I made £1,335 free cash with easy Martin Lewis tip – how you can too

A MARTIN Lewis fan managed to make £1,335 in free cash after following a simple tip.

The consumer expert’s website MoneySavingExpert (MSE) helped the fan switch bank accounts and earn the cash at the same time.

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Martin Lewis has helped a fan make over £1,000 in free cash – and you can too[/caption]

Martin Lewis has shared on MSE how bank customers can earn money through cash incentives if they decide to switch bank accounts.

Incentives help lure new customers in and persuade them to open a current account, and you can earn as much as £200 for just one switch.

One fan, known as Debbie, shared her experience of switching multiple times: “Since last week, I have received another bank switch cashback, and my latest total is £1,335.”

Both NatWest and First Direct offer switching bonuses if you’re a new customer at the moment.

NatWest is currently offering £200 free cash if you switch to a Rewards account from a different bank and do so online or through the app.

But keep in mind eligibility criteria – you’ll need to read the terms and conditions before you fully commit to a switch.

You’re often expected to switch direct debits or pay in a set monthly amount first.

For example, you’ll need to pay at least £1,250 into your NatWest account first and use the app within 60 days if you’re planning to switch.

And the £200 switching bonus might not arrive straight away – it usually takes up to seven days.

There can also be an extra charge added on top to keep in mind – NatWest’s Reward Current Account has a £3 monthly fee to maintain the account.

First Direct is also giving customers who switch from a different bank to a 1st account a £175 switching bonus.

But again you’ll need to pay at least £1,000 into the account first and the £175 bonus could take up to a month to arrive.

To get this one, you also can’t have opened a current account with sister bank HSBC since January 2020.

How do I switch bank account?

You’ll need to use the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) – but it’s a very easy process.

You don’t have to remember to move direct debits over when moving as everything is automatically done for you.

All you have to do is apply for the new account you want and the new bank will let your existing provider know you’re moving.

Customers can apply to switch either in branch, online or over the phone.

There are some steps you can take before switching though, such as choosing your switch date, or organising transferring your old bank statements to your new account.

To get your old statements you should get in touch with your bank.

How to find the best bank accounts

It could take a very long time to search through switching offers on individual bank websites – and it’ll be very boring.

There are comparison sites set up to help you avoid just that.

Websites like MoneyFacts and price comparison tools such as Compare the Market, GoCompare and MoneySupermarket will help save you time and show you the best rates available.

These sites let you tailor your searches to an account type that suits you.

But if you want to quickly browse through what’s available right now, we’ve done a roundup of the best deals at the moment.

Remember couples could even earn up to £400 in free cash direct to their bank accounts – but the offer won’t be around forever, so be quick.

And for more tips, it’s a good idea to check Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert (MSE), especially for more customer experiences like this one.