Switch bank account
To apply for a current account you must be 18+ and resident in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar. The Current Account Switch Service is not available for accounts held in Gibraltar.
On this page
Overview of switch process Open in new window
Permissions to Third Party Providers Open in new window
Common questions Open in new window
How to switch account Open in new window
Switch your account to us
The Current Account Switch Service makes switching from one bank or building society to another simple and stress-free. You can choose a switch date to suit you, just make sure you allow a minimum of 7 working days.
Any regular payments made to or requested from your old account will be automatically redirected to your new account. That means there’s no need to worry about missing payments.
The Current Account Switch Service is not available for accounts held in Gibraltar.
What happens when you switch?
Days 1 & 2
The Current Account Switch Service will contact your old bank and they confirm if the switch can go ahead.
Days 3 to 5
Your new account will be set up and your payments, like Direct Debits and standing orders, will be moved across.
Day 6 & 7
On the switch date your new account will be ready to use and your balance will be transferred. Your old account will be closed.
From switch day
If any payments are made to or from your old account after switch date, they’ll be redirected to your new account.
Important information
We recommend that you read these documents before contacting us to start the switch.
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Guide to the Current Account Switch Service (PDF, 338 KB)
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Current Account Switch Guarantee (PDF, 40 KB)
Permissions to Third Party Providers
If you have given permissions to Third Party Providers to make payments on your behalf, or to access your financial data, access to these services won’t be transferred automatically to your new account as part of the Current Account Switch Service.
Before you close your old account, check whether you have any Third Party Provider permissions set up and if so, who with.
If you require to update permissions:
- Once your new account is open you can give your permission to the Third Party Provider to access your new account by providing them with your new account details. You will need to contact the Third Party Provider directly yourself to set this up.
- If you're unsure whether your New Bank will support the Third Party Provider permissions on your account, you will need to discuss this ahead of your switch with your New Provider who will be able to advise you of this.
Please check our terms and conditions for moreinformation about Third Party Providers.
Common questions
Yes, you can use the service to switch accounts from and to any of the participating banks and building societies.
No, we can’t switch savings accounts or ISAs.
Yes, as long as both parties agree to the switch and you are switching to another joint account. It is not possible to use the service to switch a joint account to a sole account.
If you use the Current Account Switch Service to switch, your old bank will close your old account. This ensures that any payments made to your old account are automatically redirected to your new account.
If you would like to keep your old account open then you are free to do so, but you won’t be able to use the Current Account Switch Service to do this, and you will not be covered by the Guarantee. Speak to your bank and they can help explain your options.
All incoming and outgoing payments will be automatically redirected to your new account. Each time a payment is redirected, an automatic message is sent back to the originator advising them of your new account details so they can update their records. Some organisations may contact you directly to confirm your details have changed. If you do not want your new details to be given to someone who sends a one-off payment, contact your new bank.
You will be able to access the funds in your old account up to an until your switch date, when they will be transferred to your new account.
The Current Account Switch Service is backed by the Current Account Switch Guarantee. This guarantees that any charges or interest incurred on your old or new account, as a result of a failure in the switching process will be refunded when you bring this to your new bank or building society’s attention.
Simply switching from one bank to another using the Current Account Switch Service will not affect your credit rating.
However, when you open a new bank account, your new provider may run a credit score check which could affect your credit rating.
In the unlikely event that during the switch you encounter any problems with payments (such as a standing order), your new bank or building society will correct them and ensure your credit rating is not affected.
You can cancel your switch up to 7 working days before your switch date. If you do want to cancel, speak to your new bank, who can guide you through this process.
