# first direct vs MoneySavingExpert

The clearest difference is monetization model: first direct at free against MoneySavingExpert's free with in-app purchases. first direct also leads on ratings volume (2K vs 127) and device support (3 vs 1). MoneySavingExpert's advantage is update cadence (every 11 days vs monthly). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for first direct against 4.8 for MoneySavingExpert. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: first direct has 2K ratings behind it against 127, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 77% of first direct's written reviews are positive against 71% of MoneySavingExpert's.

first direct ships an update monthly, MoneySavingExpert every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | first direct | MoneySavingExpert |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-direct/id405905004/reviews)** | [4.8 (127 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moneysavingexpert/id1590502794/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2K** | 127 |
| Positive reviews | **76.5% of reviews** | 71.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 271 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [first direct](https://appshunter.io/developer/405905007) | [MoneySavingExpert.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/513845922) |

## 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


### MoneySavingExpert

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moneysavingexpert/id1590502794)

Access UK's largest personal finance site for deals, switching tips, and budgeting tools. Get expert guidance and alerts for money-saving opportunities on bills, credit, and everyday costs.

**Highlights:** Bill comparison and switching, Credit score and report access, Energy tariff comparison, Budgeting tools, Insurance quotes, Deal finder

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful and informative
- 🚀 Up-to-date information
- 💡 Great savings tips
- 🔒 Trusted and reliable advice
- 👍 Easy to navigate

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Login and registration issues
- 🐛 Functionality problems
- 🐛 Slow performance
- 🐛 Compatibility issues
- 🔒 Security concerns

**Reported bugs**

- Cloudflare issues causing app to get stuck
- Inability to input verification codes
- Mortgage calculator not working
- Inconsistent user experience

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved iPad support
- Better in-app navigation
- Faster response times


## Frequently asked questions

### Is first direct free?

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

### Is MoneySavingExpert free?

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

### Which has better reviews, first direct or MoneySavingExpert?

first direct is rated higher. first direct averages 4.9 out of 5 from 2K ratings, while MoneySavingExpert averages 4.8 from 127 ratings.

### Do first direct or MoneySavingExpert have ads?

Neither first direct nor MoneySavingExpert shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, first direct or MoneySavingExpert?

first direct ships an update monthly, and MoneySavingExpert every 11 days. Most recently, first direct was updated on October 20, 2026 and MoneySavingExpert on October 19, 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.*