Switching bank accounts in the UK is simpler than most people think. The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) makes the process guaranteed, free, and completed in just 7 working days. You can even earn £100-£175 in the process.
Why Switch Your Bank Account?
Most people stay with their bank for years without questioning it. But switching can earn you cash, give you a better app, lower fees, and improve your overall banking experience.
Common Reasons to Switch
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cash incentive | £100-£175 just for switching |
| Better app | Modern, user-friendly banking |
| Higher interest | Some current accounts pay interest |
| Lower fees | Avoid overdraft charges |
| Better customer service | Higher satisfaction ratings |
| Ethical banking | Banks that do not invest in fossil fuels |
| Travel benefits | Fee-free spending abroad |
The Current Account Switch Service (CASS)
CASS is a free service managed by Pay.UK that transfers your current account from one bank to another. It is backed by a guarantee, so if anything goes wrong, you are covered.
How CASS Works
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| Duration | 7 working days |
| What transfers | Direct debits, standing orders,工资 payments, interest |
| What does NOT transfer | Overdraft facility (may need to reapply) |
| Guarantee | Full refund of any charges incurred due to switching errors |
What Gets Transferred Automatically
- All direct debits
- All standing orders
- Salary and pension payments
- Interest earned on the account
- Any incoming payments
What You Need to Do
- Open the new account first
- Apply for the switch through CASS
- Ensure sufficient funds for direct debits during the switch
- Update any payments not covered by CASS (e.g., PayPal, gym memberships)
Best Bank Switch Incentives (2026)
| Bank | Incentive | Requirements | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Direct | £175 | Pay in £1,000/month for 3 months | Within 28 days |
| Nationwide | £100 | Switch via CASS, pay in £1,000 | Within 30 days |
| Lloyds | £125 | Switch via CASS, pay in £1,000 | Within 60 days |
| Halifax | £100 | Switch via CASS, pay in £1,000 | Within 60 days |
| TSB | £100 | Switch via CASS, pay in £500 | Within 30 days |
| NatWest | £125 | Switch via CASS, pay in £1,000 | Within 60 days |
| RBS | £125 | Switch via CASS, pay in £1,000 | Within 60 days |
Worked example: You switch from Barclays to First Direct via CASS. You pay in your £2,200 salary each month. After 3 months, First Direct credits £175 to your account. Total earnings: £175 for something you could do in 10 minutes online.
Important: Most incentives require you to NOT have held an account with that bank before. Check the terms carefully.
Step-by-Step Switching Guide
Step 1: Choose Your New Account
Research accounts based on:
- Cash incentive amount
- Monthly fees (or lack thereof)
- Interest on balances
- Overdraft rates
- App quality
- Customer service ratings
Tip: Use comparison sites like MoneySuperMarket or ComparetheMarket to compare current accounts.
Step 2: Open the New Account
Most banks let you open an account online in 10-15 minutes. You will need:
- Proof of ID (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Your current account details
Step 3: Apply for the Switch
Once your new account is open, apply for the switch through CASS:
- Log in to your new bank’s app or website
- Select “Switch Account” or “CASS Switch”
- Enter your old bank details
- Choose your switch date
- Confirm the switch
Step 4: Meet the Incentive Requirements
Most banks require you to:
- Pay in a minimum amount each month (usually £500-£1,000)
- Keep the account open for a minimum period
- Set up direct debits
Worked example: Nationwide requires you to switch via CASS and pay in £1,000. If your salary is £2,000/month, this is automatic. If you are self-employed, you can transfer £1,000 from savings.
Step 5: Update Remaining Payments
CASS covers most payments, but you may need to update:
- PayPal and other online payment services
- Gym memberships set up with your old account
- Subscriptions not covered by direct debits
- Investments or savings linked to your old account
Step 6: Close the Old Account (Optional)
After the switch, your old account will be closed automatically. If you want to keep it open (some people do for overdraft access), you can ask the old bank to keep it open.
Credit Score Impact
Switching bank accounts does not directly affect your credit score. However, there are some considerations:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| CASS switch | No credit check required |
| New account application | Soft search (no impact) |
| Overdraft application | Hard search (may impact score) |
| Closing old account | Reduces total available credit |
Tip: If you have an overdraft on your old account, apply for one on your new account before switching. Closing an account with an overdraft reduces your total available credit, which can affect your credit utilisation ratio.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Switching too often: Multiple switches in a short period can look suspicious to future lenders. Switch once every 2-3 years maximum.
Not meeting incentive requirements: Read the terms carefully. If you do not meet the minimum pay-in, you will not get the incentive.
Forgetting to update payments: Set a reminder to check all your payments 2 weeks after the switch.
Closing the old account too early: Wait until all payments have cleared in the new account before closing the old one. CASS handles this automatically, but if you close manually, payments may be rejected.
Not checking the new account works: Test the new account with a small payment before switching everything over.
Current Account Features Comparison
| Feature | First Direct | Nationwide | Lloyds | Halifax | TSB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| Interest on balance | 0% | 1% (up to £1,500) | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Overdraft rate | 39.9% EAR | 39.9% EAR | 39.9% EAR | 39.9% EAR | 39.9% EAR |
| Fee-free spending abroad | Yes | No (2.99% fee) | No (2.99% fee) | No (2.99% fee) | No (2.99% fee) |
| Customer satisfaction | Top rated | High | Average | Average | Average |
| App quality | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Good |
Best Accounts by Need
| Need | Best Account |
|---|---|
| Best overall | First Direct |
| Best for interest | Nationwide FlexDirect |
| Best for ethical banking | Triodos Bank |
| Best for travel | First Direct |
| Best for overdraft | Nationwide |
| Best incentive | First Direct (£175) |
What Happens During the 7 Days
| Day | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Your new bank submits the switch request |
| Day 2 | Old bank identifies all payments to transfer |
| Day 3-4 | Payments are transferred to the new bank |
| Day 5 | New bank processes the transferred payments |
| Day 6 | Old account is closed |
| Day 7 | Switch is complete, new account is fully active |
During this period, all payments are automatically rerouted. You do not need to do anything.
After the Switch
Week 1:
- Check your new account has all transferred payments
- Log in to the app and familiarise yourself
- Test a payment to ensure everything works
Month 1:
- Verify all direct debits are correct
- Check your salary is being paid in
- Update any payments not covered by CASS
Month 3:
- Confirm you have met incentive requirements
- Check the incentive has been credited
- Review your new account’s features
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch if I have an overdraft? Yes, but the overdraft does not transfer automatically. You need to apply for an overdraft on the new account. Some banks may not offer you the same limit.
Can I switch if I have a joint account? Yes, but both account holders need to agree. The switch can transfer the joint account to a new joint account at another bank.
What if something goes wrong? The CASS guarantee covers you. If any payments fail or charges are incurred due to the switch, your new bank must refund you immediately.
Can I switch a savings account? No, CASS only covers current accounts. Savings accounts need to be transferred manually.
How often can I switch? There is no limit, but switching too frequently can look suspicious. Once every 2-3 years is reasonable.
The Bottom Line
Switching bank accounts is one of the easiest ways to earn free money and improve your banking experience. The CASS process is guaranteed, free, and takes just 7 days. With incentives of £100-£175 available, it is well worth the effort. Choose an account that suits your needs, apply for the switch, and enjoy the benefits.