How to switch your bank account
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.
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:
| Provider | Account name | Switching bonus | Which? Customer Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Direct (Which? Recommended Provider) | 1st Account | £175 | 83% |
| NatWest | Reward | £150 | 75% |
| Danske Bank | Choice | £100 | n/a |
Table notes: Data correct as of 8 April 2025. 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 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
First Direct - £175
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, make at least five debit card payments 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 meet the switching criteria.
You're not eligible for this offer if you've previously held any First Direct financial product or if you opened a HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018.
NatWest - £150
To qualify for the switching bonus, you must use the Current Account Switch Service to open a NatWest Reward account.
The Reward account costs £2 per month but you earn £5 per month in cashback – the net gain is a maximum of £36 a year – for every month that you pay in £1,250, pay out two Direct Debits of £2 or more and log into its mobile banking app.
Another perk is access to a NatWest regular saver which lets you save up to £150 per month and paid 6.17% variable interest on up to £5,000 at the time of writing.
You are not eligible for this switching bonus if you have ever received a switch bonus from NatWest, RBS or Ulster Bank.
Danske Bank - £100
To qualify for the switching bonus, you must deposit at least £1, 000, as well as sign up for and use online banking. You can earn an additional £25 per month for up to three months by completing 11 debit card transactions per month
You must be a new Danske Bank personal account customer. This offer also applies to the Danske Reward account and the Freedom account, which is aimed at young adults. You must complete a full switch of your existing current account via the Current Account Switch Service.
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 are 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.