Thinking of switching banks? Barclays is offering a £175 cash incentive to new customers who make the switch by Thursday, August 28, 2025. Yeah, you heard that right. Free money, no strings attached (well, almost no strings). Whether you’re tired of your current bank’s sneaky fees or just want some extra cash in your pocket, this might be the deal you’ve been waiting for.
This isn’t Barclays’ first rodeo with switching bonuses, but this one’s one of the most generous offers in the UK market right now. And with the deadline creeping up faster than your Monday morning alarm, now’s the time to act.
Barclays Is Giving Away £175 to Switch
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bonus Amount | £175 for new switchers |
| Deadline | Thursday, August 28, 2025 |
| How to Switch | Use the Barclays app to open a current account and use the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) |
| Requirements | Switch at least 2 Direct Debits, deposit £1,500, and apply via the app |
| Eligibility | Must not have a Barclays current account as of July 15, 2025, and never received a Barclays switch bonus before |
| Official Website | Barclays Switching Offer |
If you’re eligible and haven’t banked with Barclays recently, go for it. £175 is a solid reward for what amounts to maybe 30 minutes of work. Just make sure you hit the requirements and complete the switch before the buzzer.
It’s a rare win-win in personal finance: you get a trusted bank and cash in your pocket. Just don’t snooze on it. The deadline is right around the corner.
Why Is Barclays Offering £175 to Switch?
Barclays is trying to win over new customers in a competitive market. With digital banks like Monzo, Starling, and Revolut shaking things up, traditional banks are stepping up their game. Offering cash to switch is a quick way to grab attention and customer loyalty.
This isn’t just a random promo; it’s a smart marketing play. According to a recent report by Statista, over 50% of UK residents stick with their bank for more than 10 years. That means winning a new customer today could mean having them for life.
And let’s be real: £175 is a strong motivator. Especially in 2025, when every pound counts.
Who’s Eligible for the Barclays Switch Bonus?
Not everyone can grab this deal. Here’s what you need to qualify:
- You must not have a Barclays current account (including joint accounts) on or before July 15, 2025.
- You must have never received a Barclays switch bonus before.
- You must use the Barclays app to open the account.
- You need to switch at least 2 Direct Debits.
- You must deposit at least £1,500 into your new account.
- The switch has to be completed using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
So, if you’ve never banked with Barclays, and you’ve got a couple of Direct Debits ready to move over, you’re golden.
Barclays vs. Other Switching Offers
| Bank | Switching Bonus | Key Requirements | Key Features |
| Barclays | £175 | Switch via app, pay in £1,500, 2+ Direct Debits. | Access to Blue Rewards (fee applies), Barclays app. |
| First Direct | £175 | Switch via app, pay in £1,000, 5+ debit card payments. | Highly-rated customer service, no foreign transaction fees. |
| Nationwide | £100-£200 (varies) | Switch via CASS, specific deposit amounts, maintain account. | Member-owned, offers a “Fairer Share” payment to members. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming Your £175
Step 1: Download the Barclays App
Head over to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the Barclays app.
Step 2: Apply for a Current Account
You can choose either the Barclays Bank Account or the Premier Current Account. Follow the prompts, verify your identity, and you’re on your way.
Step 3: Initiate the Switch
Use the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) built into the app. This service handles everything — including moving your payments, salary, and Direct Debits.
Step 4: Fulfill the Requirements
- Set up at least two Direct Debits.
- Deposit £1,500 into the account (can be done in one go or multiple payments).
Step 5: Get Paid
Once the switch is complete and all requirements are met, £175 will be paid into your account within 28 days.
Why This Matters (Especially Right Now)
This is a great time to switch banks. Interest rates are fluctuating, inflation’s still doing its thing, and people are becoming more mindful about where they keep their money. A free £175 is a no-brainer if you’re thinking of moving your cash.
Barclays is also a safe bet — it’s one of the Big Four UK banks and protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which covers up to £85,000 per person, per institution.
Pros and Cons of the Barclays Switch Offer
Pros
- Free money (£175!)
- Trusted bank with solid digital tools
- Easy switching process with CASS
- Great for building credit and financial history
Cons
- You must move 2 Direct Debits (might be a hassle for some)
- You can’t have had a Barclays account recently
- Bonus takes up to 28 days to arrive
Tips for Maximizing This Bonus
- Use recurring Direct Debits: Utilities, Netflix, Spotify, your gym membership — anything that counts as a DD.
- Don’t close your old bank account manually: Let CASS handle it.
- Track your progress: Barclays will notify you in the app when your switch is complete.
- Double-check your eligibility: It sucks to do all that work and not get the bonus.
Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Switching Banks
- Myth #1: It’s a hassle. The CASS service makes switching seamless. Your new bank handles everything, from moving your money to telling your bill providers. It only takes seven working days.
- Mistake #2: Forgetting the fine print. The £175 offer has specific rules! You must use the app, pay in £1,500, and have at least two Direct Debits. Missing just one step could mean you don’t get the bonus.
- Mistake #3: Closing your old account too soon. Don’t close your old account yourself! The CASS process is designed to close it for you automatically once the switch is complete and all payments have been transferred.
Real-World Case Study or Mini Example
Maria, a student living in Bristol, was looking for a new bank. She saw the Barclays offer and thought it was a great opportunity. She downloaded the app, started the switch, and made sure her two Netflix and Spotify Direct Debits were included. She also asked her dad to transfer her £1,500 student loan payment to the new account. A few weeks later, she saw the £175 “Switch Reward” pop up on her statement. It was a nice, unexpected boost to her budget!
FAQs
What happens if I don’t complete the switch by the deadline?
You won’t get the £175 bonus. Your switch has to be completed by Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Can I switch a joint account?
Yes, but both account holders must meet the eligibility requirements.
What if I forget to add two Direct Debits?
You won’t qualify for the bonus. Make sure you set those up ASAP.
Is the offer available in branches?
Nope. This offer is app-only. You must apply and switch through the Barclays mobile app.
How long does the bonus take to arrive?
Up to 28 days after the switch is completed and all conditions are met.
