cancellation First Direct: Easy Method

What is First Direct

Overview

First Direct is a UK-based bank that offers current accounts, savings, cards and 24/7 customer service focused on phone and digital channels.

Although headquartered in the UK, customers located in the United Arab Emirates may hold or interact with First Direct accounts (subject to bank eligibility and terms).

Core features

Key features include app and online banking, telephone support, and services such as standing orders and Direct Debits.

Official help and legal pages are available on First Direct's website for detailed product terms and support options.

How to cancel First Direct

Cancel regular payments (standing orders & Direct Debits)

• Via the First Direct app: open the App → Payments → Manage regular payments. See the official guide on standing orders and Direct Debits: firstdirect.com - standing orders & Direct Debits.
• Via Web Online Banking: sign in → Manage Money → Standing orders and Direct Debits. See the same official help page above for details.
• Contact individual billers to confirm they have received the cancellation where applicable.

Close your account entirely

• If your account balance is zero you can request account closure via the App chat (Help → Chat now) or by sending a secure message through Online Banking.
• Alternatively, you may call or write to First Direct. Before closure, ensure all standing orders, cheques, pending transactions, fees or balances are settled. See general account help: firstdirect.com - general account help.
• Phone options: call 03456 100 100 (UK) or +44 113 234 5678 (from abroad). Postal requests can be sent to the Leeds office (address below).

What happens when you cancel

Access and transactions

Once you request cancellation, account access may be restricted while remaining transactions and pending Direct Debits are processed.

Any incoming payments or outstanding items must clear before the account can be fully closed.

Data and records

First Direct will retain account records as required by law and its own policies; you should download or request final statements before closure if you need them.

You may still receive communications about any residual issues (e.g., returned payments or fees) after closure until resolved.

Will I get a refund?

Direct Debit Guarantee

Under the Direct Debit Guarantee, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund if an incorrect amount is taken by mistake, whether the error is by the payee or by First Direct.

To exercise this right, contact First Direct promptly via the App, Online Banking message, phone, or in writing. See: firstdirect.com - standing orders & Direct Debits.

Exceptions and timing

• Refunds for genuine errors are immediate; disputes involving merchant-authorised payments or suspected fraud may need investigation first.
• Processing times can vary while the bank investigates; keep records of the disputed transactions and any correspondence.

First Direct plans and pricing

Pricing overview

No UAE-specific pricing for First Direct (2024/2025) could be identified from available official sources.

For accurate, up-to-date fees or charges contact First Direct directly before making changes.

How to get exact pricing

Ask via the App chat, Online Banking secure message, phone, or by post to request current fees and terms for your account type.

Official site for contact and help: firstdirect.com.

Your consumer rights in United Arab Emirates

Local consumer protection

If you are in the UAE, you have local consumer rights under UAE law and can seek help from UAE consumer protection authorities for cross-border disputes.

For general UAE consumer guidance see the UAE government portal: u.ae - Consumer rights.

How UK protections may apply

First Direct is a UK bank and UK protections such as the Direct Debit Guarantee apply to payments processed under the UK scheme.

If you are an expatriate in the UAE using a UK account, contact First Direct to confirm which protections apply to your circumstances and how disputes will be handled internationally.

Customer experiences

Positive feedback

Customers frequently praise First Direct for quick, friendly customer service and for reliable, easy-to-use everyday banking via the app and phone.

The bank’s 24/7 support and clear help pages are commonly noted as strengths.

Common complaints

Some users report app limitations, intermittent glitches, and restrictive payment cut-off times that affect transaction timing.

A minority of reviews mention dissatisfaction with fraud handling or difficulty accessing certain documents (for example year-end certificates) via the app.

Documentation checklist

What to prepare before cancelling

• Account number and sort code (or IBAN/party details for international accounts).
• Valid ID that the bank may request for verification.
• Evidence that the balance is zero (final statement or cleared balance screenshot).
• List of active standing orders and Direct Debits to be cancelled.

Supporting documents for post-close issues

• Copies of confirmation messages or chat transcripts showing the closure request.
• Receipts or proof of cleared outstanding transactions, fees or refunds.
• Written postal requests (signed) if you choose to close by post.

Common mistakes

Forgetting regular payments

Example: closing an account without cancelling a standing order can cause a returned payment or additional fees.

Always cancel standing orders and notify payees before closure to avoid disruptions.

Not getting written confirmation

Example: relying only on deleting the app or logging out without an explicit closure confirmation can leave the account open.

Obtain and save written confirmation (chat transcript, secure message reply or written letter) that the account is closed.

Comparative recap

Quick comparison points

This table summarises key practical differences and expectations when cancelling First Direct services.

After cancelling

What to keep

Keep confirmation of closure, final statements, and any refund correspondence for your records.

Check for any returned payments or residual fees after the account is closed and follow up promptly.

Helpful links and next steps

• Standing orders & Direct Debits help: firstdirect.com - standing orders & Direct Debits
• General account help: firstdirect.com - general account help
• UAE consumer rights guidance: u.ae - Consumer rights

Address

Postal address

first direct, 40 Wakefield Road, Leeds, LS98 1FD (United Kingdom).

Phone numbers and contact options

• Phone (UK): 03456 100 100
• Phone (from abroad): +44 113 234 5678
• App chat: App → Help → Chat now; Online Banking secure messages are also accepted for closure requests.