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    First Direct switch bonus

    First Direct's 1st Account is a long-running switch favourite thanks to its customer service and its regular saver.

    The First Direct offer right now

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    Offer details are refreshed automatically every Monday from MoneySavingExpert's best bank accounts guide. Always confirm the terms with the bank before switching.

    Who is eligible for the First Direct switch bonus?

    Banking group: HSBC (includes First Direct). Bonuses are normally once per group, so check your history with every brand in it.

    • Never having held any First Direct product is normally required.
    • You must not have held an HSBC current account since the date given in the offer terms.
    • Two or more direct debits or standing orders usually need to move across.
    • A minimum pay-in plus a number of debit card payments inside the offer window.

    Short of direct debits? Read how to set up direct debits for a switch or set up a £1/month Switchy direct debit in a couple of minutes.

    First Direct switch timeline

    1. Day 0

      Open the new account and start the switch using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).

    2. Day 1–3

      The new bank confirms your switch date and requests your balance, direct debits and standing orders.

    3. Day 7

      Switch completes. Payments in and out are redirected automatically for at least three years.

    4. Day 7–45

      Meet the pay-in, card spend and direct debit conditions inside the offer window.

    5. After the window

      The bank checks the criteria and pays the bonus, usually within 30 days.

    How to switch to First Direct

    1. Check you are eligible — most First Direct bonuses exclude anyone who has held an account with the same banking group recently or claimed a switch bonus before.
    2. Make sure the account you are switching away from has the required number of active direct debits. A £1/month Switchy direct debit is the simplest way to top these up.
    3. Apply for the qualifying First Direct account online or in the app, and choose the full switch option rather than opening the account on its own.
    4. Give your old account details, pick a switch date, and let CASS move your balance, direct debits and standing orders.
    5. Complete the offer conditions — the minimum pay-in, any debit card payments, and registering for mobile or online banking.
    6. Keep the account open until the bonus lands, then decide whether to stay or switch again.

    First Direct specifics worth knowing

    • First Direct often boosts the headline cash with a voucher for a limited period — the live amount above reflects whatever is running now.
    • The linked regular saver is one of the best in the market, which makes the account worth keeping after the bonus.

    Before you switch to First Direct

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    Need direct debits for your First Direct switch?

    Set up a £1 monthly direct debit with Switchy and tick off the requirement most people fall short on.

    Set up your Direct Debit now