Offer Review

First Direct switching offer 2026 — £175 bonus guide

Updated 15 July 2026  ·  6 min read
ℹ️ Updated 15 July 2026: First Direct's £25 bonus boost ended on 15 July 2026. The offer has reverted to the standard £175 base bonus, which remains available on an ongoing basis with no current end date.

First Direct is one of the UK's most respected banks — and they offer £175 to new customers who switch their current account. Here's everything you need to know, including exactly how to claim it.

First Direct 1st Account

£175 switching bonus. 2 DDs, £1,000 pay-in, 5 card payments, app login within 45 days. No monthly fee. Ongoing offer.

Claim offer →

What's the First Direct switching offer?

  • Bonus: £175 cash (the £200 offer, which included a £25 boost, ended 15 July 2026)
  • Account: First Direct 1st Account
  • Monthly fee: None
  • Deadline: No current end date — ongoing offer

Am I eligible?

  • ✅ Switch via CASS including at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders
  • ✅ Deposit at least £1,000 within 45 days
  • ✅ Make 5 or more debit card payments within 45 days
  • ✅ Log into digital banking within 45 days
  • ✅ New First Direct customers only — never held a First Direct product before
  • ✅ Not opened an HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018

How do I claim the bonus?

  1. Open your First Direct 1st Account online or via the app
  2. Request a CASS switch from your existing bank — your Direct Debits transfer automatically
  3. Deposit at least £1,000 within 45 days (your salary counts)
  4. Make at least 5 debit card payments within 45 days
  5. Log into the First Direct app or online banking within 45 days
  6. Bonus paid by the 20th of the following month after conditions are met

What is the First Direct 1st Account like?

First Direct consistently ranks as one of the UK's top-rated banks for customer service — winner of consecutive customer satisfaction awards in 2024 and 2025. The 1st Account offers no monthly fee, a £250 interest-free overdraft buffer, fee-free spending abroad, access to a 7% AER regular saver, and 24/7 UK-based phone support.

Is the First Direct offer worth it?

Yes — £175 with no monthly fee is solid value. First Direct is also genuinely one of the best banks to actually bank with long-term, so many switchers choose to stay after collecting the bonus. The main conditions to plan around are the 5 debit card payments and the £1,000 pay-in — both achievable for most people within 45 days.

First Direct vs NatWest vs HSBC — which first?

Because First Direct and HSBC are in the same banking group, you can only claim one of their bonuses. If choosing between them:

  • Choose HSBC for a larger bonus (£220) — but requires £2,000 pay-in plus £500 card spend
  • Choose First Direct for the better bank — £175 bonus, simpler conditions, and exceptional customer service
  • NatWest is a separate group — claim that independently for another £200

Once your bonus lands: make it work harder. See our guide to what to do with your switching bonus — from investing platforms to travel cards, we've rounded up the best options for your extra cash.

Already a BeSwitchReady member? You're ready.

Your two BeSwitchReady Bacs Direct Debits satisfy First Direct's requirement to transfer 2 active Direct Debits via CASS. No deadline pressure — this offer is now ongoing.

Not yet a member? Two Direct Debits, £1.98/month total (£0.99 each) — set up once, ready for every offer.

Join BeSwitchReady →

Claim the First Direct £175 offer

No current deadline. Your BeSwitchReady Direct Debits transfer automatically via CASS.

Apply for First Direct →

Always verify current terms at firstdirect.com before applying. Bonus amounts and eligibility criteria may change.

Related guides