1st Account switch offer

Compare the requirements, benefits and eligibility.

First Direct bank logo

1st Account

Switching bonus from First Direct

Bonus

£175

Penny's take

Solid, low-hassle reward from a well-regarded bank. First Direct's fee-free 1st Account pays £175 to switchers who deposit £1,000, make five card payments, and transfer at least two direct debits within 45 days — a moderate but manageable checklist. The ongoing package adds genuine everyday value: a £250 interest-free overdraft buffer and no First Direct fees on overseas spending make this worth holding beyond the bonus.

The biggest catch is eligibility: anyone who has ever held a First Direct product, or opened an HSBC current account since January 2018, is automatically excluded. If you clear that hurdle, this is a strong pick for everyday switchers who want a reputable, no-fee account with a meaningful cash reward and useful long-term perks.

Requirements at a glance

Deposit requirement

£1,000

Direct Debits

2active

Transactions

5in 45 days

Monthly fee

£0

Online Banking

Required

How to qualify

Requirements

  • Switch using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS)
  • Transfer at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders
  • Deposit £1,000 within 45 days of account opening
  • Make 5+ debit card payments within 45 days of account opening
  • Log on to digital banking within 45 days of account opening
  • New customers only – must not have previously held a first direct product
  • Must not have opened an HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018
  • UK residents only

Things to check

  • You can never have had any First Direct products or opened an HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018.
  • £200 is made up of £175 base bonus plus a £25 boost for accounts opened between 18 May and 15 July 2026 — after that date the bonus reverts to £175.

Account Benefits

No monthly fee

Use the 1st Account without paying a monthly account charge.

£250 interest-free overdraft

The first £250 of an approved arranged overdraft is interest-free; borrowing above it is charged.

No First Direct fees abroad

First Direct charges no debit-card fee for overseas purchases or cash withdrawals; third-party charges may remain.

    First Direct 1st Account Switch Offer: £175 Bonus | DepositScout