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Not happy with your current account? Then it’s easy to switch bank accounts – and you can now bag as much as £200 when you move your current account.
The latest data from the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), shows the number of bank switches was up 63% between October 2022 and September 2023, compared to the same period last year- facilitating around 1.4 million bank switches.
Natwest gained the most number of switches between April and June 2023, followed by HSBC RBS and Ulster Bank.
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With many stuck with languishing banks that they've been using for years, switching incentives are a good prompt to move to another to ensure it meets your requirements- plus you can get up to £205.
The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) makes it quick and painless to switch banks to move current accounts as the banks are required to do the legwork and complete the switch within seven working days.
All you do is open a new current account and request a switch via CASS. The service will then close your old account and move all your money, direct debits and standing orders to your new account within seven days.
Plus, for three years any money that is paid into your old bank account or tries to leave your old account will automatically be changed to your new account.
Still, it is important to remember that while these offers might look attractive you should only switch to an account that suits your needs as some accounts may also charge a monthly fee. You should always check the terms and conditions to make sure you qualify for the bonus before you start the switch process. We round up the deals available now - but sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date on deals.
The best offers for switching bank accounts
Nationwide | Get £200 - plus 8% AER on savings
Get £200 free cash when you switch to either a Nationwide FlexAccount, Nationwide FlexDirect account or a Nationwide FlexPlus account.
You will qualify if you have a joint account, but want to open a new sole account, or if you already have a sole account and you open a new joint account.
Existing Nationwide current account customers who also hold a current account with a different bank provider, are eligible too. To do this, switch your current account with a different provider to your existing Nationwide current account via online banking. You will need to complete the switch within 60 days of it being requested.
To qualify for the £200, you will need to do the following:
- Switch to a Nationwide current account using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). The switch means you have to close your old current account and all payments will be transferred to your Nationwide account, including standing orders and direct debits. This is usually done automatically via the switch service within 7 days.
- Have a minimum of two active direct debits coming out of your Nationwide account.
- You can open a Nationwide current account in branch, online on the Nationwide website or via its mobile banking app. When you apply for a new account, request a switch as part of your application.
If you have already taken advantage of a Nationwide switching incentive with a sole or joint account after 18 August 2021, you will not qualify for this offer.
Nationwide 8% regular saver
Get access to Nationwide’s linked, market-leading 8% AER regular savings account, when you open either a FlexPlus, FlexDirect, FlexAccount, FlexStudent, FlexGraduate, FlexBasic or FlexOne.
The 8% rate is fixed for 12 months, after which the account will turn into an instant access account.
- You must deposit money within the first 28 days of opening the account. This can be as little as 1p.
- You can save up to £200 per month. There is no monthly minimum deposit.
- The account permits up to three withdrawals. On your fourth withdrawal, the rate on the account will drop to 2.15% AER variable.
Find out how you can make £377 in a year by switching to Nationwide.
First Direct - £175 switch bonus (plus 7% AER interest on savings)*
If you’re new to First Direct then you can bag a £175 bonus when you use the bank’s switching service. New customers are those who have not previously held a First Direct product. You also do not qualify if you opened a current account with its sister bank HSBC on or after 1 January 2020.
You’ll need to pay in at least £1,000 within three months of opening the account.
First Direct also comes with a headline 7% AER regular saver rate, where you can pay in between £25 and £300 each month for 12 months.
*When you sign up via this link, we may earn an affiliate commission from this deal.
Barclays - Get £175 plus 5.12% savings
Switch to Barclays by 30 November 2023 using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), and get £175 free cash. You can open a new Barclays current account via the app, or join Premier Banking.
To be eligible for the £175, you must do the following:
- Transfer over at least two direct debits
- Open a sole Barclays Bank Account- not a joint account
- Join the Blue Rewards Scheme - you will need to deposit at least £800 a month to qualify for this
- Sign up to online/mobile banking at £5 a month - but you get this back via cashback if you have a minimum of two direct debits
- Start the switching through the CASS by 30 November and complete it within 30 days
You won't be eligible for the £175 bonus if you hold any other Barclays accounts. Plus, if you are switching to the Premier Account, you need to pay in an annual income of at least £75,000 or have at least £100,000 in savings or investments with Barclays.
You will be paid within 28 days providing that you meet the full criteria.
Earn 5.12% on your savings
You can earn 5.12% AER with a linked Barclays Rainy Day Saver which you can only get via the Blue Rewards Scheme, available to current account holders.
You can get the rate on balances of up to £5,000. The rate you earn on balances above that will drop to 1.15%.
This account also features on our regular savers best-buy guide.
Co-op Bank - Get £125 each for you and a friend
If you have a Co-op current account and refer someone else to switch to Co-op's Current Account or Everyday Extra account, you both get £125 each.
You must use the Current Account Switch Service and the good news is you can refer as many friends as you like, so for every eligible friend you receive £125. It also works vice-versa - your friend could have a Co-op account and refer you.
Eligibility: You must be a new customer (You can’t already have a Co-op current account or a Smile account since 1 November 2022).
How to refer a friend: They will need to open and switch to the Co-op current account. They should then receive a switching date and they will need to fill in the referral form. They will need to give the full name, email address, sort code and account number of the person who has referred them. When this is all completed, you will both get £125 into your bank accounts within 60 days.
Important information: You must also do the following within 60 days of opening your account- set up at least two direct debits, deposit a minimum of £800 in the account, make at least five card payments and register for online banking services.
If you already have a Co-op current account, you can start referring.
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