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Switching to us

We promise it won't be hard work

We know switching banks sounds like it'll be a nightmare, but we promise it's not. Switch to our Current Account and we’ll give you £100* (if you’ve not tried us before).

Third Party Provider Permissions

Third Party Providers (TPPs) provide a range of services such as viewing all your accounts in one place (Open Banking).

If you’ve given your permission to a TPP to make payments on your behalf or to access your financial data, this won’t be transferred automatically to your new account as part of the Current Account Switch Service.

Before you close your old account, check if you have any TPPs set up and make a note of who with. You can view this information on our Open Banking dashboard via Online Banking or in your Mobile App.
Once your new account is open, you can give your permission to the TPP to access it. You’ll need to contact them to provide your new account details.
If you’re not sure if your new bank will allow the TPP to access your account, you’ll need to ask them before switching and check their terms and conditions for more information about TPPs.

*£100 to say hello

To get the £100 cash offer you need to open a 1st Account, switch your everyday banking to us using the Current Account Switch Service and pay in at least £1,000 within three months of opening the account.

This offer is limited to one payment per customer or joint account, and you'll get the money within 28 days of all the criteria being met. Sorry, we can only offer this to people who haven’t previously held an account with us, and/or has not opened a HSBC or M&S Bank current account on or after 1 January 2018. You may hold a HSBC and/or M&S Bank current account and still qualify for the offer, as long as the current account was opened before 1 January 2018. We reserve the right to refuse your application and withdraw this offer at anytime. Credit is subject to status and an assessment of your financial circumstances.

**£100 to say goodbye

We're not just sure you'll love our service more than anyone else's - we're banking on it. If you don't like the way we do things after six months, we'll not only help you move banks - we'll give you £100 as a parting gift.

To qualify, you must have paid at least £1,000 a month into your account for six months and not have banked with us before, as well as switched to us initially using the Current Account Switch Service. You need to contact us to let us know you're unhappy within 12 months of opening your account, and you'll get the money within 28 days of the criteria being met. If you do decide to leave, all other products you hold with first direct will also need to be closed.

Switching without using CASS

If your account provider isn't part of the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), you can still switch to or from us at no cost by giving us the details of the account you want to switch.

To switch an account to us from a non-CASS provider just contact us and we'll send you a Transfer Form so we can understand the Standing Orders and Direct Debits you want to switch. As soon as we get this back we'll contact your old account provider and get your switch up and running. We'll also arrange for your old provider to transfer any credit balance to us and close your old account if you want to. The whole process can be as quick as 12 working days depending on the transfer date you choose and how long it takes your old provider to respond. Don't forget to give your new account details to anyone who sends you credits e.g. your employer, and let them know when to start sending payments to it.

To switch an account from us to a non-CASS provider just contact us. We'd be sad to see you go but we understand these things happen so we'll send a list of your Direct Debits and Standing Orders to your new account provider as quick as we can, normally within 5 working days. We'll then work with them to transfer and close your account if you want to.

If your new bank or building society agrees, bank accounts that include an overdraft can switch using the Current Account Switch Service. And if you’d like to have an overdraft with your new bank account, speak to your new bank or building society before starting your switch. Your new bank or building society will be able to advise if you’re eligible for an overdraft, dependent on their lending criteria and your credit status.

If you're unhappy with any part of your switch, please visit our guide to making a complaint.

Show the section 7 day switching

Switch in just 7 working days

We do everything we can to make the transaction as smooth as possible - you'll be surprised how little you actually have to do:

step 1

Before switching

Open an account

Opening an account with us and switching are two separate processes.

First, you must fully open a first direct Current Account (our 1st Account).
step 2

Switching Day 1

Tell us you want to switch

Once your current account is open, give us a call and tell us to begin the switching process.

We let your old bank know you're moving - and they should get ready to close your old account once everything's been transferred safely.
step 3

Switching Days 2 - 6

We do the work

Your old bank will automatically send us details of your regular payments (Direct Debits, standing orders and bills).

We set up all the payments on your new first direct 1st Account, inform all your Direct Debit originators that you've moved banks and give them your new details, including your employer so your salary can be redirected. There is nothing at all for you to do, no calls or anything.
step 4

Switching Day 7

...and you're switched

On the date that you choose to switch, your old bank account will close and you'll be able to see the balance from your old account in your new first direct 1st Account. We'll contact you to let you know the move is complete. Don't be nervous that you barely had to do anything, it really is that easy.

Show the section Fully guaranteed

Current Account Switch Guarantee

The Current Account Switch Service has been designed to let you switch your current account from one bank or building society to another in a simple, reliable and stress-free way. It will only take seven working days.

