Part of our First Direct UK — Complete Guide 2026 hub.
First Direct’s Faster Payments limit is up to £100,000 per transaction — among the most generous of any UK high-street bank. Combined with 24/7 human telephone support for limit changes or CHAPS arrangements, First Direct is one of the more capable accounts for large transfers.
First Direct Transfer Limits at a Glance
| Payment Type | Limit | Speed | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faster Payments (app/Internet Banking) | Up to £100,000 | Seconds to 2 hours | Free |
| CHAPS | No upper limit | Same business day (before cut-off) | Fee applies |
| Standing order | Up to Faster Payments limit | Per schedule | Free |
Faster Payments: How First Direct Compares
| Bank | Faster Payments Limit |
|---|---|
| First Direct | Up to £100,000 |
| Lloyds | Up to £100,000 |
| NatWest | Up to £100,000 |
| Santander | Up to £100,000 |
| Barclays | Up to £50,000 |
| HSBC | Up to £25,000 |
| Virgin Money | Up to £25,000 |
First Direct’s £100,000 limit is particularly notable given that its parent, HSBC, only allows £25,000 via Faster Payments. First Direct operates its own payment infrastructure and allows significantly larger transfers via the app and Internet Banking.
Your Personal Limit
First Direct may apply a lower personal limit based on your account history and usage. Check your current limit in the First Direct app or call 03 456 100 100 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with human agents.
CHAPS Payments with First Direct
CHAPS is the right choice when:
- The transfer amount exceeds £100,000
- You’re completing a property purchase — solicitors require CHAPS on completion day
- Same-business-day guaranteed settlement is essential
Key CHAPS details:
- No upper limit on amount
- Must be submitted before First Direct’s CHAPS cut-off time (typically mid-afternoon on business days — confirm by calling 03 456 100 100)
- A fee applies — check the current rate at firstdirect.com
- CHAPS cannot be recalled once sent — verify all payee details before confirming
How to Make a Transfer with First Direct
Via the First Direct app:
- Sign in
- Tap Pay or transfer
- Select or add a payee
- Enter the amount and reference
- Confirm — First Direct may prompt for in-app security confirmation
Via First Direct Internet Banking:
- Log in at firstdirect.com
- Select Payments and transfers
- Enter payee details and amount
- Authorise with your secure key or one-time passcode
For CHAPS or large transfers:
- Call 03 456 100 100 (24/7, human agents)
- Have the recipient’s sort code, account number, and full name ready
- For property completions, your solicitor provides all payment details in the completion statement
The 24/7 Phone Line Advantage
Unlike most banks where limit changes and CHAPS arrangements must happen during business hours, First Direct’s 24/7 telephone banking means you can:
- Request a temporary limit increase at any time of day or night
- Arrange a CHAPS payment the evening before a property completion
- Speak to a human agent immediately, without navigating phone menus
This is a genuine practical advantage for anyone making time-sensitive large transfers.
Confirmation of Payee and Fraud Protection
First Direct uses Confirmation of Payee — the system that checks whether the account name you’ve entered matches the sort code and account number before any new payment proceeds. If the name doesn’t match, you’ll receive a warning before the payment is sent.
Protections also include:
- Fraud warnings for large or unusual transfers
- Delays on first payments to new payees
- APP fraud reimbursement under PSR rules (October 2024) for most fraud victims
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by fraud, call 03 456 100 100 immediately — the fraud team is available around the clock.