first direct vs Metro Bank Authenticator
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
first direct
Manage your finances on the go with this intuitive mobile banking application. Easily check balances, view transactions, and transfer funds to friends and family. This app simplifies everyday money management, with more enhancements planned for the future.
- Check account balances
- View transaction history
- Pay family and friends
- Simplified money management
- Mobile banking convenience
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Your everyday just got a whole lot easier. Even better banking has arrived. At the coffee shop, deciding if it’s a skinny soy latte or a cup of tea. In a taxi stuck in traffic, wondering how much you’ve saved for your trip to Machu Picchu. On a rollercoaster, planning the decorations for your dog’s third birthday party… Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, our new and improved mobile app makes banking even simpler. From checking your balances and viewing transactions to paying family and friends, mobile banking takes all the hassle out of everyday money stuff. You can now do more than ever from the comfort of your own phone - and if that’s not exciting enough, this is just the start of our mini digital revolution, with loads more improvements on the way. So go on. Get yourself up to date. Update now >> • Free to use, but providers may charge for download and usage • Use in accordance with local laws and check charges if using abroad • Use in accordance with our App terms and conditions • Use in accordance with Apple terms and conditions • This app may be withdrawn at any time, but we’ll always keep you in the loop.
Metro Bank Authenticator
This app provides a secure and convenient way for Metro Bank Business customers to authenticate online banking actions. It replaces the need for a physical security device, allowing for quick verification of logins, payments, and account changes directly from your mobile.
- Authenticate online banking actions
- Secure login verification
- Approve new payment setups
- Confirm account changes
- Replaces physical security devices
- Convenient mobile authentication
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We believe that people come first, and that everyone deserves a great experience every step of the way – whether it’s on our app, online or face to face. We’re here to make your life (and your banking) easier, which is why we’ve created our Authenticator app for our Metro Bank Business customers. Need some help? Our Local Business Managers and Relationship Managers are on hand to support you and your business. Features: You can use this app to authenticate certain actions on your Metro Bank Business online banking, like logging in, setting up new payments, or making changes to your account. It only takes a few taps – and there’s no need to worry about finding your physical security device. Metro Bank’s Authenticator app is available for customers registered for Commercial Online Banking and Business Online Plus. Standard data charges from your mobile service provider may apply. Help and support: If you experience any issues downloading or registering the Metro Bank Authenticator app, please visit us in store or call us on 0345 08 08 500. Metro Bank PLC. Registered in England and Wales. Company number: 6419578. Registered office: One Southampton Row, London, WC1B 5HA. We are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Metro Bank PLC is an independent UK Bank - it is not affiliated with any other bank or organisation (including the METRO newspaper or its publishers) anywhere in the world. "Metrobank" is the registered trademark of Metro Bank PLC. more
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: first direct at 77% against Metro Bank Authenticator's 0%. first direct also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 12 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
first direct ships an update monthly, Metro Bank Authenticator every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | first direct | Metro Bank Authenticator |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (2K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 76.6% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 12 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 254 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | first direct | MetroBank |
Customer experience
first direct
Metro Bank Authenticator
Bugs and requests
first direct
Reported bugs
4 issues- App freezing and crashing
- Issues with cheque deposit functionality
- Problems with multi-device authentication
- Inconsistent behavior when updating payee details
Requested features
5 requests- Dark mode option
- Improved transaction history and insights
- Ability to edit scheduled payments and payees
- Streamlined payment flow
- Better categorization and budgeting tools
Metro Bank Authenticator
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
first direct
No in-app purchases
Metro Bank Authenticator
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is first direct free?
Is Metro Bank Authenticator free?
Do first direct or Metro Bank Authenticator have ads?
Which is updated more often, first direct or Metro Bank Authenticator?
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