology emerges that will make things even more ...<|separator|>
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Online and Personal Banking | first direct bankStraight-talking banking, in black and white. first direct helps over 1.7 million UK customers with current accounts, loans, credit cards, savings and ...About us · Contact us · Online Banking · Remortgaging with first direct
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About us | first directFirst Direct is a bank that changed banking, not on the high street, accessible via phone, app, or online. HSBC branches are used for cheque deposits.First direct arena · Who we are · Our charity partners
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Who Are First Direct? | Simple and Straightforward BankingFirst Direct is a bank that changed banking, not on the high street, available 24/7, offering simple banking with products like current accounts, savings, and ...
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Chris Pitt of First Direct: 'We're the best unfound bank in Britain'Oct 15, 2022 · Launched in 1989 by Midland Bank, First Direct was the UK's first telephone-based lender, offering then-revolutionary around-the-clock service ...
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HSBC UK (Midland Bank) - HSBC History WebsiteMidland would also launch the UK's first 24/7 telephone banking service, First Direct, in 1989. In 1981 Midland made a bold move with its purchase of a majority ...
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The Forgotten Challenger Bank That Is Still Disrupting BankingJul 31, 2019 · Launching a 24-hour branchless direct bank in 1989 called for some extraordinary marketing. Commendably, First Direct's parent, Midland Bank, ...Missing: founding | Show results with:founding
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First Direct Bank Decided to Always Be Available: A Case StudyJan 20, 2022 · First Direct is available 24/7, with direct human contact, no phone trees, and a focus on customer convenience, not the bank's.
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[PDF] HSBC UK Bank plc - Interim Report 2025Jul 29, 2025 · We serve over 14.5 million customers under our three brands: HSBC UK, first direct and Marks and Spencer ('M&S') Bank. We relaunched our ...<|separator|>
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HSBC UK: About HSBCHSBC UK, headquartered in Birmingham, serves over 15 million customers, offering retail and wealth management, and is a ring-fenced subsidiary of HSBC Holdings.Management team · Inclusion · History timeline · News and media
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[PDF] UK Customer Experience Excellence Report 2024/25first direct has been in the top three companies in our UK Customer Experience. Excellence index 13 times in the past 14 years. In 2024, it retains its number ...
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How First Direct shook-up banking with its 'radical' launchJul 4, 2019 · First Direct launched on 1 October 1989 · More than 1,000 calls enquiring about the bank were taken within the first 24 hours · Within the first ...
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Advancing Direct Banking - Business Case StudiesSep 7, 2019 · When First Direct was launched on 1st October, 1989, 24-hour person to person telephone banking was untested and a completely new idea for the ...
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Innovation? Humbug! - Chris Skinner's blogOct 11, 2019 · The bank launched on 1st October 1989. Back then, it was an innovation from Midland Bank to create Britain's first branchless bank using call ...
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UK's original challenger bank first direct turns 30 - Finextra ResearchOct 1, 2019 · Launched by Midland Bank in 1989 under the codename Project Raincloud, first direct broke the mould with a 24-hours-a-day telephone banking ...
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(PDF) first direct (A - Academia.eduAI. first direct revolutionized the UK banking sector by introducing 24-hour direct banking by telephone, achieving significant growth and service quality ...<|separator|>
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International Business : British Bank Finds Its Calling : First Direct's ...Nov 16, 1995 · ... bank with nearly half a million affluent customers and no branches ... pioneer bank that existed only in planners' minds a few years ago.
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History of The First Direct Bank | PDF - Scribd1. The First Direct Bank was established in 1989 as a division of the Midland Bank to take advantage of the growing popularity and profitability of internet ...
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[PDF] HSBC Holdings plc 2008 final results - highlightsMar 2, 2009 · HSBC's 2008 pre-tax profit was US$9.3 billion, down 62% from 2007. Excluding goodwill, it was US$19.9 billion, down 18%. Reported earnings per ...
