How to switch bank accounts in the UK

Who this guide is for

It’s for anyone in the UK thinking about moving their current account to another bank or building society. That includes people moving for better service, better features, or a switching offer.

If you haven’t decided whether to switch yet, our guide on whether to switch bank can help you weigh it up first.

How the Current Account Switch Service works

The Current Account Switch Service, often called CASS, is the official system for moving your current account between UK banks and building societies. Many UK current account providers take part.

Here’s how it works:

• It’s free. You don’t pay to use it.
• The new bank runs it. You ask your new bank to switch, and it contacts your old bank for you.
• It takes 7 working days. You choose a switch date, and everything moves by that date.
• The switch date must be a working day. It can’t fall on a weekend or a bank holiday.
• Your old account closes. On a full switch, the old account closes on the switch date.

You can check whether a bank takes part on the Current Account Switch Service website.

The Current Account Switch Guarantee

Every full switch through the service is backed by the Current Account Switch Guarantee. It covers:

• moving your outgoing payments, such as Direct Debits and standing orders
• moving your incoming payments, such as your salary
• transferring your balance on the switch date
• redirecting payments that are sent to your old account for a period after the switch

If something goes wrong with the switch, your new bank should put it right. That includes refunding interest or charges on either account caused by a problem with the switch. Contact your new bank first if anything looks wrong.

Before you start

A little preparation makes the switch smoother. Use this checklist:

• Decide what you need. Think about everyday features, app quality, branch access, overdraft needs and fees.
• Compare accounts. Our current accounts guide explains the main features to look at.
• Check eligibility. Some accounts need a minimum monthly deposit or have age or residency rules.
• Choose sole or joint. If you’re switching a joint account, both account holders usually need to agree. See our guide to joint vs sole current accounts.
• Note your card payments. List subscriptions and other payments that use your debit card, as these won’t move automatically.
• Pick a quiet date. Avoid a switch date close to payday or a big bill if you can.

How to switch, step by step

1. Open your new account. Apply online, in the app or in a branch. You’ll usually need to prove your identity and address.
2. Ask for a full switch. Choose the Current Account Switch Service option when you apply, or ask the new bank to set it up.
3. Agree a switch date. It must be a working day, and at least 7 working days away.
4. Let the service do its work. Your new bank contacts your old bank and moves your payments and balance.
5. Use your new account from the switch date. Your old account closes, and your new card and details take over.

You’ll usually get updates from your new bank along the way. Keep an eye on emails and app messages so you know what’s happening.

Full switch or partial switch

A full switch moves everything and closes your old account. It’s the option covered by the Current Account Switch Guarantee.

A partial switch moves some payments but keeps the old account open. Some of the Guarantee’s protections may not apply. A partial switch might suit you if you want to keep the old account for a while, but check the details with your new bank first.

In the 7 working days before your switch date

During this period, avoid setting up new Direct Debits or standing orders on your old account. They might not move across in time.

It’s also worth keeping enough money in your old account to cover any payments due before the switch date. Your balance will transfer on the day itself.

What may not move automatically

The service moves Direct Debits, standing orders and incoming payments. Some things need your attention:

• Card payments. Subscriptions and regular payments taken from your old debit card won’t move. Give companies your new card details.
• Linked savings and pots. Savings accounts or pots linked to your old account may need closing or moving separately.
• International payments. Payments from overseas may need updating with the person or organisation sending them.
• Your overdraft. Overdrafts don’t transfer. If you need one, apply with your new bank, and check you can clear any old overdraft.

After your switch date

Once the switch has gone through, run through this list:

• Check your first few Direct Debits and standing orders have arrived and left as expected.
• Make sure your salary or benefits have landed in the new account.
• Update any card payments with your new card.
• Update your details with anyone paying you from abroad.
• Destroy your old cards once you’re sure everything’s moved.
• Keep an eye out for scam messages that pretend to be from either bank. Our guide to money scams in 2026 explains the warning signs.

Overdrafts and your credit file

Opening a new current account may involve a credit check, especially if you apply for an overdraft. Some checks show on your credit file.

If you’re planning a big application soon, such as a mortgage, you might want to time your switch with that in mind. Our guide to credit score basics explains how checks work.

Joint accounts, students and other situations

Joint accounts. Both account holders usually need to agree to the switch. Rules on moving between joint and sole accounts vary, so check with your new bank before you apply.

Students. Student accounts often have specific features and eligibility rules. Our guide to student bank accounts covers what to look for.

When to pause. If you’re in the middle of a mortgage application, or you have an overdraft you can’t yet clear, it may be worth waiting.

Switching offers

Some banks offer a cash payment or other incentive for switching. Offers change often and come with conditions, such as paying in a set amount or moving a number of Direct Debits.

We keep offers out of this guide so it stays accurate. For current deals and their terms, see our switching bonuses hub and our guide to current account switch bonuses.

Is your money protected?

Money in UK current accounts is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. From 1 December 2025, the limit is £120,000 per eligible person per authorised firm (source: FSCS).

Some banks share a single banking licence, which means they count as one firm for protection. If you hold money with several banks, check whether any share a licence. Our guide to FSCS protection limits has more.

The catch

Key takeaways

• The Current Account Switch Service is free and run by your new bank.
• A full switch takes 7 working days and closes your old account.
• The Current Account Switch Guarantee covers payments, your balance and redirection.
• Update card payments yourself, as they won’t move automatically.
• Avoid setting up new payments on your old account in the 7 working days before your switch.

Related reading

Related guides

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FAQ

Will I have to tell my old bank that I’m leaving?

No. When you use the Current Account Switch Service, your new bank contacts your old bank for you. You just need to open the new account and agree a switch date.

Could my switch happen on a Saturday or a bank holiday?

No. The switch date must be a working day, so it can’t fall on a weekend or a bank holiday. It also needs to be at least 7 working days after you agree the switch.

Do payments taken from my old debit card switch over too?

No. The service moves Direct Debits and standing orders, but not payments set up with your old debit card. Give those companies your new card details.

Will money sent to my old account still reach me after switching?

It depends on the type of payment. The Current Account Switch Guarantee includes redirecting payments sent to your old account for a period after the switch. It’s still worth giving your new details to anyone who pays you.

Is it OK to set up new Direct Debits just before I switch?

Not always. Try to avoid setting up new Direct Debits or standing orders on your old account in the 7 working days before your switch date, as they might not move across in time.