How to switch bank account

Zuletzt aktualisiert: 19. June 2026

Switching your current account in the UK has never been simpler. Thanks to the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), your new bank handles virtually everything: it moves your direct debits, standing orders, balance, and incoming payments (including your salary) across within seven working days, then closes your old account. The process is free, covered by a formal guarantee, and available through more than 40 bank and building society brands, meaning over 99% of UK current accounts are eligible. If you have been putting off switching because it sounds complicated, this guide will show you it really is not.

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How to switch bank account: step by step

The entire switching process follows a predictable sequence. Here is how it works from start to finish.

Step 1: Choose a new current account

Before anything else, decide where you want to bank. Think about what matters most to you: a competitive interest rate on your balance, cashback on debit card spending, a generous overdraft, a branch on your high street, or a market-leading switching bonus. There is no shortage of strong options in 2026. See our guide to the best bank accounts in the UK for a detailed comparison.

Once you have settled on an account, confirm that both your old provider and the new one participate in CASS. The vast majority of UK banks and building societies do, but it is always worth checking on the Current Account Switch Service website if you are unsure.

Step 2: Apply and open the new account

Apply to the new bank in the usual way. Whether you apply online, via the bank’s app, or in branch, you will need to pass the standard identity and address verification checks (a passport or driving licence, plus a utility bill or bank statement typically suffice). Most digital banks like Monzo, Starling, and Chase can verify you entirely through their app in under ten minutes. High-street banks may take a day or two longer.

Once your new account is open, you are ready to request the switch.

Step 3: Request the switch via CASS

Inform your new bank that you want to switch your existing account across using the Current Account Switch Service. Most banks will prompt you to do this during the account-opening journey, but you can also initiate it afterwards through your new bank’s app or online banking portal, or by visiting a branch.

You will be asked to sign two documents:

Current Account Switch Agreement — this authorises your new bank to manage the switch on your behalf.
Current Account Closure Instruction — this instructs your old bank to close the account once the switch completes.

Your new bank contacts your old bank directly. You do not need to speak to your old bank at all.

Step 4: Choose your switch date

Pick a switch date that is at least seven working days from the day you submit the switch request. Weekends and bank holidays do not count towards those seven days. You can use your old account as normal right up until the switch date itself.

A few timing tips worth bearing in mind:

Choose a date a few days after your usual pay date, so your salary lands in the correct account without any ambiguity.
Avoid picking a date when a cluster of direct debits is due to go out, to minimise the chance of any timing confusion.
Do not set up any brand-new direct debits or standing orders during the seven-day switching window, as these will not be captured by CASS.

Step 5: Your switch completes automatically

On your chosen switch date, everything moves across automatically. Your new bank transfers your account balance, all direct debits, all standing orders, and all saved payees to your new account. Incoming payments, including your salary and any benefits, are redirected too. Your old bank closes the account.

From this point, your new sort code and account number are active. Your new debit card will have arrived in the post before this date, so you can start using it straight away.

What the Current Account Switch Service guarantees

CASS is not just a convenience service; it is backed by a legally binding guarantee. Every participating bank is bound by the same terms, which cover the following:

Seven working days: Your switch will complete within seven working days of your chosen switch date. CASS reported a 99.2% seven-day completion rate in its Q4 2025 dashboard.
Complete payment transfer: All direct debits, standing orders, and incoming payments are moved to your new account.
Balance transfer: Any money in your old account on the switch date is moved across.
Financial protection: If anything goes wrong as a direct result of the switch (for example, a direct debit fails because it was not transferred correctly), your new bank must refund any charges or lost interest you incur as a result.
Payment redirection for 36 months: Any payments accidentally sent to your old sort code and account number are automatically forwarded to your new account for three years after the switch. This protects you if a less-frequent payer (a pension provider, HMRC, or an insurance company) has not been updated in time.
Free of charge: There is no fee for switching via CASS.

