First Direct website and app down for two hours leaving customers unable to use online banking
FIRST Direct's website and app went down for two hours this afternoon, leaving customers unable to access their money.
Frustrated First Direct users have been taking to Twitter today to complain to the bank.
Customers were greeted with the following message when trying to log in to their online banking account.
The message reads: "It's us, not you. Sorry.
"Something's not right with our system - please try again later or call customer services on 03 456 100 100 and quote error code FD890T."
Customers say they're having trouble accessing both the First Direct app and website.
Complaining to the bank, one customer said: "Hi First Direct are you having tech issues? Can’t log on via app or online banking."
Another said: "Is there a problem with the mobile app? Getting 'sorry there appears to be a problem' prior to login."
A third tweeted: "Definitely an issue with the app - something went wrong message even after restarting and doesn’t look like I’m the only one."
First Direct, which is division of HSBC UK Bank Plc, has been replying to some customers on Twitter, saying it is aware of an issue.
The bank replied to one person, saying: "I'm very sorry, but yes, we are aware of this issue currently affecting our digital channels, we're working on it as a priority, and we'll be back up and running soon.
"For any urgent banking queries, please call us on 03 456 100 100."
Outage tracker DownDetector showed the problem started shortly after 12pm - however, First Direct says the issue didn't start until just before 3pm.
DownDetector also showed a high spike in complaints from customers in London, although this has yet to be confirmed by First Direct.
First Direct is a telephone and internet based banking service, which means it doesn't have any physical branches.
Around 1.45million customers bank with First Direct.
A spokesperson for first direct said: "For about two hours this afternoon we experienced some technical issues that may have prevented customers logging on to first direct’s mobile and online banking.
"Telephone banking was unaffected. We are now fully back up and running, and would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused for customers."
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