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HSBC profits drop 28% - The GuardianAug 4, 2008 · The 28% fall - the steepest reduction for seven years - took HSBC's first-half profits to $10.2bn (£5.2bn). Europe generated the biggest profit ...
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Mobile banking increases despite home lockdowns - First DirectThis week marks 10 years since first direct launched the UK's first mobile app to enable customers to make payments direct to third parties. Times have ...
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First Direct Mobile Banking Increases as Online Banking DeclinesJan 29, 2021 · This week marks 10 years since first direct launched the UK's first mobile app to enable customers to make payments directly to third parties.
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first direct Goes Native with Next Generation App - Fintech FinanceMay 22, 2017 · first direct is re-launching its mobile banking App by creating two new Apps specifically designed for iOS and Android customers.
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Mobile is now the #1 channel for first direct customersMore first direct customers using their smartphone to bank than computer. Mobile banking is now the number one channel of choice for first direct customers.Missing: expansion 2010-2020
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first direct Reviews - Bank - TrustpilotRating 4.5 (32,976) Do you agree with first direct's 4-star rating? Check out what 32976 people have written so far, and share your own experience.Missing: scores | Show results with:scores
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First Direct wins gold for customer satisfaction - The GuardianAug 20, 2016 · Once again, First Direct topped the poll with 91% of those customers who voted rating its service as “great”. Only 6% said it was “OK” and ...<|separator|>
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Open Banking - putting you in control - First DirectOpen Banking has been designed to offer you greater control of how you manage your money by making it possible to share information with third party providers ...Missing: PSD2 adoption
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HSBC partners Bud for open banking trial - Finextra ResearchOct 19, 2017 · With PSD2 and the Open Banking rules fast approaching, HSBC has decided to embrace the brave new world of customer-owned data.
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Gold Credit Card | 0% (Interest Free) Card - First Direct0% interest on purchases within the first 12 months · Average credit limit offered is £7,700* · No annual fees · Make payments straight away using Apple Pay and ...As Good As Gold · How Does It Work? · Before You Apply
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Balance Transfer Credit Cards - First Direct0% interest on balance transfers for the first 20 months, with a 2.99% balance transfer fee (minimum £5) · Average credit limit offered is £7,700* · Apply in ...
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Personal Loan | Apply For Bank Loan In Minutes - First DirectIf you choose to apply and we offer you a loan, the rate will be based on our assessment of your personal financial circumstances, including a credit check.Loan or car finance · Home Improvement Loans · Rates · Home Improvement
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Rates | first directBefore we deduct any arranged overdraft interest, we'll give you at least 14 days' notice of the amount. *EAR is the Effective Annual Rate which takes account ...
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Responsible lending - First DirectBefore we lend you money or increase your overdraft, we like to be sure you can afford to repay it, so you're always in control of your money. For a loan that ...
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£175 For Opening Bank Account | Current Account - First DirectOpen a current account today and apply online within 10 minutes. Switch to us today and enjoy no fees when spending abroad and an overdraft with the ...Joint Account · Overdrafts · Important notes
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21 July 2025 | Introducing first direct 'perks'Jul 21, 2025 · first direct customers are now able to head to their fd mobile app and link out to a brand-new platform 'first direct perks', as part of the ...
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first direct perks - Offers And Discounts With Your Bank AccountTo be eligible for perks you need to have an open current account and/or savings account and/or credit card and have initiated a transaction in the last 12 ...
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A Comprehensive Overview: Unveiling History of Digital BankingJan 8, 2020 · 2010 – Rakuten Bank launches in Japan. 2011 – First Direct launches first smartphone banking app in the UK, shortly followed by Natwest.