If something does go wrong, contact your new bank first. If the issue is not resolved within eight weeks, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service free of charge.

What happens to your old account after switching

Under a full CASS switch, your old bank closes the account automatically on the switch date. You do not need to call them, write to them, or visit a branch. Everything is handled between the two banks.

The 36-month redirection means you should not lose any money even if you forget to update a payee. However, it is best practice to actively update the key ones yourself as soon as the switch is complete:

Your employer’s payroll department (update your bank details on any HR portal)
HMRC (update via your Personal Tax Account at gov.uk)
Your pension provider
Any government benefits you receive (update via the relevant government service portal)

One important limitation: the redirection covers bank transfers (Faster Payments and BACS), but it does not cover card-on-file payments. Subscriptions where you saved a debit card number, such as Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, or a gym membership, will keep attempting to charge your old card number. These will fail once the old account is closed. You need to log in to each service and update the card details to your new debit card number manually.

Things to check before you switch

CASS handles almost everything, but a small amount of preparation before your switch date will make the transition completely seamless.

Make a list of your card-on-file subscriptions

Go through your bank and credit card statements for the past two or three months and note every subscription charged directly to your debit card. Common ones include streaming services, cloud storage, software subscriptions, and online shopping memberships. Once your new debit card arrives (usually before your switch date), update each of these services with the new card number.

Review your direct debits and standing orders

While CASS transfers these automatically, it is worth logging in to your old account and taking a screenshot or note of all active direct debits and standing orders. This gives you a reference point to confirm everything has transferred correctly to your new account after the switch date.

Check the timing relative to your salary

If your salary is paid by BACS (which most UK employer payrolls use), it will be redirected to your new account via the CASS system. Even so, to avoid any possible uncertainty, choose a switch date a few days after your next pay date. That way your salary arrives in your old account as normal, the switch completes, and subsequent salary payments land directly in your new account.

Consider the impact on your credit file

Opening a new bank account involves a credit check (usually a soft search, though some banks run a hard search). A single application will have minimal impact on your credit score. However, if you are planning to apply for a mortgage, car finance, or another significant credit product in the next few months, it is worth spacing out your bank switch and credit application to avoid multiple searches appearing on your file at the same time.

Gather statements from your old bank

Download or request PDF copies of your last six to twelve months of statements before the switch date. Once your old account closes, access to your transaction history through the old bank’s app or online banking may become limited or eventually unavailable.

Best accounts to switch to in the UK (June 2026)

The right account depends on your priorities. Here is an overview of the strongest options available right now. For a full side-by-side comparison, see our guide to the best current accounts in the UK.

Chase UK

Chase is the standout free account for everyday cashback. It pays 1% cashback on all eligible debit card spending (capped at £15 per month) for the first year, making it particularly rewarding if you put most of your day-to-day spending through your current account. Its linked saver pays 4.5% AER variable for the first 12 months, which is among the best linked savings rates available. Chase is app-only with no branches, but its customer service ratings are consistently strong.

Starling Bank

Starling is widely regarded as the best all-round free current account. It charges no monthly fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no ATM withdrawal charges abroad, making it a favourite for travellers. Its app is clean and feature-rich, with real-time spending notifications, spending categories, and Spaces (separate saving pots). Starling has a 97% customer recommendation rate and strong Financial Conduct Authority oversight as a fully licenced UK bank. Its main limitation is that it does not currently pay interest on the standard current account balance.

Monzo

With over 10 million UK customers, Monzo is the most widely used digital bank in the country. Its free current account includes budgeting tools, spending categorisation, salary sorter, and savings pots with rates up to 4.60% AER. Monzo Plus (£5/month) adds 1.5% AER interest on balances up to £2,000. Monzo is a FSCS-protected, fully licenced UK bank and participates in CASS.

