First Direct is set to close its insurance add-on, First Directory, on July 31, 2026, affecting thousands of current account customers. The digital bank announced the decision following a recent review.
What Is First Directory?
First Directory is an insurance bundle available to current account customers for £15 per month. It includes travel insurance, mobile insurance, and breakdown cover. The product has not been sold to new customers since 2020, but MoneySavingExpert (MSE) reports that “10,000s” of existing customers still use it.
A statement from the bank reads: “Following a recent review of what we offer our customers, we’ve made the difficult decision to close First Directory on July 31, 2026.”
Extended Cover Until October 31
Although the service closes on July 31, cover will be extended with some changes at no extra cost until October 31, 2026. For travel insurance, customers are covered for trips booked up to July 31 and starting on or before October 31. Trips booked after July 31 are not covered. For mobile insurance, devices purchased on or before July 31 are covered until October 31. Breakdown cover remains unchanged until October 31.
Payment and Age Limits
As First Directory is charged in arrears, the final payment will be taken in August 2026. Customers who turn 70 before October 31 will lose coverage on their birthday, as the policy has a maximum age of 69. However, if a customer turns 70 during a trip, travel cover continues until they return home.
What Customers Should Do
First Direct does not offer a similar product. Customers are urged to visit MoneyHelper, a government-backed service, for free impartial advice.
