MARTIN Lewis’s team has issued an urgent warning for those looking to get hold of £185 in free cash.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) explained how you can get the free cash boost by simply switching your current account.
1
In the latest MSE Newsletter, the team said: “Last week, three banks paid for your custom – now it’s two and the others could go at any moment.
“First Direct’s free £175 is top pick, as it’s rated 90% ‘great’ for service in our last poll, plus it offers a linked 7% regular saver (max £300 a month), a 0% overdraft and fee-free overseas spending.
“TSB Spend & Save’s free £125 switcher pays an extra £10 a month for six months if you use its debit card 20 times a month.”
First Direct, an HSBC subsidiary, is offering £175 to anyone signing up to its 1st Account, and you might be able to access an ongoing £250 0% overdraft, too, depending on your circumstances.
Read more in money
The bank has a calculator on its app and website telling you if you qualify for the overdraft.
But to get hold of the £175, you have to switch to First Direct using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
You must also pay £1,000 into the account within three months and log in to the app or online.
Once you’ve done all this, the bonus will be credited to your account within 28 days.
Most read in Money
Customers switching to First Direct also get access to a 7% regular savings account, up to £300 a month, for the first year.
The 1st Account comes with no monthly fee.
New customers switching to TSB’s Spend & Save, or Spend & Save Plus current account can get up to £185 in free cash within a year.
Switchers will receive £125 in upfront money just for making the switch.
They can also receive up to £10 cashback for the first six months.
You must make at least 20 debit card payments to earn cashback each month.
You can apply for the switch on TSB’s website, in branch or via the bank’s app.
You must also set up at least two direct debits, use the card at least once and log into the TSB mobile app by March 15.
Once you have done this, TSB will pay £125 into the new account between March 20 and March 29.
Bear in mind, that the TSB Spend & Save card doesn’t have a monthly fee, but the Spend & Save Plus account will charge you £3 a month.
How to switch current accounts
Switching bank accounts is a simple process and can usually be done through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
Dozens of high street banks and building societies are signed up – there’s a full list on CASS’ website.
You don’t have to remember to move direct debits across when moving as this is done for you.
All you have to do is apply for the new account you want and the new bank will tell your existing one you’re moving.
There are a few things you can do before switching though, including choosing your switch date and transferring any old bank statements to your new account.
You should get in touch with your existing bank for any old statements.
When switching current accounts, make sure you factor in what other perks might come with joining a specific bank or building society.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Some banks over 0% overdrafts up to a certain limit while others offer better rates on savings accounts.
In other news, The Sun spoke to 24-year-old Alex Welford about how he boosted his income by £1,000 solely by switching banks.
