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Offer review · Live

First Direct £210 switching offer 2026

A boosted bonus from one of the UK's best-rated banks, until 2 December. Here is everything you need to claim it.

Updated 01 November 2026 · 6 min read
The short answer

£210 if you switch two Direct Debits, deposit £1,000 and make 5 card payments within 45 days.

That's a £175 base bonus plus a £35 boost for accounts opened between 14 September and 2 December 2026. After the boost ends it is expected to go back to £175, unless extended.

Go to First Direct's offer →Or see all the live switching offers
Affiliate disclosure: links to First Direct on this page may earn us a commission. Full disclosure →

How the offer works

  • Bonus: £210 cash (£175 base plus £35 boost)
  • Account: First Direct 1st Account
  • Monthly fee: none
  • Boost window: accounts opened 14 September to 2 December 2026
  1. Open the accountOnline or in the app, before 2 December 2026 to get the £35 boost.
  2. Request a CASS switchIt must include at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders from your old account.
  3. Deposit £1,000Within 45 days. Your salary counts.
  4. Make 5 debit card paymentsWithin 45 days.
  5. Log in to digital bankingWithin 45 days, in the app or online.
  6. First Direct pays the bonusBy the 20th of the month after the conditions are met.
Check the terms first. First Direct's own T&Cs PDF has shown a 30-day window, where independent trackers and our earlier checks say 45 days. Read First Direct's current terms before you switch.

Who can claim it?

You can claim if

  • You switch via CASS with at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders
  • You deposit £1,000, make 5 card payments and log in within the window
  • You're a new First Direct customer

You can't claim if

  • You've held a First Direct product before
  • You've opened an HSBC current account since 1 January 2018

What's the 1st Account like?

First Direct consistently ranks among the UK's top-rated banks for customer service. The 1st Account has no monthly fee, an interest-free overdraft buffer, fee-free spending abroad, access to a regular saver (check the current rate) and 24/7 UK-based phone support. Many switchers stay after collecting the bonus.

First Direct, NatWest or HSBC first?

First Direct and HSBC are in the same banking group, so you can usually claim only one of their bonuses. NatWest is a separate group, so you can claim that independently.

Choose First Direct if

  • You want the boosted £210 while it lasts
  • You prefer simpler conditions and great service

Choose HSBC if

  • The First Direct boost has ended
  • You can manage £2,000 pay-in and £500 card spend for £220

If you're a BeSwitchReady member

Your two BeSwitchReady Bacs Direct Debits are designed to meet First Direct's requirement to move 2 active Direct Debits via CASS. Check First Direct's current terms, and move quickly: the £35 boost only applies to accounts opened by 2 December 2026.

Once your bonus lands

Make it work harder. Our guide to what to do with your switching bonus covers everything from investing platforms to travel cards.

Stay ahead

Hear about deadlines first

Members get new offers, boosts and ending dates by email, so you can plan the order without watching the news yourself.

Two Direct Debits£0.99 each, £1.98 a month in total.
Offer alerts firstNew offers, boosts and ending dates, by email.
Your best next switchA monthly pick, with the order to do things in.
Cancel any timeThrough your bank, no minimum term.
Join BeSwitchReady — £1.98/month → Bank terms always take precedence over our guidance. Check the live offers

Frequently asked questions

How much does First Direct pay for switching?

£210 in total: a £175 base bonus plus a £35 boost for accounts opened between 14 September and 2 December 2026, if you meet the conditions.

What do I need to do within 45 days?

Switch via CASS with at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders, deposit at least £1,000, make 5 or more debit card payments and log in to digital banking. First Direct's older T&Cs PDF says 30 days, so check its current terms.

Can I claim both First Direct and HSBC?

Usually not. They are part of the same banking group, and each has its own exclusion rule. First Direct rules out anyone who has opened an HSBC current account since 1 January 2018.

Is the First Direct offer worth it?

Yes, if you can meet the conditions. £210 with no monthly fee is good value, and the main things to plan around are the 5 card payments and the £1,000 deposit.

Claim the First Direct £210 offer

The boost ends 2 December 2026. Check First Direct's terms before you apply.

Apply for First Direct →

This is general information, not financial advice. Always check current terms at firstdirect.com before applying, as bonus amounts and eligibility criteria may change. Links to First Direct on this page may earn BeSwitchReady a commission. BeSwitchReady is a paid membership service that sets up Direct Debits.