Start the switch
Open your new bank account and make sure it’s signed up to the switch guarantee scheme. You’ll able to choose the date you want the switch to take place and then the current account switching service will arrange this.
Get up to £205 in rewards when you switch your current account
Switch your bank account today and get up to £205 in rewards. Check out our top switching deals below, along with all the essential information you need about these accounts.
Accurate as of Friday, 18 July 2025
£175 to switch + access to 7% Regular Saver + no debit card fees when spending abroad
1st Account
Switch Incentive
£175 to switch
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
Access to 7% AER/gross Regular Saver
£180 to switch + earn cashback and access exclusive savings rates
Edge current account
Switch Incentive
£180 to switch
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
£3 /month
Rewards and other perks
Earn 1% cashback on selected household bills
£180 to switch to a simple and straightforward account with no account fee
Everyday Current Account
Switch Incentive
£180 to switch
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other personalised offers
This is a preview of our top current accounts ordered by switch incentive. For a full breakdown of all our current accounts, including alternative current account types, progress to the results table.
Bank switching is when you change your current account provider to a new one, where generally you will need to be a new customer.
Switching your bank account is straightforward as most banks and building societies are part of the Current Account Switch Service. When you switch, your incoming payments will move to your new bank account. You could even benefit from extra money in your new account, if the bank you’re moving to offers an account switching bonus.
If you want to switch, it’s essential that you meet the eligibility requirements. If you’re looking to benefit from a switch incentive, it’s also important that you meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility requirements across banks will vary but here’s what’s usually needed:
Deposit a certain amount: You might have to move a certain amount of money into the new account
Direct debits: Your new provider may want you to set up a minimum number of direct debits or standing orders in order for you to make the switch
Be a new customer: You’ll usually have to be a first-time customer to qualify for the switch bonus. Some banks will require you to have not had an account with them since a certain date or never at all
Open your new bank account and make sure it’s signed up to the switch guarantee scheme. You’ll able to choose the date you want the switch to take place and then the current account switching service will arrange this.
Incoming payments like your salary and your current direct debits and standing orders will move across
Incoming payments like your salary and your current direct debits and standing orders will move across. You’ll also be covered financially and reimbursed if anything goes wrong
If your new account comes with a switch incentive, you’ll receive the funds once the switch is complete
You do not need to tell your bank when you switch. When you’ve completed the Current Account Switch Service Agreement form, the bank you are switching to will take care of the rest.
Any payments in and out of your old account are automatically switched thanks to the Current Account Switch Service, and your new bank will contact the person sending the payment or the person due to receive the payment to let them know your new account details. They’ll also contact you if there are any problems.
If you created any regular payments using your old account’s debit card then you might need to manually change them.
Switching your bank account, comes with a host of benefits, such as:
A common perk for switching is a cash incentive, which is basically free money. However there tend to be some conditions, such as a minimum deposit to put into the account
Some banks offer you better deals on your overdraft when you switch with them, such as an interest-free overdraft for a period time
You can even benefit from cashback when you switch. Some banks may let you get cashback on purchases made with your debit card from selected stores
Another perk when you switch can be access to better saving rates. The provider may offer you savings accounts with generous rates of interest for switching
Multiple switches can impact your credit score, especially if you use the bank account switching service multiple times in a short period of time.
However, the effect on your credit rating shouldn’t last long or be too severe. The reason your credit score might dip is because some banks will carry out a hard credit check when you register for a new account with them. If you’re planning to apply for a loan, for example, a mortgage then it may be best to avoid switching until after, so your score hasn’t been brought down by the switch. You can keep an eye on your credit score, by using our free credit monitor service.
The good news is that whatever type of current account you choose, it’s easy to get started. Just take the following steps.
1) Decide on your account: Compare current accounts based on fees, features, and perks like overdrafts, rewards, or interest on balances.
2) Check Eligibility Requirements: Ensure you meet basic criteria such as being 18 or over, a UK resident, and able to provide necessary ID and proof of address.
3) Complete the application: Apply online or in-branch, providing your photo ID, proof of address, and possibly financial details like income and employment.
4) Wait for approval and account set-up: Once your application is processed and approved, you’ll receive your account details and debit card to start using immediately
As you can see from the chart, the highest bank switcher amount available to consumers is higher than it was back in 2022.
However 2023 was the peak for bank switching in recent years, with offers consistently at £200 or more.
The yearly highs for the past 3 years have been in October, which suggests this may be the best time to switch your bank account to maximise the switch incentive.
We tend to overlook our current accounts but they are valuable weapons in our financial arsenal and even offer a cash incentive for switching (at the time of writing you can get up to £205 in rewards with MoneySuperMarket). Some perks can genuinely save us money when they fit our needs, and match our spending and saving habits. But even with the switch guarantee, we don't vote with our feet often enough when the account, service or provider isn't what we need or really want. It's high time we started flexing our muscles by switching our current accounts and making those providers work harder for us and our money.
Kara Gammell Personal finance expert at MoneySuperMarket
We can make it easy to find an account that suits you by comparing a range of options all in one place.
Click through to search the market to find the best current account for your needs, including any cash incentives to switch
Use our handy filters to narrow down your options based on the type of current account you need, such as high interest or student accounts
When you find the deal you want, click straight through to the provider to complete your application. Sit back while your new bank takes care of the switch
Yes, a bank can refuse your switch if you don’t meet their account opening requirements, such as credit checks or ID verification. It’s best to check the eligibility criteria before applying.
You can usually cancel the switch before the scheduled switch date by contacting your new bank. However, once the process is underway, it may not be possible to reverse it.
Yes, you can switch to a digital-only bank as long as it participates in the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). Digital-only banks such as Monzo and Starling
You can check the official CASS website or ask the bank directly to confirm if they’re part of the scheme. Most major UK banks and many digital banks are included.
A switch using the Current Account Switch Service typically takes 7 working days. This includes moving your balance, direct debits, and standing orders automatically.
Yes, you can select a switch date at least 7 working days in the future when setting up the switch.
It’s a good idea to check your account statements regularly, because this could stop you going into your overdraft without knowing. It can also be a good way to double check whether there are any transactions you don’t recognise.
Look for a provider with good customer service, because you never know when you’ll need to call them up or go into a branch to fix an issue.
Remember to be careful with your PIN and account details; you should keep this information safe and protected. Remember, your bank will never ask you to reveal details like your PIN, either on the phone, in person or through an email.
Your bank will almost certainly have an app that lets you manage your account online, and some may even be based on their app. This is excellent for quick and easy money management.
Each bank has different ways of transferring money. Some require you to use a card reader when transferring any sum of money, while others only use it for transactions over a set amount.
Other banks do not use card readers at all, so if money transfers are something you might be doing a lot of, it’s worth checking the policy details to see how easy it is to make payments on the go.
If your current account comes with benefits such as air miles, you might want to check whether you really need them. For example, if you’re not a frequent flyer, is an air miles bonus worth the extra cost of the monthly fee? The same goes for any other attached benefits such as travel insurance.
Not all providers included, SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
