First Direct to axe 'First Directory' insurance add-on this month – here's what it means for your cover, plus the top alternatives
If you're one of 10,000s of First Direct customers paying for its 'First Directory' insurance bundle, you'll need to find a suitable alternative soon, as this bank account add-on is being closed for good on 31 July 2026. Here's what you need to know.
'First Directory' is an insurance add-on for First Direct's current account customers, which includes travel insurance, mobile insurance and breakdown cover for a £15 monthly fee.
It was last on sale to new customers in 2020, though existing customers have continued to be able to use it since then.
However, the bank says it's now decided to close First Directory down completely "following a recent review".
Your First Directory insurance cover will end soon
Here's what's happening:
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Your cover will continue as normal up to and including 31 July 2026. This is the date that First Directory is set to close, though if you keep it until then, your final monthly payment will be taken in August as it's charged in arrears.
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After that date, your cover will be extended – for free – until 31 October 2026. However, some exceptions will apply:
- Travel: You'll be covered for trips booked up to and including 31 July 2026 and that start up to and including 31 October 2026. You WON'T be covered for trips booked after 31 July 2026.
- Mobile: You'll be covered up to and including 31 October 2026 for any devices purchased on or before 31 July 2026. You WON'T be covered for any mobile phones purchased on or after 1 August 2026.
- Motor breakdown: You'll be covered as normal up to and including 31 October 2026. -
Your cover could end earlier if you turn 70. That's because First Directory has a maximum age of 69 for policy holders – see First Direct's site for more info on this. We've a top-pick alternative for older travellers below.
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You can keep using your First Direct current account as normal even after 31 October. The closure of the First Directory add-on WON'T affect any other features or benefits you get from your bank account, such as your overdraft, linked saver or debit card.
See more from MSE
Keen to stick with First Direct? Consider separate cover
If you really want to keep your First Direct current account, you could always buy separate cover directly with insurers. This could be the most savvy option if you weren't getting the best bang for your buck out of the insurance already.
For tips on how to bag the cheapest insurance, see our Breakdown cover and Mobile phone insurance guides, and our new Compare+ travel insurance tool.
Want a new packaged account? Our top-pick alternatives
If the closure of your First Directory account means you now need to find similar cover elsewhere, we've listed our current top pick packaged accounts below. At the moment, all three offer switch bonuses that can cover the fees for several months.
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Best value for money – plus FREE £125 switch cash and possible extra £75 on top. For £12 a month, Co-op Bank's Everyday Extra account offers much the same cover as First Directory – worldwide travel insurance for your family, plus mobile phone and breakdown insurance for account holders. This is a winner if you're looking for a straight swap, especially if you're eligible for the switch bonus.
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Great all-rounder for singles, couples and families – plus £180 FREE switch cash and £150 FREE hotel voucher. For £17 a month, Santander's Edge Explorer offers similar travel and breakdown insurance to First Directory. A key difference is that not only are YOUR mobiles covered, but so are your family's – up to four devices, which makes the account a top option if you've got children with phones.
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Top for older travellers – plus £175 FREE switch cash. For £18 a month, Nationwide's FlexPlus also offers similar breakdown cover to First Directory but, as with Santander, your family's mobiles are covered (this time with no maximum number of devices). There's also no maximum age limit for policy holders on the travel insurance, so it's a great option for older travellers.
Packaged bank account golden rules
In our recent weekly email, MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis set out his key need-to-knows for those considering a packaged account:
Only get one if you'd be buying most or all of the insurance anyway. If not, you'd likely be far better off just getting standalone policies. For help on that, see our:
New Compare+ Travel Insurance tool | Cheap mobile phone insurance guide | Cheap breakdown cover guide.Always declare any pre-existing medical conditions. If not, it could invalidate the travel insurance cover. You need to tell them even if you're just having tests. If you have a pre-existing condition, it may cover you as standard, or ask for an extra charge (often still good value), or it could exclude you or claims relating to that condition. Better this than not tell them, think you're covered and find you're not if you need it. If you struggle to get cover, Compare+ Travel Insurance includes specialist medical cover.
Check insurance policies carefully for exclusions. We give the big picture above, but always check the small print to ensure the policies cover what you need. Far more help in our packaged accounts guide.
If insurance is valid for account holder(s), consider a joint account. If you're in a trusting relationship, consider adding your partner to the account, even if they won't use it, to get the cover. Yet do remember this means they could choose to access the account.
Insurance claim unfairly turned down? Just because it's insurance via your bank doesn't dilute your rights. If your claim is unfairly turned down, you can still take the insurer to the Financial Ombudsman for an independent adjudication.
Flogged a packaged bank account years ago? You may be OWED £1,000s. Thousands were upsold or forced to get these accounts. It stopped a while ago, but see the reclaim tool in our Reclaim packaged bank accounts guide.
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