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Mobile Banking App | Touch ID & Android Fingerprint - First DirectIt's easy and secure to login to the first direct App with your fingerprint, Touch ID and Face ID. Find out more about secure login ... Fraud and security.Missing: AI detection
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Our approach to fraud prevention - First DirectFirst Direct uses 2-factor authentication, real-time fraud detection, one-time passwords, transaction monitoring, and customer education for fraud prevention.Missing: AI | Show results with:AI
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first direct launches AI autonomous banking to serve real-time ...first direct launches AI autonomous banking to serve real-time customer needs · Personalised banking experience helps customers manage their money better · Data ...Missing: only | Show results with:only
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Fraud and security - First Directopen the first direct App on your new device · enter your username · select an option to verify it's you, either using your full password and a one-time passcode ...Missing: biometric AI detection
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First Direct enhances app with data specialist Bud - FinTech FuturesFirst Direct has kicked off an enhancement of its banking app working with UK-based transaction data specialist, Bud.
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Our Mobile App - First DirectThe first direct mobile banking app is easy to use, allowing you to quickly check balances, make payments on the go. 24/7, 365 banking.
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Contact us - First Direct03 456 100 100 We're available 24/7 for any general, bank account, credit card or loan enquiries. See our opening times for more information.Service Quality Information · Fraud awareness · Payments and transfers · Chatbot'sMissing: innovations | Show results with:innovations
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Service Quality Information - First DirectHow and when you can contact us to ask about the following things:* ; Telephone · Monday to Sunday, 24 hours. General Enquiries 03 456 100 100. Monday to Sunday, ...Missing: early | Show results with:early
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Chat - digital customer support - First DirectOur chatbot is the place to start. Use our chatbot on your app or via Online Banking. Always available - speak to our chatbot 24/7.
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First Direct: inside the firm that gets customer service right - The TimesApr 7, 2024 · The tech company Microsoft found that between December 2022 and May 2023 the average call waiting time in the UK across financial firms was 8 ...
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Fraud victims waiting 'for long periods' on bank phonelines to report ...May 24, 2022 · First Direct's quickest response time in the study was 10 seconds. We experienced difficulties in recruitment and retention in a buoyant job ...<|separator|>
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Maxim Park opens its doors to first direct and HSBC UK colleaguesMaxim Park opens its doors to first direct and HSBC UK colleagues · 01 September 2025 · The full list of features for the new office space include ...Missing: expansion | Show results with:expansion
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First direct didn't instantly open my account, is it a write off? - RedditMar 27, 2024 · They responded by email apologising for the delay (due to overwhelming demand for the switch offer), but saying the offer had now expired!Don't understand the First Direct hype? : r/UKPersonalFinance - RedditDeclined opening an account with First Direct : r/beermoneyuk - RedditMore results from www.reddit.com<|separator|>
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Bag £175 for switching to the bank voted TOP for customer satisfactionJul 29, 2025 · Banks First Direct and Starling have been named the best British organisations for customer satisfaction, even though they have no physical ...
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The Times Money Mentor Awards 2024: The Winners - | Dushyant ...Nov 1, 2024 · We did it! first direct has reclaimed its spot as the Best Mortgage Provider in the UK, awarded by Times Money Mentor! This award is a ...
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Finder Banking Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024Tied with Chase, the original online-only bank first direct also took our top spot this year. first direct scored 4.9 out of 5 and 100% of its customers said ...Missing: British | Show results with:British<|separator|>
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first direct cuts mortgage rates by up to 0.30 percentage pointsThe most significant reduction is available for remortgage customers on the 2 Year Fixed Standard mortgage at 85% LTV, now available at 5.04%.
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Best UK mortgage deals of the week, 9 January - Yahoo FinanceJan 9, 2025 · First Direct became the latest mortgage provider to reduce rates in 2025, cutting up to 0.30% off its fixed-rate deals. Meanwhile, TSB ...
