First Direct axes service in days in blow to ‘thousands’ of customers | Personal Finance | Finance

First Direct is set to close its insurance add-on, in a new blow to current account customers. The digital bank’s ‘First Directory’ will be axed on July 31, 2026, following “a recent review”.

The First Directory insurance bundle is an add-on for the bank’s current account customers, and includes travel insurance, mobile insurance, and breakdown cover for £15 per month. It hasn’t been on sale to new customers since 2020, but according to MoneySavingExpert (MSE), “10,000s” of existing customers are still using 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.”

However, it noted that the cover will be extended “with some changes” at no extra cost until October 31, 2026.

For travel, you’ll be covered for trips booked up to July 31, 2026, and that start up to and including October 31, 2026. You won’t be covered for trips booked after July 31, 2026.

For mobile, you’ll be covered up to October 31, 2026, for any devices purchased on or before July 31, 2026.

For breakdown insurance, cover will remain in place as normal until October 31, 2026.

As First Directory is charged in arrears, your final payment will be taken in August 2026.

If you turn 70 before October 31, 2026, your coverage will end on your birthday. This is because First Directory has a maximum age of 69 for policyholders.

For travel customers, if your trip starts before October 31, 2026, First Direct said coverage will continue until you return home, subject to the terms of your policy.

If you turn 70 during a trip, the bank said your coverage will also continue until you return home.

First Direct doesn’t offer any similar cover. Instead, customers have been urged to visit MoneyHelper, a service backed by the Government, for free, impartial advice.