Bank Accounts

Frequently asked questions

What is a current account?

A current account is a bank account that you use daily to make everyday payments with. You can get your salary paid into it, do your weekly shop with it and pay your bills with it. Current accounts come with a debit card so you can withdraw cash and use Digital Wallet services such as Apple, Google and Samsung Pay to help manage your money.

You can also get a joint account, which is a current account for you and another person that you both have access to. This can be helpful for splitting things like bills and rent if you live with someone.

Apple and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. Google Pay and the Google Pay logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Samsung and Samsung Pay are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

What types of bank accounts are there?

What do you need to open a bank account?

To open a bank account with first direct you’ll need:

to be a UK resident
proof of ID e.g. Passport or driving licence
to be age 18+
a phone number and email address
to have not been declared bankrupt or have applied for an Individual Voluntary Agreement in the last 6 years.

Find out more around what you need to apply for a bank account and accepted proofs of ID.

How many bank accounts can you have?

There isn’t a legal limit to the number of bank accounts have can open. You can have multiple bank accounts with different providers if you want to. There isn’t a cap, but some banks do limit how many you can open with them specifically.

For example, you may have a current account for daily spending, a joint account with your partner for bills, then a savings account for your savings goals.

How to switch bank accounts?

Switching bank accounts is easy with first direct. The CASS (Current Account Switch Service) makes it seamless. All you need to do is:

apply for a first direct current account
use the App to let us know you’d like to switch
choose a date for your old account to close
we'll let your old bank know
we’ll switch it over - taking care of your Direct Debits, standing orders and bills
we'll redirect any regular salary paid by your employer too - so you shouldn't miss any payments
your funds will be transferred across to your new first direct account.

Read more about switching bank accounts.

Can I use my Debit Card abroad?

Yes, can use your first direct Debit Card abroad without having to worry about currency conversion fees. You won’t be charged any fees from us to use it for payments or withdrawing cash overseas. But you may be charged ATM withdrawal fees to take out the money. If so, the ATM will show a message saying how much it will cost.

Find out more about travelling with our Debit Card.

Your 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 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.

Open a current account

Switch to first direct

Open a joint account

Switching bank accounts is easier than you think...

Useful information

Branch services

Overdraft services

Ways to bank

Getting the best from your first direct account

How to switch current accounts

What do you need to open a bank account?

Bank account benefits

Understanding overdrafts

How do overdrafts work?

How to get out of your overdraft

Will my overdraft affect my credit score?

Frequently asked questions

What is a current account?

What types of bank accounts are there?

What do you need to open a bank account?

How many bank accounts can you have?

How to switch bank accounts?

Can I use my Debit Card abroad?