Martin Lewis has told everyone how they could get up to £200 for free by switching bank accounts. Several banks offer cash incentives for getting people to switch.

And consumer expert Mr Lewis said signing up to the accounts was largely hassle-free and could be worth it for people wanting to get some extra cash in time for Christmas or the new year. The Nationwide FlexDirect account comes with a free £200 for switchers, while the Barclays Bank Account, First Direct 1st Account and Club Lloyds accounts offer £175.

Mr Lewis explained how new customers will have to pass a "not-too-harsh" credit check. He said 84% of people who took part in a poll said it was easy to switch. Full details on the accounts can be viewed here.

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Mr Lewis said on his Money Saving Expert website: "Christmas is looming, and for many so is the fun, fraught planning and financial pain that goes with it. To help with the latter, free money is available for switchers to four best bank accounts.

"We mentioned it as a stop press last week, but as one ends imminently, and who knows how long the others will last, I wanted to go large. How easy is this to do? In my last poll, 84% of those who'd tried said it was easy and hassle-free.

"You must pass a not-too-harsh credit check and use the bank's seven-working-day switch service. This moves your balance, standing orders and direct debits for you, closes your old account, and auto-forwards any payments made to it from then on.

"When will the money arrive? With some it's in time for Christmas, but don't be overly focused on that, with all it's by January at the latest, which is arguably when cash is most strained for many."