Major bank with two million customers handing out free £175 to help with Christmas

A major bank is handing customers a free £175 payment to help them with Christmas. First Direct has over two million customers and has a free switch offer currently, offering customers moving over to the financial provider a free £175 bonus.

"The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) takes care of everything, seamlessly moving your balances, standing orders, payees and more over to first direct. Simply choose a date and we’ll move everything to us in just 7 working days, although we always aim to do this sooner," the bank said.

"Once your first direct account is open, let us know you'd like to switch your other current account to us via the App. We will ask you for your new and old account details and preferred switching date. Once we've received your switch request and your current account is open, we'll let your old bank know you're moving.

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"As this stage there’s nothing else for you to do, no calls or anything. We’ll switch all your regular payments including standing orders and bills, we’ll also let your Direct Debit recipients know so that there’s no disruption to your outgoings. We’ll also tell everyone that needs to be told about your switch, including your employer so that your salary is paid into the right place.

"Your old bank account will close on the date of your choosing, and you'll be able to see the balance from your old account in your shiny new first direct 1st Account." The bank added: "We'll then let you know the switch is complete. It really is that easy."

Within 45 days of your account opening you need to: switch to us using the Current Account Switch Service (including at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders), deposit £1,000, make 5+ debit card payments, and log on to digital banking. Your card transactions can be made in-store or online, and could be from your digital wallet or using your actual card.