With Christmas fast approaching, for most of us this means we're in the thick of the online shopping season. So, we thought we'd take the opportunity to refresh your memory when it comes to staying safe while shopping online.
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Heads Up! ...Our latest news
first direct is on a mission to help people drop the excuses that stop us trying the things we've always wanted to do. From meringue making, to kirigami (it's like origami), our Dabble Sessions brought together three masters of their crafts to help Love Island's Iain Stirling (and a group of keen first-timers) find a new passion - or at least have some fun trying.
Technology is meant to make our lives easier. But sometimes all that sleek, shiny tech just ends up leaving us with an empty feeling inside, particularly when it comes to customer service.
From struggles with the 9 to 5 to first hearing herself on the radio, it's been quite the journey for Izzy Bizu. We spoke to the inspiring singer-songwriter about her first steps in the music industry.
Following the launch of new research which shows that quarter life crises could be catalyst to positive change, first direct joins forces with Dr. Oliver Robinson to launch useful guide.
We're all about trying new things here at first direct. We held a competition for readers of ShortList and Stylist magazines who wanted to try something totally new...
Turn on. Tune in. Laugh out loud. Find out what happened when we got Helen and Olly from Answer Me This! to answer some questions of finance.
According to some sources, there are 6,289 islands around the coast of Great Britain. With so many unexpected things to enjoy, it's time to go coastal.
It's the busiest time of the year - and not just for elves and reindeer. It's also when thieves are out on the prowl, with a recent Aviva Survey revealing that household theft claims go up by around 8% on New Year's Eve. But don't worry. These top tips from security experts will help you keep your home safe this holiday season.
Your Mum, your boss, the friend who owes you for lunch. We all know someone who still insists on using cheques...
Mortgages. They're loads of hassle. They're too confusing. They're too expensive. Or are they? If mortgage myths have got you mystified, don't worry - you're not alone. Many first-time buyers (and even some people who have been there and done this all before) are put off by all the confusion and misconceptions floating around. Who can blame them? That's why we're here to try and set the record straight on some of the most popular mortgage myths.
Ten songwriters. A once-in-a-lifetime masterclass. In collaboration with MOBO.
At first direct we're inspired by people who are forging their own paths and living their lives in less ordinary ways. That's why we've partnered with Alastair Humphreys who's smashing life in a non-traditional way.
We want to make sure you're always getting the very best experience with first direct. And that's why we're pleased to announce that our latest Banking on the Go App update is available for Android, as well as Apple mobile devices.
Staycations are no longer just about going to Auntie Jean's caravan to save a bit of cash, they're actually a great way to experience a slightly different (and maybe slightly nicer) corner of the UK without having to check in any luggage.
At first direct we like to think our lovely customer service team are the best in the biz at what they do. Take a read as Martin tells this heart-warming tale involving a breakdown in Beverley and the best dad in the world...
Every two minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. In London alone, over 200,000 people are living with the disease, and this is forecast to double by 2030.
Our trophy cabinet is looking a little more crowded than usual thanks to a few shiny new awards. But we didn't win them all by ourselves - far from it.
February might not be the most exciting of months, but that can be a blessing in disguise. With the mornings still dark, the nights still early and the weather most likely still freezing, you've got no excuse not to stay inside and get started on some big plans. We've put together a few ideas to help you get on your way, as well as some great products that could make your big plans possible.
Saving money, whether it's to travel the world or for a deposit for a house, is a major perk of moving back in with our parents, which a quarter of 20-34 year olds are taking advantage of. But is it the only perk or is there more to it?
But what does success mean to us? Some might think success is about money, cars and houses? But is this actually the case? We decided to find out for ourselves.
We've updated the information pages of our website
We were ever so proud to be sponsors of the 2016 Leeds Pride.
Money, money, money - it has the power to make the world go round, bring it to a grinding halt and also bring out the sneaky side in even the best of us.
Holiday mode is a special state to be in. From the final few days before you go away, right until you set off to come back home, it's a chilled out, laid back, carefree way to be, and we love it.
When it comes to making things better, we never think our job is done. Here's a brief catch up on all the digital developments we've made recently.
We surveyed 4,000 renters and homeowners from across the UK to pinpoint what the modern day forever home looks like. We also looked at the age we can expect to find it and the journey we take to get there.
For some people, redecorating a property alone is not enough to make a home their own. We take a look at 10 of the world's most unexpected forever homes.
Giving your forever home the ultimate makeover doesn't always call for drastic change; our design tips are packed with inspiration.
3 minutes goes pretty quickly, right? But that doesn't mean you can't get anything done. In fact, you can get an awful lot done in 3 minutes. Don't believe us? Just take a look below.
We've teamed up with the cancer support charity to help them raise £700k over the next two years.
February. Cold, frosty February. There's only one way to describe you, and that's brrrr. But don't dread Feb. It's full of fantastic things. Here's our pick of the bunch to help you get stuck into all that the second month has to offer.
How well do you know your neighbours? We did a nationwide survey to find out how the modern day Brit feels about the people on their street.
January has a bit of a bad reputation, and we don't think that's fair. It comes after the biggest party of the year so sure, it might lack in terms of presents and crackers, but there are still plenty of ways you can make it amazing.
Pork pie for breakfast? Cactus for a Christmas tree? Here's a collection of our Christmas #untraditions that we've unearthed.
Here's some inspiration from overseas. Warning: some aren't exactly in the Christmas spirit...
first direct was delighted to be involved in the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) awards on Wednesday 4 November 2015 which was held at the first direct arena in the heart of Leeds.
Wondering what the best way to get to know your new neighbours is? Well, how does a surprise street party organised by your bank sound?
Sometimes it takes real adversity to reveal something about your character. Fly or fight? Sink or swim?
Ever feel bad that you've splashed out a bit too much? Fear not, there's always someone willing to break the bank for something they really, really want...
At first direct we like to think we're a rather modest, down to earth sort of bunch, not the type to blow our own trumpet. But, when we find ourselves in the position of being voted, by our customers, as the best - it's hard not to feel rather proud.
Ah, summer time. We wait a whole year for it to come along and then it's gone again in a flash. You'd think we'd appreciate every moment of sun we get, but instead there are several things we all love to hate about it. Here is the top 10. Feel free to tell us your own on Facebook.
first direct had chosen two new charities to support, Martin House Children's Hospice, and St Andrew's Hospice. Find out about the fantastic work they do here.
As a first direct customer, you can get access to a number of great first direct arena benefits.