About first direct statements
first direct is a branchless telephone and online bank based in Leeds and part of HSBC UK.
first direct, a division of HSBC UK, uses the same statement columns as HSBC: Date, Payment type and details, Paid out, Paid in and Balance. The summary gives opening and closing balances and the interest rate valid at the end of the period, which runs between two dates such as 21 April to 20 May. The table starts with 'Balance brought forward' and ends with 'Balance carried forward'.
Columns on a first direct statement and where they go in your export:
| On the statement | In your export |
|---|---|
| Date | Date |
| Payment type and details | Reference |
| Paid out | Debit (and negative Amount) |
| Paid in | Credit (and positive Amount) |
| Balance | Balance |
Also known as First Direct Bank and firstdirect.
How to download your first direct statement as a PDF
- In the app, tap the three dots on the account on the Balances screen.
- Select 'Statements'; your three most recent statements appear first.
- Choose an earlier year to see older statements, then open one.
- Tap the download icon to save, print or send the PDF.
- In Online Banking, select 'statements' at the top right of the transactions page.
first direct lets you view up to 6 years of transactions and charges in the app and Online Banking by downloading the statement PDFs.
Menu names can change between app and website versions.
first direct CSV and Excel downloads vs converting the PDF
first direct supplies statements as PDFs for most accounts, available as soon as they are produced. Converting them is a straightforward way to turn up to six years of statement history into a spreadsheet or OFX file.
Converting the PDF statement is useful when you need periods outside that window, an account that is closed, or the exact figures printed on the official statement, including the running balance for reconciliation.
Tips for converting first direct statements
- Any payment-type codes at the start of 'Payment type and details' move into the Reference column, leaving the payee name on its own in Description.
- With six years of PDFs available, download each statement and combine them in the converter to build one history for a tax return or mortgage application.
Importing first direct transactions into accounting software
For Xero, QuickBooks, Sage and FreeAgent, export CSV or OFX after checking the preview. Amounts are written as plain numbers without the £ sign, so they import cleanly as values. Step-by-step help: Xero, QuickBooks.
More United Kingdom banks
Barclays, Halifax, HSBC UK, Lloyds, Metro Bank, Monzo, Nationwide, NatWest, RBS, Revolut, Santander, Starling, TSB . United Kingdom overview
This is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to first direct. The name is used only to describe which statements the converter can read.
Frequently asked questions
How far back can I download first direct statements?
first direct says you can view up to six years of transactions and charges in its app and Online Banking by opening the account and downloading the statement PDFs. The three most recent statements show first, with earlier years listed below them.
Why does my first direct statement look like an HSBC statement?
first direct is a division of HSBC UK Bank plc, and its statements use the same columns: Date, Payment type and details, Paid out, Paid in and Balance. The converter recognises these headings, so statements from either brand convert the same way.
Is it safe to convert my first direct statement here?
Yes. The conversion happens on your own device; your first direct statement is not uploaded, stored or shared. This site is independent and not affiliated with first direct.