Choose Co-operative Bank if...
- You want a values-led high street bank.
- You may use packaged account benefits.
- You want savings and current account options together.
- You prefer a mainstream bank with ethical positioning.
Updated 3 July 2026 - High street bank comparison
Co-operative Bank vs First DirectWhich should you choose?
Co-operative Bank and First Direct can both work as UK high street banking options, but they suit different priorities. Co-operative Bank may appeal if ethical banking, packaged account options and everyday current accounts matters most, while First Direct may be worth comparing if you prefer telephone support, digital banking and simple current accounts.
Quick verdict
Pick Co-operative Bank if you want a values-led high street bank.
Pick First Direct if you value telephone support.
Choose First Direct if...
- You value telephone support.
- You want a simple no-monthly-fee current account.
- You do not need a First Direct-branded branch.
- You may use First Direct savings as an existing customer.
Co-operative Bank vs First Direct: side-by-side
| Category | Co-operative Bank | First Direct | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall fit | Ethical banking, packaged account options and everyday current accounts | Telephone support, digital banking and simple current accounts | Tie |
| Monthly fee | Standard current account available, with paid packaged account options. | 1st Account has no monthly account fee. | Tie |
| Branch access | UK branch access, though the network is smaller than the largest banks. | No First Direct-branded branch network; selected HSBC and Post Office services may be available. | Tie |
| Mobile app | App and online banking for everyday account management. | App, online banking and 24/7 telephone banking support. | Tie |
| Savings | Savings, Cash ISA, limited access, fixed rate and regular saver products may be available. | Savings accounts are generally for existing 1st Account customers. | Tie |
| Support | Branch, phone, app and online support. | App, online and telephone support, with limited branch-style access through HSBC/Post Office routes. | Tie |
| Extra products | Customer-led Ethical Policy, packaged accounts, savings, credit cards and personal loans. | Regular saver, fixed-rate savings, ISAs, loans, overdrafts and HSBC-backed services. | Tie |
Final verdict
Co-operative Bank and First Direct are worth comparing side by side. The better fit depends on whether you care more about ethical banking, packaged account options and everyday current accounts or telephone support, digital banking and simple current accounts.
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