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Martin Lewis reveals how to get £175 free cash in time for Christmas
Watch the video above for simple ways to get extra cash
MARTIN Lewis has revealed how to get hold of £175 free cash just in time for Christmas.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert (MSE) explained in the site's latest newsletter how you can get the boost by switching your current account to First Direct.
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The bank is offering £175 to anyone signing up to its 1st Account, and if you switch now, you can get the cash by November 20.
Martin added: "There is plenty of time for it to go towards your Christmas coffers.
"It's always been one of the top accounts for service, rated 90% great."
To get hold of the £175, you have to switch to First Direct using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
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You also have to pay £1,000 into the account within three months and login to the app or online.
Plus, you'll need to switch at least two regular payments and using the debit card five times.
Once you've done all this, the bonus will be credited to your account within 28 days.
Customers switching to First Direct can also gain access to a 7% regular savings account, up to £300 a month, for the first year.
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Another perk is the debit card's excellent rates when spending abroad.
There's also no monthly fee to maintain the 1st Account.
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It's important to note, however, that you can't have opened an account with HSBC since January 2018.
As always, we recommend doing your own research to figure out what you want from a bank.
First Direct is currently the only bank offering a switching bonus.
How to switch current accounts
Switching bank accounts 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.
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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.
Money-Saving Tips from Gemma Bird: Save £2k Before Christmas
IF youre' looking to save cash, you've come to the right place, as here, Gemma Bird has shared her top tips that'll save you £2k before Christmas.
- Set a budget: Track your spending and create a realistic budget.
- Cut unnecessary costs: Cancel unused subscriptions and avoid impulse buys.
- Meal planning: Plan meals to reduce grocery bills and avoid takeaways.
- Sell unwanted items: Declutter and sell items online for extra cash.
- Cashback and discounts: Use cashback sites and hunt for discount codes.
- DIY gifts: Make personalised gifts to save money and add a personal touch.
- Pick up a seasonal shift: A really easy way to pick up a bit of extra cash in the winter is to find yourself some seasonal work.
Follow these practical tips from Gemma Bird to boost your savings before the festive season!
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