How to switch your bank account

Switch your bank account in just seven working days. Here, we explain how to switch, the best time of the month to do it and what to do if something goes wrong
Chiara CavaglieriSenior researcher & writer

Why switch bank accounts?

Not all banks are the same and some offer far higher interest rates, and lower overdraft fees than others, not to mention better customer service.

Better still, the Current Account Switch Service means that your new provider does most of the admin for you.

Here, we reveal the banks offering the biggest incentives to switchers and the pitfalls to look out for.

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Best bank account switching bonuses

We don't recommend switching just because a bank is offering short-term perks – we think you should focus on interest rates, overdraft charges and its Which? customer score.

But if you're already looking to move, it's worth seeing what incentives are on offer:

ProviderAccount nameSwitching bonusWhich? Customer Score
NatWestEveryday bank account, Reward account
£200
72%
SantanderEdge, Edge Up, Everyday£18570%
First Direct (WRP)1st Account£17582%

Table notes: Data correct as of 28 March 2023. Which? customer score: Our rating for customer satisfaction, based on feedback from real customers. The score is made up of a customer's overall satisfaction with the brand and how likely they are to recommend that brand to a friend. We surveyed 4,550 members of the general public in August 2023. Our full table includes scores and star ratings for all banks, including those chosen to be a Which? Recommended Provider (WRP).

Bank switching offer reviews

NatWest – £200 Offer ends 2 April

To qualify for the switching bonus you must use the Current Account Switch Service. You must also deposit £1,250 into your account and log in to the mobile banking app within 60 days. 

The £200 will be credited to your account within 7 days of all the criteria being met. 

You're not eligible for this offer if you've received a switching bonus from the NatWest Group since 1 January 2020.

Santander – £185

To qualify for the switching bonus you must use the Current Account Switch Service. You must also deposit £1,500 into your account and set up two direct debits within 60 days. 

Santander will check whether you have met all of the criteria 60 days after you switch. If you have met all of the conditions, the £185 will be credited to your account within 30 days. 

You're not eligible for this offer if you've received a switching bonus from Santander or if you are switching from a Santander, cahoot or Cater Allen account.

First Direct – £175 Offer ends 22 April 

To qualify for the switching bonus you must use the Current Account Switch Service and move across at least two Direct Debits or standing orders. You must also deposit £1,000 into your account and log on to online banking within 30 days. 

The £175 will be credited to your account on the 20th of the month after you meeting the switching criteria. 

You're not eligible for this offer if you've previously held any First Direct financial product. You are also not eligible for this switching offer if you have held a HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018.

How do I switch bank accounts?

There are plenty of reasons to switch bank accounts, as our video explains:

Most banks have agreed to use the new switching service, which means it should take just seven working days to switch you over from your old account once the new account is opened.

If you want to check which banks and building societies are participating, you can search by name here on the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) website.

The switching service is largely automated. The step-by-step process below details exactly what happens.

Step 1: find your new bank account

If you don't yet have an account in mind, you can skip to our advice on choosing the best current account below.

Step 2: apply for your chosen account

When you apply to the new provider, it will undertake its normal account-opening procedures.

Banks and building societies have to comply with strict money-laundering rules, so when you open an account you'll be asked to provide two separate documents for proof of identity and proof of address.

You'll then need to complete a Current Account Switch Agreement form and a Current Account Closure Instruction form, provided by your new bank or building society.

Step 3: know your rights

Your new bank or building society will confirm whether it's using the Current Account Switching Service, which is backed by the Current Account Switch Guarantee.

This guarantee means that it will correct any problems with payments as a result of the switching process.

Step 4: choose a switch date

You'll be able to agree a convenient switch date for you with the new bank or building society.

It can't be a Saturday, Sunday or a bank holiday, and must be at least seven working days after your account has been opened.

Once this date has been agreed, your new bank will provide confirmation that the switch has begun and will be completed on the agreed switch date.

You'll continue using your old current account up until the agreed switching date, although don't set up new payments such as direct debits and standing orders during the seven working days leading up to your agreed switch date.

Your new provider will contact you if there any issues during this period.

Step 5: start using your new account

On the switch date, your new bank or building society will be responsible for moving your incoming and outgoing payments, and transferring any money to your new account, before closing the old account and sending confirmation that the process is complete.

More on switching bank account