The First Direct debit card is Visa branded, Your First Direct Debit Card can be used to worldwide where ever you see the Visa sign.
Use your First Direct Visa Debit Card Overseas
Before you travel, tell First Direct you will be using your debit card abroad.
Wherever you see the logo displayed on your card you may use your first direct card. You will normally need to enter your PIN at checkouts. Foreign currency exchange rates are shown on your statement against each transaction inclusive of an exchange rate adjustment - currently 2.75% to cover our handling costs and any card processing.
There is an ATM transaction fee currently 2% (minimum £1.75, maximum £5.00) for withdrawing cash at cash machines overseas. First directory members do not incur this ATM transaction fee. These transactions are subject to our foreign exchange charge of 2.75%. Some cash machine operators may apply a direct charge for withdrawals from their cash machines and this will be advised on screen at the time of the withdrawal.
When paying for goods in the UK Card
Use your First Direct Visa Debit card to pay for goods where ever you see the Visa symbol. Remember to check the amount before you enter your PIN or sign a sales voucher. You can spend up to the balance on your account, or the amount of any agreed overdraft.
Getting Cashback
Many supermarkets and retailers in the UK offer cashback up to £100 when paying by debit card. Cashback provides convenient access to your money without using a cash machine.
First Direct Guaranteed cheques
If your debit card features the cheque guarantee symbol, First Direct will guarantee your personal cheques up to the amount shown on your debit card.
Withdrawing Cash
You can withdraw cash at over 4000 cash machines in the UK. These are split between First Direct and HSBC branches, as well as M&S, Waitrose and petrol stations, foreign exchange outlets and train stations.
You can do the following at First Direct Cash Machines
Withdraw cash up to your daily limit
Top-up pay-as-you-go mobile phones
Make payments to your First Direct credit card
Check your account balance
View and print mini statements
Request a statement by post
Activate replacement debit cards
Change and/or unlock your PIN
Make charity donations.
Protecting yourself against Identity Fraud
First Direct Identity theft
Identity theft is when somebody uses your name and other personal information for fraudulent purposes. First Direct state of the art fraud detection systems look for unusual activity on your account. Also keep yourself protected by following the tips below:
Memorise your PIN and then destroy the PIN advice and any other security information provided.
Keep secure (or shred) all receipts, letters and other confidential papers including bank statements that contain your name and address or other personal information.
Don't keep items such as cheque books, cards and personal identification (e.g. passport, driving licence) together.