As your new current account provider we offer the following guarantees:

the service is free to use and you can choose and agree your switch date with us
we'll take care of moving all your outgoing payments (Direct Debits and standing orders etc.) and those coming in (like your salary)
if you have money in your old account, we'll transfer it to your new account on your switch date
we'll arrange for any payments accidentally made to your old account to be automatically redirected to your new account - we'll even contact the sender and give them your new account details
if there are any issues in making the switch, we will contact you well before your switch date
if anything goes wrong with the switch, as soon as we're told, we'll refund any interest (paid or lost) and charges incurred on either your old or new current accounts.

Show the section FAQs

Your questions answered

Can I switch my current account if I am overdrawn?

Yes. You will need to agree any overdraft facilities you require with us. Alternatively, we may be able to provide facilities to help you pay off any existing overdraft you may have, subject to our normal lending criteria. If you do not come to an agreement with us, you must make separate arrangements to repay your existing overdraft before you switch.

Is the Current Account Switch Guarantee the same for all banks?

Yes, all banks and building societies that display the Current Account Switch Guarantee Trustmark will follow the same switching process and must offer the same guarantees. There are over 40 participating banks and building societies in the UK and you can see them here Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

I have a joint account. Can I switch my current account?

Can I choose my switch date?

Are account opening and account switching all part of the same process?

Account opening and account switching are separate processes. first direct has to carry out 'know your customer' security checks as part of our account opening process. Once these are complete to our satisfaction, you can choose and agree your switch date.

Will the Current Account Switch Service automatically transfer new payment arrangements if I set them up at my old bank within 7 working days of the switch date agreed with first direct?

No. The Current Account Switch Service will take care of all payment arrangements at your old bank up until 7 working days before your agreed switch date. If you want to set up new payment arrangements during the 7 working day period leading up to your switch date you must do this on your new account.

Do I have to close my old account?

Your old bank will close your old account as part of the switching process. This ensures that any payments made to your old account are automatically redirected to your new account. If you want to, you can switch and keep the old account open, but you won't be able to use the Current Account Switch Service.

What happens to any debit card transactions or Direct Debits that I have asked my old bank to stop?

What if I change my mind?

What will happen to my Paym registration when I switch?

On your switch date, your old bank or building society will de-register your mobile phone number from Paym. As we offer Paym, you can re-register your mobile number with us. You can do this on or after your switch date, or earlier if you de-register your mobile number at your old bank or building society yourself.

Will switching my current account affect my credit rating?

No, providing you repay any outstanding overdraft on your previous account as required by your old bank or building society. If there are any problems with payments as part of the switching process, we'll correct them and ensure your credit rating is not affected.

My Direct debit hasn't moved across after I've switched. What do I do?

If you're missing a Direct Debit and your switch is complete, contact us on 03 456 100 100. Remember all payments are covered by the Current Account Switch Guarantee and any charges or interest incurred on your old or new account as a result of the error will be refunded.

Ready to switch?

New to first direct

Firstly, open a first direct Current Account.

Sole Account Link to sole Current Account application Joint Account Link to joint Current Account application

You are not able to start the switch process for joint accounts as part of this application. If you want to switch your account, you can do so by calling us once your joint account is open.

Existing Customers

If you already have a first direct Current Account please contact us to set the switch service in motion.

Who can apply? Pretty much anyone. If you're over 18, haven't been declared bankrupt or registered for an Individual Voluntary Agreement in the last six years (or be in the process of doing so), and have a phone number and email address we can contact you with, we'd love to welcome you.

Before you apply

Before applying, please take the time to read through the following. You may wish to save some of these documents for future reference.

first direct Account Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Privacy Notice (PDF)
Current Account Switch Data Privacy Notice (PDF)
Charges and Additional Product Terms (PDF)
1st Account Fee Information Document (PDF)
Glossary of terms (PDF)
Give me the facts (PDF)
Current Account Switch Guide (PDF)
Interest rate and charges (PDF) (For 1st Account charges refer to Charges and Additional Product Terms (PDF))
Information sheet and exclusion list (PDF)
We adhere to The Standards of Lending Practice (PDF)
Current Account Switch Terms and Conditions (PDF)

Important notes

If you can see any changes coming up that could affect your disposable income - for example, less money coming in due to extended leave or retirement or a change in your employment situation/working hours, or a rent/mortgage payment increase - please apply by telephone on 03 456 100 100.

If you're not happy with your account, you have a 14 day period after you receive your welcome pack to close your account. Please see the first direct Account Terms and Conditions for full details.

first direct is a division of HSBC UK Bank plc and HSBC has accounts more suitable for customers living outside of the UK. For more information please call HSBC on +44 1226 261 010 or visit hsbc.co.uk.

first direct subscribe to the Lending Code. You can learn more about the Lending Code on the Lending Standards Board website Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

For more information about accounts and other products you can refer to the Money Advice Service™ website Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

Protecting your money. Deposits protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

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