How to get the £175 First Direct switching bonus (2026 Guide)

First Direct consistently offers one of the most generous and straightforward bank switching bonuses in the UK. For 2026, they are offering a highly attractive £175 cash reward if you switch your current account to their 1st Account.

The best part? First Direct is famous for its award-winning customer service, and setting up the switch only takes a few minutes using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). However, to qualify for the £175, you must meet a few specific criteria — most notably, transferring two active direct debits.

The Requirements: How to Qualify

To successfully claim your £175, you need to follow these exact steps when opening your First Direct 1st Account:

• Use the CASS service: You must request a full switch using the Current Account Switch Service during your application.
• Pay in £1,000: You must pay at least £1,000 into the new account within 30 days of opening it. (You can transfer this out immediately after if you prefer).
• Transfer 2 Direct Debits: The account you are switching from must have at least two active direct debits that transfer over to First Direct.
• Be a new customer: You cannot have held an account with First Direct before, or opened a generic HSBC account since 1 January 2020 (as First Direct is part of HSBC).

Stuck on the Direct Debit Rule?

The biggest hurdle for most people trying to get the First Direct bonus is the requirement for two active direct debits on the account they are switching away from. If you are using a "dummy" account solely for switching, you probably don't have your gas bill or gym membership attached to it.

Fortunately, you don't need to move your expensive household bills to qualify.

Step-by-Step Guide to Switching

1. Prepare your old account: Ensure the account you plan to switch away from has exactly 2 active direct debits. If you need them quickly, set them up using Easy Debit and wait 3–5 working days for them to show as active on your banking app.
2. Apply for First Direct: Download the First Direct app (which is the easiest way to apply) or go to their website and start the application for the 1st Account.
3. Opt-in to CASS: During the sign-up process, it will ask if you want to switch an old account. Say yes, and enter the details of your old bank account.
4. Wait for the switch: The switch process takes exactly 7 working days. First Direct will handle moving your direct debits over automatically.
5. Pay in £1,000: Once your First Direct account is open, transfer £1,000 into it from another account.

When do you get paid?

First Direct states that you will receive the £175 bonus within 28 days of meeting all the criteria (which includes the switch completing, the direct debits transferring, and the £1,000 being deposited).

Once the money is in your account, it's yours to keep. You can then cancel your Easy Debit mandates directly through your new First Direct app.