Martin Lewis tells households they can get £175 in time for Christmas

Money expert says there is easy money to be made as he highlights offer

Households are being alerted to an opportunity to grab free cash and boost their finances before Christmas. Money expert Martin Lewis is highlighting a cash-switching deal on offer from First Direct.

It pays £175 to new customers who join them from a rival. Mr Lewis said it was the last switching "bribe" currently on the market and told households it could be an easy way to make some extra cash.

He said those who join the bank would get the money paid into their accounts by November 20. The face of Money Saving Expert has told households how it's always worth looking out for bank-switching deals as it's usually an easy way to make money.

READ MORE: Nationwide, Lloyds, Santander and NatWest customers to get £275 in bank accounts

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He also said First Direct was among banks rated as top picks by his readers. Mr Lewis said: "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. Luckily, the one currently available is often a top pick, so it's worth considering.

"First Direct free £175, top service, 0% overdraft, 7% linked saver. First Direct pays newbies who use its switching service £175, so do it now and you can get the cash by November 20, 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, and it also offers a linked 7% regular savings account you can put up to £300/month in, an ongoing £250 interest-free overdraft for many, and its debit card gives perfect rates abroad."