The Money Jar

Bank switching

First Direct Switch

£210
switch bonus
Type Switch offer
Time needed 30 mins
Deposit £1,000 paid in
Pays out By the 20th of next month

What is the First Direct Switch? First Direct, HSBC’s phone and app bank, pays £210 for switching to its 1st Account (the usual £175 plus a £35 boost).

⏳ This boosted offer ends on 2 December 2026. You need to open the account by then.

How to claim it

  1. Open a First Direct 1st Account by 2 December 2026 and choose a full switch, moving at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders.
  2. Within 45 days, pay in £1,000.
  3. Within the same 45 days, make 5 card payments and log in to online or app banking.
  4. Your £210 is paid by the 20th of the month after you’ve done everything.

Handy hints

  • Good to know
  • What you need: 2 Direct Debits or standing orders, a full switch, £1,000 paid in, 5 card payments and logging in.
  • Is it free? Yes, the 1st Account has no monthly fee.
  • Need Direct Debits? Plum or Moneybox can set up free monthly Direct Debits to yourself. Keep them monthly, as quarterly ones aren’t always counted.
  • Follow every step: read the bank’s switch offer terms carefully and do each step within the time limits. Miss one and you can lose the bonus.
  • Space out applications: each new account can show on your credit file, so don’t open lots at once.
  • Who can’t get it: anyone who has ever had a First Direct product, or opened an HSBC current account since 1 January 2018. You can only get one of the HSBC and First Direct bonuses.
  • Use your switching account: switch from a spare account, like the TSB one under Start here, so your main bank stays put.
  • Earning more
  • 7% regular saver: save £25 to £300 a month for a year at 7%.
  • Overdraft: comes with a £250 interest-free overdraft, and no fees for spending abroad.
Ready to claim your £210?Time needed: 30 mins. Deposit: £1,000 paid in.
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