Switch your UK bank account in just 7 working days — it is free, protected, and could earn you £100-200 in cash bonuses. Here is everything you need to know.
The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) is a free, industry-wide service that makes switching UK bank accounts simple, safe, and fast. It was introduced in September 2013 and is now used by over 50 UK banks and building societies.
The service handles everything: all your direct debits (bills, subscriptions, insurance) and standing orders are automatically moved to your new account. Any payments sent to your old account are forwarded for at least 36 months. Your old account is closed on the switch date.
You initiate the switch at your new bank — you do not need to contact your old bank at all.
The Switch Guarantee means you are fully protected throughout the process. Specifically, it guarantees:
As of 2025, over 10 million switches have been completed successfully through CASS since its launch, with a very high customer satisfaction rate.
Compare current accounts based on switching bonuses, ongoing interest rates, cashback on spending, overdraft rates, and customer service reviews. See our recommendations below.
Apply online or in-branch at your chosen new bank. You will need proof of identity (passport or driving licence) and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months). The bank will run a credit check.
Once approved, tell your new bank you want to use the Current Account Switch Service. You will need your old bank's sort code and account number. The new bank handles everything from here.
Select a date at least 7 working days in the future. Choose a date after your salary has been paid and before any major direct debits are due, so you have time to verify everything is set up correctly.
Notify your employer's payroll department of your new sort code and account number to ensure your salary is paid to the right account from the switch date. Also update HMRC if you receive any government payments, tax credits, or benefits.
All direct debits, standing orders, and scheduled payments are moved automatically. Your old account is closed. Any payments sent to your old details are forwarded to your new account for 36 months.
If you switched for a cash bonus, check the specific requirements — you often need to: complete the switch by a deadline, pay in a minimum monthly amount (typically £1,000-1,500), and have at least 2 active direct debits transferred. Bonuses are usually paid within 30 days of meeting all criteria.
The best account for you depends on your priorities: a cash switching bonus, ongoing cashback, high interest on your balance, or best-in-class customer service. Here are the standout options in early 2026:
To earn a switching bonus you typically need to meet all of the following criteria within a specified window (often 30-60 days of switching):
| Requirement | Typical condition | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum pay-in | £1,000-1,500/month | Must credit account with salary or transfers |
| Active direct debits | At least 2 | Banks want to see genuine account usage |
| Full CASS switch | Must use CASS | Manual transfers do not qualify |
| Account type | Current account only | Savings accounts are usually excluded |
| New customer | No account in past 12-24 months | Varies by bank — check terms |
| Bonus payment date | Usually within 30 days of criteria met | Money paid to your new account |
If you currently use an overdraft, you need to check whether your new bank will offer you an equivalent or greater overdraft limit. Apply for the overdraft at the new bank before initiating the switch if possible. If you are in your overdraft on the switch date, you will need to clear it or arrange credit to cover it — the switch will not work if your account is significantly in debit.
Joint accounts can be switched using CASS, but both account holders must consent and be present for the switch application. Both must also agree on the new bank. Consider whether both parties would pass the new bank's credit check, as some banks have higher requirements.
Opening a new bank account usually involves a credit check. A hard search leaves a small, temporary mark on your credit file, which fades within 12 months and has minimal real-world impact. However, if you are planning to apply for a mortgage in the near future, minimise the number of new accounts or credit applications in the 3-6 months beforehand.
Some people worry about losing a long relationship with their existing bank. In practice, the length of your banking relationship has minimal impact on credit scoring or your ability to get a mortgage with that lender. Mortgage approvals are based on income, outgoings, credit history, and the property — not how long you have held a current account.
Student accounts are a special category. Banks compete heavily for student customers with 0% overdraft incentives and railcard offers. CASS can be used with student accounts, but compare the specific student offers carefully — the 0% overdraft (typically £1,000-3,000) is often worth more than any switching bonus. HSBC, Santander, and NatWest consistently offer competitive student account deals.
While switching itself has minimal credit impact, using your new account well can improve your credit score over time:
Accounts that report positively to credit reference agencies include Experian Boost-linked accounts, and some fintech accounts (Monzo, Starling) now share transaction data that can support creditworthiness assessments.
Under the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), switching takes exactly 7 working days from the switch date you choose. All your direct debits, standing orders, and incoming payments are automatically redirected. Your old account is closed on the switch date.
You need to allow additional time to apply and be approved by the new bank before the 7-day switch countdown begins. Total time from starting to apply to completing the switch is typically 2-3 weeks.
Yes. The Current Account Switch Guarantee means that if anything goes wrong during or after a switch made through CASS, you are fully protected and compensated. Any misdirected payments are redirected for at least 36 months, and any interest or charges incurred due to switching errors are refunded.
Over 10 million switches have been completed through CASS since 2013 with a very high success rate. The service is regulated and backed by the UK banking industry.
Switching bonuses change very frequently — banks introduce and withdraw offers regularly. In early 2026, competitive offers have ranged from £100 to £200 cash from various high street banks. Requirements typically include switching with 2+ active direct debits and paying in £1,000-1,500/month.
Always check MoneySavingExpert's current accounts page for the most up-to-date verified switching deals, as the best offer changes month to month.
Opening a new bank account may result in a soft or hard credit check depending on the bank. A hard search leaves a small, temporary mark on your credit file, but it fades within 12 months and has minimal real-world impact on most credit decisions.
Switching itself does not damage your credit score. The long-term impact of a well-managed new account (no missed payments, no unauthorised overdraft) is neutral to positive. If you are applying for a mortgage in the next 3-6 months, it is worth minimising new account applications.
Yes, but you need to manage the overdraft carefully. You have two options: repay the overdraft before the switch date, or arrange an overdraft with your new bank first. Apply for the overdraft at your new bank before initiating the switch.
If the new bank cannot match your existing overdraft limit, you will need to clear any balance above their limit before the switch completes. Do not leave a large outstanding balance on your old account on the switch date.
There is no legal limit on switching. However, individual banks restrict their bonus to new customers who have not held an account with them for a specified period — typically 12-24 months.
Some people switch several times a year to collect multiple bonuses, moving between banks strategically. There is nothing wrong with this, but be aware that each application involves a credit check, and frequent account openings can marginally affect your credit score. Keep records of which banks you have previously held accounts with and when you last held them.
Your old bank account is automatically closed on the switch date. You do not need to do anything. Any payments that are accidentally sent to your old sort code and account number are automatically redirected to your new account for at least 36 months under the Switch Guarantee.
Keep a record of your old account details for 36 months in case you need to trace any payments. Inform any contacts who pay you (salary, freelance clients, HMRC, DWP) of your new details proactively — do not rely solely on the redirection service for important regular payments.