Nationwide FlexDirect

Nationwide is the UK’s largest building society and a strong choice for those who value both in-branch access and a competitive interest rate. The FlexDirect account pays 5% AER on balances up to £1,500 for the first 12 months (reverting to a lower rate thereafter), with no monthly fee. Nationwide has pledged to keep every branch open until at least 2030, making it a reliable option for customers who prefer face-to-face banking. It also offers a switching bonus. Nationwide is a member-owned mutual, meaning profits are returned to members rather than shareholders.

First Direct

First Direct consistently tops customer satisfaction surveys. It offers a no-fee current account with access to a Regular Saver paying competitive rates (up to £300 per month), and a £250 interest-free overdraft. First Direct is part of the HSBC Group but operates as an entirely separate telephone and online bank. It currently offers one of the strongest switching bonuses on the market. An account must be funded with £1,000 per month to qualify as active.

Lloyds, NatWest, Barclays, HSBC, and Santander

The large high-street banks remain valid choices for those who need in-person branch access, prefer established names, or want bundled products (mortgages, credit cards, and savings all under one roof). Their standard current accounts typically charge no monthly fee for basic tiers, though premium account tiers (such as Lloyds Platinum or NatWest Rewards) charge a monthly fee in exchange for travel insurance, mobile phone cover, or cashback. All participate fully in CASS.

Switch offers and cash bonuses

Several UK banks are currently paying substantial cash incentives to new customers who switch via CASS. These bonuses are worth factoring into your decision. Full eligibility terms are on each bank’s website; be sure to read the conditions carefully before applying. For a regularly updated summary, see our page on current account switch offers.

Here are the main offers available in June 2026:

NatWest Premier: £250 — Switch via CASS, deposit £5,000 within 60 days, log in via app. Requires Premier eligibility (£100,000+ sole income or £120,000+ joint). Bonus paid within 30 days of meeting requirements.
HSBC: £220 — Switch via CASS, deposit £2,000, spend £500 on your debit card, and set up two direct debits within 60 days. Paid within 60 days of meeting requirements.
NatWest/RBS: £200 — Switch via CASS, deposit £1,250 within 60 days, log in via app or online banking. Available to customers who have not held a NatWest/RBS current account since 10 March 2026.
Barclays: £200 — Switch via CASS, deposit £2,000 in 30 days, download the Barclays app. Offer runs from 9 June 2026 to 27 August 2026.
First Direct: £200 — Switch via CASS, deposit £1,000 in 30 days, make five debit card payments, and set up two direct debits or standing orders in 45 days. Deadline: 15 July 2026.
Santander: £180 — Switch via CASS, deposit £1,500 within 60 days, set up two active direct debits.
Nationwide: £175 — Switch via CASS to a FlexDirect, FlexAccount, or FlexPlus account, deposit £1,000 in 31 days, make one debit card transaction, set up two direct debits.
Bank of Scotland: £175 — Transfer three active direct debits. Offer closes 29 June 2026.

Switch bonuses are tax-free in most cases (they are treated as a discount rather than income), but it is worth confirming this with your bank and, if relevant, with a tax adviser. You can switch multiple times as long as you meet each bank’s eligibility requirements; many personal finance commentators treat switching bonuses as a straightforward, low-effort source of free cash.

Switching with an overdraft

You can switch your bank account even if you are currently using an arranged overdraft, but there are some important points to understand before you proceed.

Under CASS, your new bank will assess your request for an overdraft separately as part of its standard lending criteria. If your new bank approves an overdraft of an equivalent or greater size to your existing one, it can form part of the switch and everything moves across on the switch date.

If your new bank will not match your current overdraft limit, you have a few options:

Reduce your overdraft balance before the switch date so that the new bank’s lower limit is sufficient to cover it.
Clear the overdraft entirely before switching (this removes the complication altogether and is the cleanest approach).
Speak to your old bank about keeping the account open on a repayment basis while you wind down the debt, then switch later once it is cleared.

One firm rule: do not attempt to switch while you are in an unarranged overdraft. This is outside the scope of CASS and could cause the switch to fail or result in unexpected charges. Bring the balance back within your arranged limit first.

