# first direct vs Metro Bank Authenticator

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.

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 27, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | first direct | Metro Bank Authenticator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-direct/id405905004/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2K** | — |
| Positive reviews | **76.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 12 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 254 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [first direct](https://appshunter.io/developer/405905007) | [MetroBank](https://appshunter.io/developer/854725531) |

## What reviewers say

### first direct

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-direct/id405905004)

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.

**Highlights:** Check account balances, View transaction history, Pay family and friends, Simplified money management, Mobile banking convenience

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast and accurate
- 🔒 Excellent security
- 💡 Helpful customer service
- 👍 Consistent and reliable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional app crashes
- 🔒 Overly complex security measures
- 💡 Outdated and basic design
- 🔒 Frustrating authentication process
- 🐛 Buggy cheque deposit feature

**Reported bugs**

- App freezing and crashing
- Issues with cheque deposit functionality
- Problems with multi-device authentication
- Inconsistent behavior when updating payee details

**Requested features**

- 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metro-bank-authenticator/id1524446800)

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.

**Highlights:** Authenticate online banking actions, Secure login verification, Approve new payment setups, Confirm account changes, Replaces physical security devices, Convenient mobile authentication

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is first direct free?

first direct is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Metro Bank Authenticator free?

Metro Bank Authenticator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do first direct or Metro Bank Authenticator have ads?

Neither first direct nor Metro Bank Authenticator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, first direct or Metro Bank Authenticator?

first direct ships an update monthly, and Metro Bank Authenticator every 12 months. Most recently, first direct was updated on September 27, 2026 and Metro Bank Authenticator on September 17, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*