Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert explains how M&S Bank customers can now get £125 ahead of account closures
MARTIN Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert website has explained how M&S Bank customers are now eligible for a £125 switch bonus ahead of their current accounts closing.
The lender confirmed it is shutting all of its current accounts and 29 physical banks this summer.
M&S' current account has already closed to new customers, but its existing three million customers will lose their accounts in August 2021.
Its bank branches will close on July 2, with all services moving to online, mobile and telephone channels until its accounts fully shut.
The changes mean customers have been advised to move their money to a new account by summer.
But until now, M&S customers haven’t been able to benefit from switch bonuses being offered by First Direct and HSBC.
In their published this week, the team advised M&S Bank customers that this rule has now changed.
It means M&S Bank customers may now qualify for £125 from HSBC or £100 from First Direct for switching.
If you moved from M&S to HSBC or First Direct after March 4, you'll also be rewarded the bonus too if you're eligible.
For example, with HSBC you need to pay in have two direct debits or standing orders across and pay in £1,750 per month.
With First Direct you’ll need to pay in at least £1,000 within three months of opening your account.
You should always make sure your switching accounts to the right bank for you - don’t be swayed by the switch bribe alone.
With both HSBC and First Direct, you’ll get a linked 1% regular savings account where you can save up to £250 each month.
Go into your unarranged overdraft, and each bank will charge 39.9% EAR variable, capped at £20.
MSE said: “Anyone who'd opened an M&S current account since 2018 couldn't grab bribes to switch to sister brands First Direct and HSBC.
“But that restriction's been lifted, subject to normal eligibility criteria."
In more Martin Lewis news, the money-savings guru is urging married couples to claim tax break refund before April 5.
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Martin Lewis has also revealed ways to get an up to £2,000 boost by cashing in on government rewards.
Plus, he has warned workers to check their tax codes are correct - or you could miss out on thousands of pounds.