It is also worth comparing overdraft rates before you switch. Overdraft charges vary significantly between banks, and some digital banks (such as Monzo and Starling) charge interest-based overdraft rates that are considerably more transparent than some high-street equivalents. Moving to a lower overdraft rate could save you money each month.

Joint account switching

Switching a joint current account via CASS works in essentially the same way as switching a sole account, with a few additional requirements.

Both account holders must agree: You cannot initiate a joint account switch without the consent of all account holders.
Identity verification for both parties: Both account holders need to pass the new bank’s identity and address verification checks before the switch can proceed.
You can only switch to another joint account: CASS does not allow you to switch a joint account to a sole account as part of the same process. If you need to move from a joint to a sole account (following a separation, for example), you will need to speak to your bank directly about closing the joint account separately.
One switching bonus between you: If the new bank is offering a cash switching bonus, a joint account switch qualifies for one bonus, not two.

As with sole accounts, both holders should update card-on-file subscriptions manually after the switch, since these are not covered by the CASS payment transfer.

Frequently asked questions

How long does switching a bank account take?

A full CASS switch takes seven working days from the switch date you choose. You must allow at least seven working days between submitting the switch request and the date you want the switch to complete. Weekends and bank holidays do not count. In practice, the whole process from applying to a new bank to your switch completing is typically around two weeks.

Will switching affect my credit score?

Opening a new bank account involves a credit search, which may be a soft or hard search depending on the bank. A single hard search will have a minor, temporary impact on your credit score. However, frequent switching in a short period (applying to multiple banks within a few months) can leave a trail of hard searches that lenders may view less favourably. If you are planning a significant credit application (such as a mortgage) in the near future, consider waiting until afterwards before switching.

Do I need to tell my employer about my new bank details?

In theory, CASS will redirect your salary to your new account automatically. In practice, it is always sensible to notify your employer’s payroll department and update your bank details on any HR self-service portal as well. This removes any dependency on the redirection mechanism for your most critical incoming payment. Updating HMRC via your Personal Tax Account is also advisable, particularly if you receive tax credits, rebates, or Self Assessment repayments.

Can I do a partial switch and keep my old account open?

Yes, it is possible to do a partial switch, which moves some of your payments across but leaves your old account open. However, a partial switch is not covered by the seven-day CASS guarantee, takes longer to complete, and does not entitle you to the automatic financial protection if something goes wrong. Most banks also restrict switching bonuses to full switches. Unless you have a specific reason to keep your old account open, a full switch via CASS is the better route.

How many times can I switch bank account?

There is no limit set by CASS on how many times you can switch. Each bank sets its own eligibility rules for switching bonuses, typically requiring that you have not held an account with them recently (the exact time window varies by bank). Some personal finance enthusiasts switch every six to twelve months to collect successive switching bonuses, which is entirely within the rules as long as you meet each bank’s eligibility criteria.

What if I am a student? Can I switch to a student account?

Yes, you can switch to a student current account via CASS in the same way as any other account, provided the new bank’s student account participates in the service. Student accounts typically come with interest-free overdrafts of up to £3,000 and various perks such as railcards or gift cards. See our guide to student bank accounts in the UK for a full breakdown of the best options.

What if a payment goes to my old account after switching?

Any payment sent to your old sort code and account number will be automatically redirected to your new account for 36 months after the switch date at no cost. This covers BACS payments, Faster Payments, and CHAPS transfers. If a payment fails to reach you after this redirection period ends, contact the payment originator and provide your new account details. Card-on-file payments (subscription services charged to your debit card) are not covered by this redirection, which is why updating them manually is important.

Is the Current Account Switch Service safe?

Yes. CASS is operated by Pay.UK, the UK’s interbank payment systems organisation, and is backed by a formal guarantee that every participating bank is legally bound by. Deposits in your new account are protected up to £85,000 per person by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), the same as any other UK bank or building society account.