How long does it take to switch bank accounts?

The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) guarantees your switch will complete within 7 working days of your chosen switch date. Most switches complete smoothly. You can continue using your old account until the switch date.

Is switching bank accounts safe?

Yes. The Current Account Switch Service is backed by a guarantee — if anything goes wrong (missed payments, lost funds), your new bank must put it right and refund any charges or interest you incur as a result. Over 10 million switches have completed since CASS launched.

Will switching bank accounts affect my credit score?

Switching itself does not affect your credit score. Opening a new account involves a credit check which leaves a small footprint, but this has minimal impact. Switching regularly does not damage your credit score as long as you manage your accounts responsibly.

How to Switch Bank Accounts UK — Complete Guide | PocketWise

Switching bank accounts used to be a hassle — but the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) makes it simple. Your payments, balance, and Direct Debits move automatically in 7 working days, and any problems are guaranteed to be fixed.

How the Switch Service Works

Step	What Happens
1	You apply for a new account and request a switch
2	You choose a switch date (at least 7 working days ahead)
3	Your new bank contacts your old bank
4	On switch day: balance transfers, Direct Debits and standing orders move
5	Payments to/from your old account redirect automatically for 3 years
6	Old account closes (unless you request otherwise)

Step-by-Step Switching Guide

Before You Switch

Action	Why
Note down all Direct Debits and standing orders	To check they transfer correctly
Check for linked accounts (savings, credit cards)	May need to update manually
Save statements	For your records
Check minimum pay-in requirements	For bonus eligibility
Consider timing	Avoid switching just before major payments

During the Switch

Day	What to Do
Day 1	Apply for new account; request CASS switch
Days 1–7	Continue using your old account normally
Switch day	New account becomes active; old closes
Day after	Check Direct Debits show in new account

After the Switch

Action	Timing
Update any manual payments	Immediately
Check first Direct Debit payments	Within first month
Verify salary arrives correctly	Next pay day
Meet any bonus requirements	Per the terms (e.g. 3–6 months)

The Switch Guarantee

If anything goes wrong during your switch, your new bank must:

Guarantee	Detail
Refund charges	Any fees caused by switch problems
Refund interest	Any interest charged due to issues
Fix the problem	Correct any errors
Contact you	Keep you informed

This guarantee is backed by all major UK banks participating in CASS.

What Transfers Automatically

Transfers	Does Not Transfer
✅ Current account balance	❌ Savings accounts
✅ Direct Debits	❌ ISAs
✅ Standing orders	❌ Regular savers (need new setup)
✅ Incoming payments (salary, benefits)	❌ Linked credit cards
✅ Redirect for 3 years	❌ Overdraft (new bank’s discretion)

Switching for a Bonus

Requirement	What It Means
Must use CASS	Partial/manual switches don’t qualify
Minimum pay-in	Salary or transfers totalling the required amount
Direct Debits	Usually 2+ active Direct Debits
Minimum time	Stay for 3–6 months (varies by bank)
Not a recent customer	Many exclude customers who left within 1–3 years

Maximising Bonuses

Strategy	Detail
Plan your switches	One bonus every 6–12 months is realistic
Meet requirements	Set up Direct Debits before switching if needed
Read the terms	Check eligibility carefully
Keep your old bank	You can return after the exclusion period
Use joint accounts	Sometimes earn separate bonuses

Partial Switches

If you do not want to close your old account:

Partial Switch	Full Switch
Keep old account open	Old account closes
Move selected payments only	All payments move automatically
No automatic redirect	3-year redirect
May not qualify for bonus	Usually required for bonus
More manual work	Fully automated

Common Concerns

Concern	Reality
“My salary will get lost”	Redirected for 3 years; update employer anyway
“Direct Debits will fail”	They transfer automatically; check after switch
“My overdraft won’t move”	Correct — apply for overdraft at new bank
“It will affect my credit score”	Minimal impact; switching is normal
“It takes too long”	7 working days guaranteed

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Direct Debit missing	Contact new bank; they must fix it
Payment went to old account	Redirects catch this for 3 years
Bonus not received	Check you met all requirements; contact bank
Switch delayed	Contact new bank; covered by guarantee
Old account not closed	Contact old bank to confirm closure

When Not to Switch

Situation	Why
Applying for mortgage soon	Multiple credit checks can affect applications
Major bills due in next week	Wait until after
Overdraft you cannot clear	New bank may not offer same overdraft
Linked accounts are complicated	May need more preparation

For choosing your next account, see our best current accounts guide and switching bonuses page.