first direct launched its free perks rewards programme in July 2025. To register, you’ll need to be a first direct customer.
Our verdict: Is first direct perks any good?
If you’re an existing first direct customer, it’s worth signing up for the bank’s new perks reward programme, given you won’t have to pay anything for doing so.
Once signed up in the app, you’ll be able to view a range of discounts and offers for eating out, cinema trips, shopping, utility bills, holidays and so on. Whether you want to take advantage of these is up to you.
But while you have nothing to lose by signing up if you already hold an account with first direct, it’s unlikely to be worth switching to the bank for this benefit alone.
Pros and cons of first direct perks
Pros
Free to join
You’ll get access to a range of offers and discounts for everything from eating out to travelling overseas
Fully FCA licensed and FSCS protected
first direct is renowned for its excellent customer service
The first direct 1st Account comes with other benefits such as fee-free spending abroad and a £250 interest-free overdraft
Cons
Offers are fairly limited
Won’t be worth switching just for perks
first direct has no bank branches
What is first direct perks?
first direct perks is a reward programme for existing customers. To be eligible you must hold a current account and/or savings account with the bank, or have a first direct loan or mortgage.
You can sign up with ease through the app, providing a few personal details. There are no fees for registering.
What are the benefits?
Once you’ve signed up for perks, you can take advantage of a range of offers and discounts from selected brands.
For example, this might include 2 for £10 cinema tickets, 15% off eating out at Bill’s, a £50 energy credit for switching your energy supplier or a £65 discount on your next holiday.
You’ll be able to browse all the available offers through the app and then click through to redeem the ones you want.
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Kate Steere is an editor and money expert at Finder, specialising in banking, savings and fintech. She has previously written for The Motley Fool UK and Fitch Solutions, where she covered a wide range of personal finance topics and kept a close eye on market trends. Kate has a Bachelor of Arts in Modern History from the University of East Anglia. When not working, she can usually be found curled up with a good book or heading out for a run.
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