Martin Lewis says Nationwide and Santander customers to be handed free £175 for Christmas

Nationwide customers are set for a £175 Christmas bonus and Santander can also benefit from free payments ahead of Christmas

Nationwide and Santander customers have the chance to pocket a free £175 Christmas bonus. Britons with accounts at these institutions are set to enjoy a welcome financial boost ahead of the festive season, together with Santander clients.

A £175 Christmas windfall awaits Nationwide and Santander account holders who take one simple step. The additional cash can be secured in time for the holiday period by switching to First Direct, according to money-saving expert Martin Lewis.

Those who choose to move their banking over to First Direct could benefit from the offer as Mr Lewis emphasises: "Grab a FREE £175 in time for Christmas. All banks, bar one, have turned off their switching bribes. I hope some will return, but there's no guarantee."

Eligibility extends to customers from Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Nationwide, Santander, Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, TSB, and other banks, reports Birmingham Live.. First Direct outlines the requirements: "Within 45 days of your account opening you need to: switch to us using the Current Account Switch Service (including at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders), deposit £1,000, make 5+ debit card payments, and log on to digital banking. New customers only, who haven't previously held a first direct product."

However, the statement adds a cautionary note: "Sorry, we also can't offer this to people who have opened an HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Subject to status. UK residents only."

Carl Watchorn, Head of Banking at first direct, spoke positively about their services: "Our customer service is award-winning. To thank customers for choosing to come and experience it, we're bringing back our popular £175 incentive. This is in addition to our £250 interest-free overdraft, fee-free overseas transactions and ATM withdrawals and access to a 7% interest Regular Saver account."

He further pointed out that these are not the only benefits new customers enjoy when switching to first direct.