Overview
Description
First Direct is a UK-based branchless retail bank, a division of HSBC UK Bank plc, offering telephone and online banking, mortgages, loans, and credit cards with a renowned 24/7 customer service.
General Info
Address
40 Wakefield Road, Leeds, LS98 1FD, United Kingdom
Phone number
Identification number
09928412
CEO
Chris Pitt
COB
Chris Pitt
Email
first.direct.customer.care@firstdirect.com
Full name
HSBC UK Bank plc
Name
First Direct
Website
SWIFT code
HBUKGB4BXXX
Year of foundation
1989
Overview
Crypto-Friendly
Risk
Low risk
Commissions
Medium-Low
Mobile App
iOS, Web, Api
Supported languages
German, Malay, Serbian, Western Frisian
International Transfers
SEPA / SEPA Instant, ACH Transfers
Authorities
SFC, MFSA
Regulators
MAS, BNM
Country of registration
French Southern Territories
Business focus
Insurance, Deposits
Card/Payment Scheme
Alipay, Discover Financial Services
License type
Investment Banks, Retail and Commercial Banks, Payment Service Provider (PSP), Investment Advisor License
Account Currency
MDL, PHP
AML Tolerance
Low
Products
Payment Cards - Debit
CBDC
Cryptoprocessing
Investments
Loans - Car loans
Loans - Consumer loans
Loans - Microloans
Loans - Mortgage loans
Loans - Student loans
Payment Cards - CashbackCard
Payment Cards - Credit
Payment Cards - Crypto
Payment Cards - Prepaid
Payment Cards - Travel
SEPA
SWIFT
Savings accounts
Staking
Time Deposits
Trading accounts
Features
ATM support
Acquiring bank
Cryptocurrency exchange
Cryptopayments
Expense Management Tools
Overdrafts
Personal Manager
Servicing of Individuals
Servicing of Legal entities
Area served
Africa
Libya, Ghana, Comoros, Algeria
Asia
Iran, Malaysia, Israel, China
Australia and Oceania
Nauru, Marshall Islands
Europe
Spain, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece
North America
Dominican Republic, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
South America
Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia
Pros & Cons
Pros
Crypto-Friendly Policy. Favorable stance on cryptocurrency transactions, with no account freezes for P2P transfers and exchange transactions
Extensive ATM Network. Large network of in-network or partner ATMs with free cash withdrawals
Zero Account Maintenance Fees. No monthly account maintenance fees (with no hidden conditions)
Cons
Low Interest Rates on Deposits. Extremely low, near-zero interest rates on deposits and savings accounts
Strict Account Minimums. Requirement to maintain a high minimum account balance to avoid penalties or fees
