How to Switch Bank Account (and Why the Switch Guarantee Protects You)
Switching current accounts takes seven working days and is backed by a guarantee. How the Current Account Switch Service works and what it does (and does not) move for you.
Plenty of people stay with the same bank for decades out of pure inertia, assuming switching is a hassle. It isn't. Since 2013, a free, guaranteed service has made moving current account about as painful as ordering a takeaway — and it can unlock better rates, lower fees and cash incentives.
How the Current Account Switch Service works
The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) does the heavy lifting for you. Once you apply through the new bank and pick a switch date, it completes the move in seven working days. Your old account is closed automatically, and everything is transferred across — you don't need to contact your old bank at all.
What it moves — and what it doesn't
| Item | Handled by the switch? |
|---|---|
| Direct Debits | Yes — moved automatically |
| Standing orders | Yes — moved automatically |
| Incoming payments (e.g. salary) | Yes — redirected to the new account |
| Closing your old account | Yes — done for you |
| Savings accounts and ISAs | No — these are separate products |
| Recurring card payments to merchants | Not always — update card details manually |
The Switch Guarantee
The service is backed by the Current Account Switch Guarantee: the switch is free, it happens on the agreed date, payments are redirected, and if anything goes wrong, any charges or interest you incur as a result are refunded. That guarantee is what removes the real-world risk that used to put people off.
Don't be dazzled by the cash bonus
Banks frequently dangle switching incentives — a cash lump sum, cashback, or perks. They're genuinely worth having, but they come and go, and a one-off £175 means little if the account charges you more over the following years. Weigh the everyday basics too: fees, overdraft costs, interest, app quality and customer service. Compare the account, not just the carrot.
Switching a business account
Many — though not all — business current accounts are covered by the switch service too. If you run a company, the same logic applies: the right account quietly saves you money every month. See our guide to comparing UK business bank accounts for what to look for.
A quick pre-switch checklist
- Pick your new account on features and total cost, not just the bonus.
- Note any recurring card payments (subscriptions) to update manually.
- Leave enough balance to cover Direct Debits during the switch.
- Choose a switch date that avoids a busy bill week.
This guide is general information, not regulated financial advice. Always confirm the latest terms with the provider before you commit.
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