First Direct Awarded Best Online Bank

First Direct has been awarded Best Online Bank by consumers at ReviewCentre.com, the leading consumer review Website.

First Direct proved such a hit with online visitors to Review Centre during the last year that it easily scooped the Best Online Bank Award for 2006, fighting off competition from 40 other online banking institutions.

Jenny Main, First Directs' e-marketing manager, said: "We were really pleased to receive this award as it was voted for by consumers. We are obviously always pleased to receive praise from our customers as they are our first priority."

The Review Centre award is based on averages of ratings and user comments submitted by customers to Review Centre in 2006, and also for the overall ratings and comments featured at the Review Centre site.

The main reason for First Direct's success was due to consumer’s satisfaction with the company's customer service as well as its perceived value for money compared to other products listed in Online banks on the Personal Finance topic of Review Centre.

First Direct scored a perfect ten out ten for Customer Service during reviews submitted in 2006; as well as high ratings for Value For Money and ease of use, which were justified in many comments at the Review Centre site.

"Brilliant on-line banking; staff that are not only professional and know their products well, but treat you like an individual customer," said one customer.

"Internet banking simple to access and use. Quality, fast, hassle-free service. Very polite staff," said another.

Gaynor Holt, Chief Operations Officer at ReviewCentre.com, said: "With 41 Internet Banking services to choose from listed at ReviewCentre.com it is clear First Direct beat out some tough competition to win this award. But it did just that providing not only good value for money but also the all important customer service credentials. Congratulations to First Direct."

To read the reviews, comments and ratings for First Direct and other award winners please visit Review Centre.

About ReviewCentre.com:
Review Centre is the UK's largest consumer review Website with over 17 million page views per month (Hitwise.com). The Website also prides itself on the quality of the reviews submitted by customers and encourages accuracy, fairness and honesty. Review Centre is an ethical company with an emphasis on a family friendly editorial policy and a tradition of donating to local and national charities.

For more information please contact:
Gaynor Holt
Chief Operations Officer
Resource Team
Tel: 01457 833444
Email: gaynor@reviewcentre.com

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