first direct has increased its switching bonus to £210. That's its standard £175 plus a £35 top-up. You get it for switching your current account to the 1st Account, which has no monthly fee and comes with first direct's well-regarded customer service.
To qualify you need to open the account before 2 December 2026, and complete everything within 45 days. The main hurdle is having two active direct debits or standing orders to switch across.
The offer at a glance
| Bonus | £210 (£175 standard + £35 extra) |
|---|---|
| Account | first direct 1st Account (no monthly fee) |
| Direct debits | At least 2 direct debits or standing orders |
| Pay-in | £1,000 |
| Card payments | 5 debit card payments |
| Time limit | 45 days from opening |
| Paid | By the 20th of the following month |
| Closing date | Open the account before 2 December 2026 |
The requirements: how to qualify
You have 45 days from opening the account to do all of this:
- Full switch via CASS: Use the Current Account Switch Service to move your old account across.
- Two direct debits or standing orders: At least two need to be set up on the account.
- Pay in £1,000: You can move it back out afterwards.
- Make five debit card payments: Any amount counts.
- Log in to digital banking: Online banking or the app.
- Be a new first direct customer: You can't have held a first direct product before.
Stuck on the direct debit rule?
If you're switching from a spare account you only use for switching, it probably has no bills on it. You don't need to move your household bills to qualify. Put two cheap direct debits on the old account before you switch, and CASS carries them across.
Need direct debits fast?
Set up the two direct debits first direct needs in under 60 seconds, from £1 a month. Processed by Stripe and protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee. Cancel anytime.
Set Up Direct Debits NowStep-by-step: switching to first direct
- Prepare your old account: Make sure it has at least two active direct debits. If it doesn't, set them up with Easy Debit and wait for them to show as active in your banking app.
- Apply for the 1st Account: The first direct app is the easiest way to apply. Do it before 2 December 2026.
- Opt in to a full switch: When the application asks if you want to switch an existing account, say yes and enter your old account details.
- Wait for the switch: CASS takes 7 working days and moves your direct debits across automatically.
- Pay in £1,000 and make five card payments: Do both within 45 days of opening the account, and log in to online banking or the app at least once.
When do you get paid?
first direct pays the bonus by the 20th of the month after you qualify. Keep your direct debits running until the money is in, then cancel any Easy Debit mandates from the first direct app.
Who can't get it?
- Anyone who has held a first direct product before.
- Anyone who has opened an HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018. first direct is part of HSBC.
Because first direct and HSBC share their eligibility rules, you'll usually only get one of the two bonuses. Compare our HSBC £220 guide before you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How many direct debits do I need for the first direct switch offer?
At least two direct debits or standing orders. The easiest way is to have them on your old account before you switch so CASS moves them across.
How much is the first direct switching bonus?
£210 for accounts opened before 2 December 2026. That's the standard £175 plus a £35 top-up.
How long do I have to meet the first direct conditions?
45 days from opening the account. In that time you need to switch, pay in £1,000, make five debit card payments and log in to digital banking.
When does first direct pay the switching bonus?
By the 20th of the month after you meet all the conditions.
Can I get the first direct bonus if I've banked with HSBC?
Not if you've opened an HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018, or have ever held a first direct product.
More bank switching guides
Last checked 26 September 2026. Switching offers change or close without notice. Always read the bank's own terms before you apply. Easy Debit is not affiliated with any bank and this guide is not financial advice.