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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Emma Munbodh

Martin Lewis explains how to get a free £175 for Christmas - if you act now

Shoppers hoping to get ahead of their Christmas spending could find themselves quids in if they act now.

In a warning to all households on Monday night's Martin Lewis Money Show, the consumer expert said loyalty doesn't pay - reminding thousands of people of the perks available when taking their custom elsewhere.

If you're unhappy with your current account holder, you can switch using the seven-day Current Account Switch Service (CASS) and get some huge rewards for doing so, Lewis said.

Right now, this includes £175 when you join HSBC - and the money could be yours before Christmas.

Elsewhere, award-winning First Direct has £50 up for grabs, while Marks & Spencer shoppers can pocket some vouchers for their big shop (or a splurge in the January sales).

Here are the top-payers right now - we've gone into plenty more detail on how each current account works in our guide, here .

We've also got a full explainer on switching bank accounts - and the important questions to ask before moving your money (including what happens to overdrafts).

Best switching incentives right now

1. £175 when you join HSBC

HSBC (Getty)

HSBC is offering a £175 cash bonus for new current account holders right now.

Those who join its Advance Bank Account will get £175 within 30 days of moving across.

To get the bonus, you must switch within 30 days, along with two direct debits or standing orders.

You'll also get access to a 2.75% regular savings account through it.

To get the reward, customers must apply using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). You'll need to pay in a minimum of £1,750 to keep the account open (or £10,500 every six months).

Your £175 bonus will then be credited to your bank account within 30-days of completion of the switch.

The account is open to anyone who's not had a HSBC current account since 1 January 2016.

2. £50 with First Direct

(Internet Unknown)

Award winning lender First Direct is offering £50 to anyone that opens a 1st Account, plus access to a 2.75% regular saver, and – if eligible – a £250 0% overdraft on top.

To get the bonus, you must pay in at least £1,000 within three months of switching over and to qualify, you must never have held a First Direct account.

The bonus will be paid within 28 days of switching and paying in a minimum of £1,000.

3. Free £100 gift card with M&S bank

(Getty)

Open an M&S Bank current account and switch within three months, including four or more active direct debits, and you'll get a £100 M&S gift card.

The account also comes hand in hand with a £100 0% overdraft, and you get reward points when you shop in M&S and access to a linked 2.75% regular savings account (though until this week, this was 5%).

You can also get another £80 gift card (£120 if you have an M&S Bank credit card) after a year if you pay in £1,250 a month.

To qualify, you must move over at least four direct debits, and register for online banking and statements.

The account is open to new customers only.

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