Bank account switching: Your complete guide
Key takeaways
The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) automatically switches over current accounts so payments are transferred seamlessly
A new bank account can offer rewards including cashback, overdrafts, exclusive savings accounts and retailer discounts
There’s no limit on the number of current accounts you can have, but the higher the number, the harder it will be to keep track of them all
Bank account switches jumped 43% year-on-year at the start of 2026
Switching your bank account can be daunting, but there is no need for it to be. Thanks to the Current Account Switch service, your switch is free, simple and secure.
It has been used by more than 12 million people in the past 12 years, with a rise of 43% in the first quarter of 2026 versus the year prior as customers look for a more suitable bank account.
According to CASS, online or mobile app banking (43%) was the top reason for consumers to switch to a new account, followed by interest earned (32%) and improved customer service (31%).
Incentives can often be a good reason to switch banks and you could currently receive £500 if you choose the top offer with MoneySuperMarket.
Could you be next to make the switch? Our guide will help answer any questions you may have.
What are the benefits of switching bank accounts?
When it comes to current accounts, banks and building societies rarely reward loyalty. By switching current accounts, there could be many benefits to take advantage of.
These include:
One-off cash payouts to new customers
An interest-free overdraft
Linked savings accounts
Budgeting and savings tools
Improved customer service
Better online and mobile banking
Discounts for specific shops or restaurants
What to consider before switching
Before you decide to change bank accounts, consider whether it's the right decision for you. Perks might be eye-catching, but there are a few other elements to factor in.
How you bank day to day
Think about how you actually use your account. App-only banks can offer slick digital tools and instant notifications, but if you regularly deposit cash or need face-to-face support, branch access and telephone banking may be more important than app features.
The account terms and conditions
Some current accounts come with conditions attached, particularly those offering cashback, linked savings rates or switching bonuses. You may need to pay in a minimum monthly amount, have a minimum number of direct debits, make card transactions or pay a monthly fee. Missing these requirements could mean losing rewards or paying unnecessary charges.
Customer service
Check independent customer satisfaction scores, complaint data and app reviews. Consider how easy it is to contact support, whether help is available 24/7 and how well the bank handles fraud issues, payment disputes and account access problems.
Overdrafts
If you use an arranged overdraft, don’t assume it will automatically transfer. Under the Current Account Switch Service, the new bank will assess your overdraft application separately during account opening. If approved, the overdraft can move as part of the switch. If not, you may need to clear the balance first or keep the old account open.
Everything linked to the account
CASS moves direct debits, standing orders and incoming payments automatically. However, recurring card payments – such as streaming subscriptions, gym memberships or online services linked to your debit card number – usually need updating manually, so check what’s attached before making the move.
What is CASS?
One of the most significant developments in the banking industry was the introduction of the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) in 2013. It is sometimes referred to as the Current Account Switch Guarantee.
It is a voluntary scheme supported by over 40 bank and building society brands, covering over 99% of UK current accounts.
When a customer wants to change bank accounts, the switch can be completed automatically within seven working days providing the new account provider is part of the Current Account Switch Service.
This service ensures that all your incoming payments, direct debits, and standing orders are transferred smoothly. If you want an overdraft on your new account, you may need to apply separately. The new bank will carry out its own eligibility and credit checks.
CASS ensures banks cannot delay the switching process. As a part of Pay UK, it offers a seven-day transfer completion guarantee when you switch your current account.
If anything goes wrong during the switch, you will also be refunded for any charges or loss of interest.
How do you switch with CASS?
Using CASS is straightforward. You don’t need to move any of your payments over as it handles the transfer of your balance, direct debits, and incoming payments, all without charging a fee.
Just take the following steps:
Sign up through your new current account provider
Your new bank will contact your old provider and begin the switch
The transfer will be completed within seven working days
To ensure a smooth switch, avoid setting up new direct debits during the process, track your existing ones to ensure they're transferred correctly, and manually update recurring debit card payment details, as these are not covered by the Current Account Switch Service.
If you're overdrawn, don't switch unless the new provider can accommodate your overdraft.
How long does the current account switch process take?
The switching service takes seven working days. So the earliest your switch can be completed is just over a week from when you complete your switch request form and sign-up with your new bank. You choose the switch date you wish to complete the transfer, so it can be later if you prefer.
Your new bank will contact your old bank to get the switch underway a week before the switch date. You should then receive a letter confirming that your old bank has agreed to it.
How many times can I switch my current account?
There’s no limit to the number of times you can switch your current account, and thanks to CASS it is easier than ever to make the switch.
However, there are usually rules to follow in order to receive any switching incentives.
This could be maintaining a certain balance over a set period, paying in a minimum monthly amount, or setting up a minimum number of direct debits, for example.
If you’ve previously had a current account with a bank you’re switching to, this may exclude you from any switching offers too.
Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Our expert says
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 £500 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.
While you should always weigh up the benefits before making a decision, thankfully because of CASS it is easier to switch than in the past.
How much money can I get for switching bank accounts?
