Barclays explains rule as customers to get free £175 bonuses

Barclays has moved to give an explanation, after some confusion over who qualifies for a £175 bonus payment.

Customers can get their hands on the cash when switching to open a Barclays Bank Account or Premier Current Account in the Barclays app.

The offer is only available for new customers with Barclays. There are several steps to follow to qualify for the extra cash, one of which is to complete a full switch in the app through the Current Account Switch Service.

Guidance on the Barclays website explains that the switch needs to include "at least 2 active direct debits" which needs to include.

A customer contacted Barclays over social media to ask what counts as an "active" direct debit. They explained they had recently set up a direct debit with their current provider but the first payment wouldn't be going out until September 15.

In response, Barclays said: "To be eligible for the switch offer your direct debit must be active, meaning they are already regularly making payments from your account."

How do you qualify for the £175 Barclays switch offer?

To get the payment, you need to complete several steps before August 28. The first is to open either a Barclays Bank Account or a Premier Current Account in a sole name, in the app.

If you choose the Barclays Bank Account, you will also need to sign up for Blue Rewards for £5 a month. You will then need to arrange a full switch in the app, through the Current Account Switch Service, which needs to include at least two direct debits.

You need to start the switch by the August 28 deadline, and then it has to be completed within 30 days of when you opened your new account with Barclays. A final steps it to pay in at least £1,500 into your new account within 30 days of opening it.

When is the £175 Barclays switch offer paid out?

You will receive the £175 payment into your new account with Barclays within 28 working days of completing all the qualifying criteria.

The amount will appear on your statement as 'Switch Reward'. As this will be paid into your new account, this will need to still be open when the payment is made.

You will not qualify if you have opened any Barclays Current Account on or before July 15, 2025, when the switch offer started, or if you have previously received a switch offer reward for switch to any Barclays current account.

You also will not be eligible if you are only eligible for a Barclays Basic Current Account or if you open either of the two qualifying accounts in a joint name.