With the current account switch guarantee it's easier to switch your current account. Read on to see step-by-step how to switch bank accounts.
Get more from your current account, whether it be a better rate of interest, lower interest on overdrafts or more added extras. With the tools available you can easily switch bank accounts online.
Compare current accounts from different providers and find a bank that works for you.
You could find a current account that suits you in less than 10 minutes with our online comparison tables and see how different accounts measure up at a glance.
Read on for our easy step by step guide and see how to switch bank accounts.
Before you start your comparison, it's good to know:
Are you often overdrawn, or do you have a high balance in your account? Would you like to make more of your money or find an easy way to manage your finances or prevent yourself from spending?
If you're switching your current account, your new bank will need your account number so that they can switch your direct debits and standing orders for you.
With the current account switch guarantee, banks and building societies signed up to the scheme, will also redirect any payments made to your old account and inform the payee of your new bank account details.
On our current accounts homepage use the tabs to choose which type of current account you would like to compare.
The most popular bank accounts table shows, as you might expect, what other consumers have shown most interest in, while the packaged accounts will show you the top high-street banks and building society current accounts that come with added benefits.
High interest bank accounts are the current accounts with higher than average savings rates, allowing you to make more from your monthly income, and cashback current accounts offer you a cash bonus for signing up as a new customer or on your day-to-day spending.
You then need to decide what works for you:
Based on the type of current account you've picked, we'll show you a list of accounts from a range of banks.
If the bank you're switching to is signed up to the current account switch guarantee, you can have a new account within 7 working days
You'll be able to see the interest rate, overdraft rate, account features and any relevant eligibility criteria.
If you find a current account that you think is right for you, or that you'd like to get even more information about it, click the 'apply' button to get in touch with the provider. Once on the provider's page you can read their terms and conditions in full before deciding whether or not to apply.
After you click 'apply', we'll send you directly to the website of your chosen bank so you can complete the application process.
Who organises the switch? It depends. Under the current account switch guarantee banks will:
If they're not signed up to the current account switch guarantee, the bank or building society may have their own scheme that does the same thing.
Otherwise you may need to inform your employer of your new bank details and re-arrange your Direct Debits and standing orders.
Do I need to close my old account? No, but there may be no need to keep it open once your new account is set up. For peace of mind it is best to close your old bank account.
How long will the switch take? With the current account switch guarantee it only takes 7 working days and you can pick the date you want it to begin. Otherwise, it usually takes 10 working days or less to switch your current account from one bank to another.
Some consumers have reported that it can even take as long as 15 working days, so if the bank you're switching to is not signed up to the current account switch service, then make sure you get confirmation from them on how long they think it could take.
What will happen to my existing account benefits? If you're getting discounted travel insurance or other benefits with your current account, these will stop when you close your account.
You can see the benefits and discounts offered with each account when you compare accounts with Uswitch or see more product information.
Compare current accounts from different providers and find a bank that works for you.