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First Direct app on Android fails every few months, needs reinstallingMar 28, 2025 · Every few months, my First Direct app (on Android) just decides to stop working - it gives a "try again later" message, but that never happens.HSBC / First Direct login problems? App seems fine but not browser?First Direct - problem opening current accountMore results from forums.moneysavingexpert.comMissing: process glitches
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First Direct down? Current outages and problems - DowndetectorRating 4.5 (64) Real-time problems and outages for First Direct. Is internet banking down or mobile banking not working? Here you see what is going on.
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Customers fume as HSBC goes down - Finextra ResearchAug 27, 2025 · Both HSBC and its sister brand First Direct are facing issues, with the problems persisting into the early afternoon according to X status ...
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First Direct switch query regarding the application process. - RedditDec 31, 2022 · The issue is, I didn't even see an option to enter any details for the switch while completing the application on the app. When I did the CO-OP ...Declined opening an account with First Direct : r/beermoneyuk - RedditWhy is First Direct Rejecting my Application? : r/UKPersonalFinanceMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: sign- | Show results with:sign-
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Popular bank AXING key service from today in blow to 1.9million ...Sep 1, 2025 · First Direct customers will no longer be sent paper saving account statements as of today, September 1. Sign up for the Money newsletter ...
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First Direct bank with 1.9m customers to make major change to ...Jul 28, 2025 · The bank informed customers last week that savers would be switched to digital statements, ending the delivery of postal correspondence. .
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anyone living abroad finding FirstDirect have gone hostile? - RedditFeb 8, 2025 · They don't really need to manage you out, it's in their terms and conditions that they can close your account if you're not resident in the UK.Missing: restrictions | Show results with:restrictions
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Important legal notes - First DirectFirst Direct accounts are not for business use, require a UK address, and are subject to FSCS. First direct is a division of HSBC UK Bank plc.Missing: Brexit restrictions non-
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Can I maintain a UK bank account if I'm living abroad and ... - RedditAug 7, 2023 · First Direct as well. My partner is a non-national and we've moved to mainland Europe and she's moved her address here with no problems.Keep bank acc while emigrating overseas : r/HENRYUK - Redditanyone living abroad finding FirstDirect have gone hostile? - RedditMore results from www.reddit.comMissing: Brexit | Show results with:Brexit
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FSCS - First DirectYour eligible deposits with HSBC UK Bank plc are protected. Up to a total of £85,000 or up to £170,000 for joint accounts, by the Financial Services ...
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HSBC's First Direct cuts but mortgage rates start to accelerate againJan 10, 2025 · First Direct on Tuesday signalled cuts of up to 0.3% across fixed-rate deals, bringing interest on its five-year 90% loan-to-value down to 4.74% ...Missing: reductions | Show results with:reductions<|separator|>
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22 April 2025 | mortgage rates cut across high LTVs - first direct bankApr 22, 2025 · first direct has also reduced the rate on its Lifetime Tracker by up to 0.44 percentage points, with the product range now starting at 5.30%.
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22 May 2025 | Mortgage Rate Cuts Announced - first direct bankMay 22, 2025 · first direct has today announced rate reductions of up to 0.44 percentage points across its entire range of two, three and five-year fixed ...
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We're making changes to our Terms & Conditions - First DirectYou can see our current terms any time at firstdirect.com/legals/terms-and-conditions and from 9 April 2025 the new terms will be available for you to download.
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First Direct announces huge change for customers as it axes serviceJan 21, 2025 · But from April 9, 2025, customers will not be able to use HSBC self-service machines to make deposits into their First Direct accounts and ...
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Press Releases - first direct bank21 July 2025. first direct customers are now able to head to their fd mobile app and link out to a brand-new platform 'first direct perks ... 2025 releases.
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Huge bank with 1.9million customers to make seven changes to ...Jul 31, 2025 · A MAJOR bank with 1.9million customers is making a huge change to account perks from tomorrow.First Direct is overhauling the travel insurance
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First Directory - Current AccountsWe're making some changes to First Directory from 01 August 2025. These include some changes to your cover. Please read our notice of variation to find out more ...