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If your main new year’s resolution is to save money, you might want to start with getting yourself the best bank account possible.
Switching your account should be quick and hassle-free and could make you more money in the long-run.
There are several accounts that offer free cash when customers sign up, while others offer vouchers.
If you’re looking for a quick cash injection after a rather pricey December, HSBC are offering £150 upfront and a further £50 after a year – currently the highest amount of any bank.
You'll also be eligible to get HSBC's 5% regular savings account. However, the account has a high minimum monthly pay-in of £1,750 a month, so it might not be right for you.
Here are three other accounts that money-saving expert Martin Lewis: recommends for those wanting an initial cash boost:
How to get rich without any qualifications
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1. First Direct
First Direct is offering £125 to new customers. You can also get a £250 0% overdraft, and can open a linked 5% regular saver.
To switch to a First Direct account you need to be able to pay in a minimum of £1,000 a month.
The bank is also great for customer service, with 90% of its customers rating it as “great”.
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2. M&S Bank
The M&S Bank Current Account gives new switchers a £185 M&S gift card. You also get £100 0% overdraft, and access to a linked 5% regular saver.
There are no minimum pay-in amount, but you can get an extra £5 added to your gift card each month for the first year when you pay in £1,000mth.
To get the gift card you must fully switch your account using M&S Bank’s switching service within three months, including two or more active direct debits.
3. Halifax Reward
This account gives customers £75 the instant they switch to it. You can also get an extra £3 a month if you pay in £750 each month, remain in credit, and pay out at least two direct debits.
However, there is no free overdraft on this account, so not good for people who are also in the red.
What if I want to get the highest interest rate on my savings?
If you have a lump-sum and want to maximise its potential, you need to put it in a high-interest account.
Martin reveals the top two accounts for a high interest rate are Nationwide, who offer %% on £2,500 fixed for a year and Tesco, who offer 3% on £3,000 until April 2019.