Banks offer different cash incentives for switching to their current account, but as of May 2026, the best bank switch offer available through MoneySuperMarket is £500, with an additional £500 bonus if you also sign up to a new ISA.^
However, you will have to meet the qualifying criteria and for the best promotional offers this can mean either paying in a significant initial balance or proving you have a large salary (around six figures) that will be paid into the account. The introductory offer often rules out previous customers too.
Want to grow your wealth? Saving little and often can make a difference. Find out more with our guide to better savings habits.
As well as an initial switching incentive, current account providers might also offer cashback up to a certain amount each month and a linked high interest easy access savings account to help your money grow further.
Will switching current accounts impact my credit score?
Every time you apply for some type of credit, such as an overdraft, credit card, loan or mortgage, it will be registered on your credit file. This is because a hard credit search is made of your credit history, so a potential new lender can see how you’ve handled it in the past.
Frequent applications for credit can have a negative impact on your credit score, but if you are just switching accounts occasionally this should only have a temporary effect.
Other useful guides
If you’re looking for more information to decide whether you’d like to switch bank accounts and which account might work for you, we have a selection of guides to help. These include:
Start your switch with MoneySuperMarket
Ready to switch? With MoneySuperMarket's comparison tool, the process is straightforward. Compare accounts and providers, then click through to begin the switching process.
You'll need to complete an application form, provide identification and proof of address, and will usually need to pass a credit check.
Frequently asked questions
Should switching bonuses be the main reason for changing current accounts?
A cash switching incentive can be a valuable perk, but should probably not be the only factor driving your decision to change banks – or a reason to move all of your money into a new current account.
Current accounts are designed for day-to-day banking, not necessarily for growing your savings. While some offer attractive introductory rates or rewards, these may be temporary or come with conditions such as minimum monthly deposits, card spending requirements or balance limits.
A better approach is to look at your finances as a whole. Consider whether the new account suits how you bank, offers reliable customer service and gives you access to features you’ll actually use. Then think about where your wider savings should sit.
For money you want to grow, options such as regular saver accounts, easy-access savings accounts, Cash ISAs or longer-term investments may offer better returns.
How long will it take for me to receive the switch incentive?
When you receive the switch incentive will depend on the terms and conditions of each account. For example, you might be required to switch accounts, pay in a minimum amount of money and log-in to the app to fulfil the criteria. Once completed, you could then receive your switch incentive within seven days.
Will I be able to access my money during the switch?
Yes, you can carry on using your old bank account as normal until the day of the switch. By this point you should have everything you need, such as account details and a debit card, to start using your new current account. It’s wise not to set up any direct debits when the switching process is taking place. This reduces the chances of mistakes being made.
What is the difference between a full and partial bank account switch?
You have two choices when switching bank accounts. You can decide to move everything to your new account and close your old one, which is known as a full switch. Alternatively, you can move some payments across and keep the existing account open, which is instead known as a partial switch.
If you want CASS protections and the seven-working-day guarantee, this normally involves a full switch that closes your old account.
The best time to make a full switch may be when you no longer wish to use your old account and want to move as quickly as possible. A full switch will transfer all of your details and payments from the old account to the new one within seven working days. Once that is done, your old account will then be closed. This service is available to individuals, small businesses, and charities.
Choose a partial switch if you want to keep your old bank account open, but still take advantage of the benefits on offer from a new account. You get to pick and choose which payment arrangements and transactions are transferred, and you end up with two accounts to keep track of. Bear in mind that the seven-day current account guarantee does not apply to partial switches.
Can I open a new account rather than switch bank accounts?
Yes, there are no rules governing how many current accounts you can have. You just have to pass a credit check and meet the eligibility criteria for the new bank account. Having more than one account can sometimes be a useful way of managing your finances. If you are looking to take advantage of introductory offers make sure you understand the terms as some accounts will require you to pay in a certain amount each month.
Is there a cost for switching bank accounts?
No, under the terms of the current account switch guarantee switching bank accounts in the UK is free, although not all current accounts are free and some charge a monthly fee. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the account you are transferring to before you apply for the switch.
What happens if a payment goes wrong during the switch?
Under the Current Account Switch Guarantee, customers are protected if something goes wrong during the switching process. If a payment is missed or delayed because of an error linked to the switch, your new bank must refund any interest or charges you incur as a result and put things right quickly.
Can I switch if I have regular payments coming in?
Yes. Salary payments, pension payments and other incoming transfers will be automatically redirected to your new account for 36 months after the switch. This gives employers and payment providers time to update your details, reducing the risk of missed payments.
What happens to my old debit card and online banking access?
Once your full switch is complete, your old current account will usually be closed and your old debit card will stop working. You should destroy it securely. Make sure your new debit card is activated and your online or mobile banking is set up before your switch date to avoid disruption.
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Tim Heming
Personal Finance Expert
Tim Heming is a journalist and editor who has written about personal finance for national newspapers and consumer websites for 15 years. Tim enjoys providing no-nonsense information to help consumers...
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