Martin Lewis regularly tells Brits to be savvy when it comes to their bank accounts.
Rather than keeping all your money in the same pot you’ve had since you were in your teens, opening new accounts with better interest rates can mean you end up with more money in the long run – by doing very little.
And, what’s more, many banks offer you cold hard cash to switch. As Money Saving Expert’s latest newsletter reads, banks are ‘willing to (legally) bribe you.’
Works for us.
And, if you’re an existing Nationwide customer, a simple switch could earn you £200.
According to MSE, if you had a Nationwide current account, savings account or mortgage on 31 March 2024, you can get £200 by switching a non-Nationwide account into a new or existing FlexDirect, FlexPlus or FlexAccount.
The only caveats are that you can’t have already received a switch bonus from Nationwide since 18 August 2021, and you need to switch at least two active direct debits to them aswell.
MSE also adds that you don’t need to worry too much that switching banks might affect your credit score.
The newsletter reads: ‘One extra search on your credit file shouldn’t make much difference (though many in a short time can.)
Nationwide bank accounts to switch to for £200
- FlexDirect
- FlexPlus
- FlexAccount
‘Some lenders do score you down for switching bank accounts as they like evidence of longevity, but this shouldn’t be an issue for most.’
Your credit score is far more likely to be affected by factors such as late or missed payments, the amount of debt you owe, or the length of your credit history.
MSE also adds that some people make thousands by switching, and even open ‘burner accounts’ for this sole purpose.
For more info on the pros and cons of switching banks, visit the Money Saving Expert website.
Martin Lewis’ handy Walkers crisps hack
We’re used to getting finance tips from Martin, but he recently shared some advice for lovers of Walkers’ Worcestershire Sauce flavoured crisps.
Fans of Walkers Worcester Sauce crisps were left outraged when the tangy variety got axed back in October 2023.
Walkers shared the bad news on X (formerly Twitter) when replying to a customer, who asked what had happened to packets. The official account responded saying: ‘Sorry to say Worcester Sauce has been discontinued.’
Many were bereft to hear this – but taking to X, Martin said he’d found the ‘best’ alternative to the iconic Walkers snack, claiming he was ‘very impressed’ by Seabrook’s Lea & Perrins crisps.
Taking to social media, Martin shared a snap of a packet, writing: ‘Best Worcestershire sauce crisps I’ve had in recent memory. I don’t often see Seabrooks sold near me (they’re tough to sauce) so when I spotted them I tried to see. Very impressed (and obvs no connection).’
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