The announcement will bring enhanced digital benefits for first direct customers, including card controls and functionality, as well as exclusive offers, and a new rewards/loyalty program.

A spokesperson for first direct, said: “first direct has selected Mastercard as its partner for its Debit card portfolio. We’re really excited by the opportunities and services this will provide to our 1st Account customers. We’ll be letting customers know more about the benefits closer to the time.”

New to bank customers will begin receiving Mastercard debit cards in Q1 2021, and existing customers will be migrated gradually during the course of 2021.

Kelly Devine, UK and Ireland Division President, Mastercard: “We are excited to be working with first direct to bring new and customer centric functionality to their 1.6 million debit cards. For us, this partnership is further proof that Mastercard’s debit card solutions offer all the flexibility, security and convenience banks and their cardholders require in today’s digital age, and we welcome first direct to the expanding list of innovative banks choosing to issue debit Mastercard in the UK.”

Across Europe, almost 200 million consumers now use Debit Mastercard every day to pay at 43 million locations instore, online and in-app. Each Debit Mastercard also supports Purchase with Cashback - and can be used for cash withdrawals and balance enquiries at ATMs.

Debit Mastercard is underpinned by safety and security features to reassure customers when they use their card for everyday spending. Whether they use Debit Mastercard to shop online, by phone or in a store, every purchase is backed by Zero Liability protection. That means they won't be held responsible in the event that someone makes unauthorised purchases with their card.

More than 75% of all card payment transactions in Europe are made with debit cards, representing over €2 trillion in card payment value.