Switching to First Direct with donor account

I want to switch to First Direct to take advantage of their current switching bonus, but I want to keep my main current account, as I may apply for a mortgage within the next 6 months. I thought about setting up a donor current account in with £1000, to receive the bonus and access to their regular saver. From what I can see, First Direct suggest that just £1000 needs to be paid in, it says they will move direct debits for you, but it doesn't say there needs to be 'x' amount of direct debits.

Is this something that should work in practise?

Replies

  • throughthebluethroughtheblue Forumite
    155 Posts
    100 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    Forumite
    Sorry, just realised posted in the wrong area. Please delete as appropriate.
  • Reg_SmeetonReg_Smeeton Forumite
    135 Posts
    Third Anniversary 100 Posts Name Dropper
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    I completed the FD switch in January. I don’t think the existing balance in the donor account counts as “pay in”, I reduced the balance of my donor account to £0.01 and then manually added the £1000 to the new FD account. No, you don’t need any DDs. 

    Think I started the switch on Jan 3rd and had the switch bonus in the account by the end of that month. Very easy.
    Save £12k in 2020 #42 £12,551.25 / £14,000 89.65%
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