HSBC vs First Direct Switch Bonuses
HSBC and First Direct are linked by group eligibility, so you should compare them before applying. The highest headline amount may not be the best route if you are excluded by previous accounts.
Quick verdict
HSBC has the bigger headline cash reward, but also higher spend and deposit friction. First Direct currently pays £210 (£175 plus a time-limited £35 boost) and has strict previous-customer exclusions, but may be simpler for some switchers.
Provider
HSBC
Switch to an HSBC current account and get £220 cash after a full switch, 2 Direct Debits, £2,000 paid in, and £500 debit-card spend within 60 days. It is one of the stronger cash offers, but the activity requirements are real.
Requirement: £2,000 deposit, £500 card spend and 2 Direct Debits
Medium15-20 minutesPayout Within 20 days after all terms are met
Verified 27 June 2026
Provider
First Direct
Switch to a First Direct 1st Account for £210 cash (£175 switch bonus plus a temporary £35 boost) when you open between 14 September and 2 December 2026. Within 45 days you need a full CASS switch with at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders, a £1,000 deposit, 5+ debit card payments, and a digital banking login.
Requirement: CASS switch with 2 Direct Debits or standing orders, £1,000 deposit, 5+ card payments, and digital banking login within 45 days
Medium15-20 minutesPayout By the 20th of the month after all criteria are met
Verified 16 September 2026 · Ends 2 December 2026
Related reviews
HSBC
HSBC £220 Switch Bonus Review
HSBC is one of the strongest cash switch offers on GetQuids by headline value, but it is not a lazy switch. The £220 is attractive only if you can complete the full CASS switch, move 2 Direct Debits, pay in £2,000 and spend £500 on the debit card within the qualifying window.
First Direct
First Direct £210 Switch Bonus Review
First Direct is one of the better switch bonuses if you are eligible, because the current £210 window is strong and the account itself has a good reputation. The catch is the checklist: full switch, £1,000 deposit, 5+ card payments, digital banking login, and 2 Direct Debits or standing orders within 45 days.
Best bank switch bonuses compared
Use the master bank-switch page to compare the full list before choosing which account to switch next.
View the bank-switch master page ->Side-by-side
| Factor | HSBC | First Direct |
|---|---|---|
| Reward | £220 | £210 |
| Quick answer | Use the referral link for the HSBC offer. New eligible customers can get £220 after meeting the requirement: £2,000 deposit, £500 card spend and 2 Direct Debits. Last verified 2026-06-27. | Use the referral link for the First Direct offer. New eligible customers can get £210 after meeting the requirement: CASS switch with 2 Direct Debits or standing orders, £1,000 deposit, 5+ card payments, and digital banking login within 45 days. Last verified 2026-09-16. |
| Best for | Highest HSBC Group headline cash amount | People eligible for First Direct and comfortable with its steps |
| Bonus trigger | Full switch, £2,000 deposit, £500 card spend and 2 Direct Debits | Full CASS switch with 2 Direct Debits or standing orders, £1,000 deposit, 5+ card payments and digital banking login within 45 days |
| Main risk | Higher spend and deposit requirements | Ever-held First Direct and recent HSBC exclusions |
FAQ
- Can I do both HSBC and First Direct switch bonuses?
- Often not in close succession because HSBC Group eligibility exclusions matter. Check both current terms before choosing.
- Which is better, HSBC or First Direct?
- HSBC pays more in the current GetQuids list. First Direct can be better if its eligibility rules and lower spend friction fit you better.