How does the Current Account Switch Service work?

CASS moves everything from your old bank account to your new one — including your balance, direct debits, standing orders, and salary. It completes in 7 working days. You choose a switch date and the service handles everything. Any payments sent to your old account are automatically redirected to your new one for 3 years (extended to 36 months from the switch).

Is it safe to switch bank accounts?

Yes. The Current Account Switch Service comes with a guarantee: if anything goes wrong during the switch, you'll be refunded any interest or charges you incur as a result. Over 10 million switches have been completed since CASS launched in 2013. It's backed by the major UK banks and overseen by Pay.UK.

Will switching banks affect my credit score?

Switching banks itself does not affect your credit score. The new bank may do a credit check when you open the account (a soft or hard search depending on the bank), but the switch process doesn't impact your credit file. Your direct debits and payment history transfer seamlessly, so there's no interruption to payments.

Can I switch to any bank?

You can switch between any banks and building societies that participate in CASS — which includes virtually all major UK banks (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, Nationwide, etc.) and many newer banks (Monzo, Starling, Chase). Check currentaccountswitch.co.uk for the full list. Some basic bank accounts and packaged accounts may have restrictions.

Current Account Switch Service (CASS) — How to Switch Banks in 7 Days | PocketWise

Switching bank accounts used to be a hassle. The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) makes it effortless — everything moves to your new bank in 7 working days, with a guarantee that nothing goes wrong.

How CASS Works

Step	What happens	Who does it
1	Open your new account	You (online, in-app, or in branch)
2	Request a switch	You (through the new bank — they handle everything)
3	Choose a switch date	You (at least 7 working days ahead)
4	Everything transfers	CASS moves balance, direct debits, standing orders
5	Old account closes	Automatically on switch date
6	Payments redirected	Any payments to old account go to new one for 3 years

The whole process is managed by the new bank — you don’t need to contact your old bank at all.

What Gets Transferred

Transferred automatically	Detail
Account balance	Full balance moved to new account
Direct debits	All set up on new account
Standing orders	All set up on new account
Salary and other incoming payments	Payers are redirected automatically
Future payments	Redirected for 3 years

NOT transferred automatically	What to do
Linked savings accounts	Set up new ones manually
Overdraft	New bank may offer an overdraft — apply separately
Card payments	Update online subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon, etc.) with new card details
Cash ISA	Transfer separately if needed
HMRC tax payments	Update your bank details with HMRC
International payments	Update IBAN/BIC for anyone sending from abroad

The Switch Guarantee

Protection	Detail
Everything transfers	Guaranteed to move all payments within 7 working days
Refund of errors	If you’re charged or lose interest because of a switch error, you get a full refund
Payment redirects	Payments to old account redirected for 36 months
Backed by	All participating banks — not optional, it’s a guarantee
Overseen by	Pay.UK

Timeline

Day	What happens
Day 1	You open new account and request switch
Days 2–6	New bank contacts old bank; transfers arranged
Day 7	Switch completes — balance moved, old account closed
Day 7+	Direct debits and standing orders run from new account
3 years	Payments to old account continue to redirect

Why Switch?

Common Reasons

Reason	Detail
Better interest on balances	Some accounts pay interest on credit balances
Switching bonus	Many banks offer £100–£200+ to switch
Lower overdraft fees	Overdraft rates vary — shop around
Better app and features	Modern banks (Monzo, Starling, Chase) offer better tools
Better customer service	Unhappy with your current bank? Move
Cashback	Some accounts offer cashback on bills
Packaged benefits	Travel insurance, phone insurance, breakdown cover

Current Account Switching Bonuses

Switching bonuses change regularly but typically range from £100 to £200. Conditions usually include:

Requirement	Typical
Minimum monthly deposits (salary)	£1,000 – £1,500/month
Number of direct debits	2 – 3
Use CASS to switch	Required
New customers only	Usually (not existing customers)

Partial Switch Option

If you don’t want to close your old account:

Feature	Full switch	Partial switch
Old account	Closed	Stays open
Balance transferred	Yes	Optional
Direct debits/standing orders	All move	You choose which move
Payment redirect	Yes (3 years)	No redirect
Switch guarantee	Yes	Limited
Switching bonus	Usually qualifies	Usually doesn’t qualify

Step-by-Step Guide

Before You Switch

Action	Why
Check the new bank’s overdraft terms	Don’t assume they’ll match your current overdraft
Note down recurring card payments	You’ll need to update these manually
Check for CASS switching bonus requirements	Make sure you qualify
Check if your current account has exit fees	Rare, but packaged accounts may have conditions

During the Switch

Step	How
Open new account online or in-app	Most take 5–10 minutes
Request a switch through the new bank	They’ll ask for old account details
Choose your switch date	At least 7 working days away
Wait — the banks do the rest	You’ll receive confirmation

After the Switch

Action	When
Check direct debits are running	Within the first month
Update card details for subscriptions	Netflix, Amazon, Spotify, etc. (within 2 weeks)
Check salary arrives correctly	Next payday
Update HMRC if they pay into your account	Tax refunds, Child Benefit
Monitor the redirect service	Check for 2–3 months

Which Banks Participate?

Almost all major UK banks participate in CASS, including:

Bank	Participates?	Notable features
Barclays	Yes
HSBC	Yes
Lloyds	Yes
NatWest	Yes
Santander	Yes	Cashback account
Nationwide	Yes
Halifax	Yes
Monzo	Yes	Excellent app
Starling	Yes	Fee-free spending abroad
Chase	Yes	1% cashback
First Direct	Yes	Switching bonus
TSB	Yes
Co-operative Bank	Yes	Ethical banking
Virgin Money	Yes

Full list at currentaccountswitch.co.uk.

Common Concerns

Concern	Reality
“My salary won’t arrive”	Payments redirect for 3 years — your salary will reach you
“Direct debits will fail”	They transfer automatically — the guarantee covers any errors
“It’s too complicated”	The new bank does everything — you just choose a date
“My credit score will suffer”	Switching doesn’t affect your credit score
“I’ll lose my overdraft”	Your old overdraft closes — apply with the new bank first if needed

Summary

Feature	Detail
How long	7 working days
What transfers	Balance, direct debits, standing orders, salary
Redirect	Payments to old account redirected for 3 years
Guarantee	Full protection against errors
Cost	Free
How to start	Open new account → request switch through new bank
Best tip	Check for switching bonuses before you switch