Offer Review
First Direct switching offer 2026 — £210 bonus guide
Updated 14 September 2026 · 6 min read
ℹ️ Updated 14 September 2026: First Direct has added a £35 boost on top of its £175 base bonus — £210 total — for accounts opened between 14 September and 2 December 2026. After 2 December, the offer is expected to revert to the £175 base bonus unless extended.
First Direct is one of the UK's most respected banks — and right now they're paying £210 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
£210 switching bonus (£175 + £35 boost, ends 2 Dec 2026). 2 DDs, £1,000 pay-in, 5 card payments, app login within 45 days. No monthly fee.
Claim offer →
What's the First Direct switching offer?
- Bonus: £210 cash (£175 base + £35 boost for accounts opened 14 Sept – 2 Dec 2026)
- Account: First Direct 1st Account
- Monthly fee: None
- Deadline: Boost applies to accounts opened by 2 December 2026 — the base £175 bonus continues afterwards on an ongoing basis
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?
- Open your First Direct 1st Account online or via the app before 2 December 2026 to lock in the £35 boost
- Request a CASS switch from your existing bank — your Direct Debits transfer automatically
- Deposit at least £1,000 within 45 days (your salary counts)
- Make at least 5 debit card payments within 45 days
- Log into the First Direct app or online banking within 45 days
- 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 — £210 with no monthly fee is excellent value, and higher than usual thanks to the current boost. 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 First Direct for the bigger bonus right now — £210, boosted through 2 December — plus simpler conditions and exceptional customer service
- Choose HSBC if the First Direct boost has ended — £220, but requires £2,000 pay-in plus £500 card spend
- 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. Move fast though — the £35 boost only applies to accounts opened by 2 December 2026.
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 £210 offer
Boost ends 2 December 2026. 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.