Bank Switcher

First Direct switch offer

£175 for switching your current account to First Direct.
Last checked against First Direct’s own terms on 13 September 2026

What you have to do

·
Complete a full switch using the Current Account Switch Service, which closes your old account.
·
Pay in at least £1,000, in one or more payments.
·
Have at least 2 active direct debits, already collecting on the account you switch from, so they move across with the switch.
·
Make 5 debit card payments.
·
Log in to the bank’s app or online banking.
·
Do all of it within 45 days.

Who can’t get it

·
You can’t already have a current account with HSBC / First Direct.
·
You can’t ever have had a switch bonus from HSBC / First Direct.
·
You can’t have held one on 1 January 2018.

When it pays

As soon as about 20 days after the switch if you meet the conditions straight away, and up to 3 months if you use the whole window.

How to start the switch

Start it at first direct, and in two goes: open the 1st Account first, then in the first direct app pick that account, tap “switch to us” and give the old account's details and a date.
Read First Direct’s own terms →

Only one of these pays

First Direct is in the same banking group as HSBC, so you can only get one of their bonuses.

Questions

How much is the First Direct switch offer?

£175 for switching your current account to First Direct, as of 13 September 2026.

Do I need direct debits for the First Direct switch bonus?

Yes, 2. They have to be collecting on your old account before you switch, so they come across with it.

How long does the First Direct bonus take to arrive?

As soon as about 20 days after the switch if you meet the conditions straight away, and up to 3 months if you use the whole window.

Can I get the First Direct bonus if I’ve had one before?

No. First Direct only pays people who have never had a switch bonus from HSBC / First Direct.

Can I get both the First Direct and HSBC bonuses?

No. They are the same banking group, which pays one switch bonus per person, so pick the one whose conditions suit you.

More on switching

This is general information, not financial advice. Banks can change or withdraw offers at any time.
Want this worked out for your banks?
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