Barclays alert as customers 'need to act today' to qualify for £175 payment

Barclays is offering a £175 bonus to certain customers, but just few hours remain to claim the extra cash. The offer requires you to switch to one of two Barclays accounts today (August 28) to be eligible for the payment. You need to carry out several steps in the app today to get the funds.

This offer is exclusively available to new customers who switch to either a Barclays Bank Account or a Premier Current Account. To qualify for the extra cash, you need to open either of these bank accounts through the Barclays app, in your sole name.

Those opting for the Barclays Bank Account will also need to join Blue Rewards, which comes with a monthly fee of £5. As per the rules, you must carry out a full switch in the app using the Current Account Switch Service, and this must include at least two direct debits. You'll also need to deposit at least £1,500 into your new account.

To secure the payment, there are several steps you need to complete today (August 28). Firstly, you'll need to open one of the qualifying current accounts.

Next, open up the Barclays app, select 'Products' on the home page, then scroll down to 'Our services' and choose 'Switch current account'.

You'll then be guided by on-screen instructions on how to complete a full switch. You'll need to provide details of your old debit card to do this.

Once you've initiated the switch, it's crucial to complete it within 30 days of opening the account to be eligible for the bonus payment. The minimum deposit of £1,500 also needs to be paid in within this same 30-day period.

The current account must be opened solely in one person's name, meaning joint accounts will not qualify. If you've opened a Barclays current account prior to July 15 - when the switch offer launched - you also won't be eligible for the cash reward.

Those only eligible for a Barclays Basic Current Account will also not qualify. You also won't qualify if you are under the age of 18 or you are a not a UK resident.

Barclays will deposit the payment into your new account within 28 working days of you meeting the qualifying criteria. You'll be able to spot the amount on your statement, as it will be labelled 'Switch Reward'.