What do you need to open a bank account?

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

• to meet the eligibility criteria of the account you want to open
• proof of identity
• proof of address
• proof of income (in some cases)

The 1st Account is our standard first direct current account. With a 1st account, you can access and manage your money when you’re on the move with Online Banking and our Mobile App.

We’re also on the other end of the phone, ready to help you apply or manage an existing current account you may have with us.

If you’re applying for a 1st Account with us, you’ll need:

• to be 18 or over
• to be a UK resident
• to not have been declared bankrupt or registered for an Individual Voluntary Agreement in the last 6 years (or be in the process of doing so)
• a telephone number
• an email address

At first direct, we also have joint accounts if you want to open a bank account with someone else.

You’ll need to provide proof of identity and proof of address to complete your application. You might also need to show proof of income, but this isn’t always necessary.

Here are some of the commonly accepted documents.

Proof of identity:

• passport
• driver’s licence
• EU identity card

Proof of address:

• council tax bill
• mortgage statement
• utility bill
• telephone bill
• tenancy agreement

Proof of income:

• payslips
• bank statements
• letter from a recognised employer
• P60 (statement issued to UK taxpayers at the end of the tax year) or tax returns (for self-employed)

Find out more about opening an account at first direct.

If you want to open a bank account at first direct, we’ll do a credit search as part of your application. 

This is done using information from the 3 credit reference agencies:

• TransUnion
• Equifax
• Experian

It's a good idea to check the information these agencies hold on you before you apply, to make sure it’s accurate and up to date.

The 1st Account is our standard first direct current account. With a 1st account, you can access and manage your money when you’re on the move with Online Banking and our Mobile App.

To apply, simply download the first direct App to your device and follow the instructions. 

We’re also on the other end of the phone, ready to help you apply or manage an existing current account you may have with us.