UK bank switching bonuses: CASS rules and July 2026 offers
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Quick answer: The Current Account Switch Service moves your account in seven working days with payment redirection. In July 2026 HSBC pays £220 for switching with two direct debits, £2,000 pay-in and £500 card spend — the highest widely available bonus we track.
Bank switching bonuses are among the fastest legitimate cash boosts in personal finance. Rules are strict — read criteria before you start, and never switch accounts you rely on for benefits without checking payment timing.
Skip this if: Skip a bonus switch if a mortgage offer is in flight (a new account is a hard search), if you need to keep the old account open, or if you cannot meet pay-in and direct-debit rules. Confirm the live offer on the bank's site — bonuses change.
Last reviewed:
Read the full banking & current accounts guide →How to switch bank account →Primary source: www.currentaccountswitch.co.uk/the-guarantee
Should you switch for a bonus this month?
Switch when you can meet the pay-in, direct-debit and card-spend rules without borrowing, and you actually want the old account closed. CASS moves payments in seven working days and redirects for 36 months.
List direct debits and standing orders first — they transfer automatically but check student loan, HMRC and benefit payment dates around switch week. Keep a small buffer in both accounts during the window.
| If this is you | Usually do this | Skip if |
|---|---|---|
| Can meet pay-in and two genuine direct debits | Full CASS switch to a new-customer bonus | You held an account with that banking group recently |
| Mortgage application in progress | Wait until after completion | A new current account would add a hard search |
| Need to keep the old account | Do not use CASS — it closes the old account | You only wanted a partial switch |
How do you meet bonus criteria without failing after seven days?
Pay-in rules often require a minimum monthly deposit — salary or transfers from another account usually count. Card spend thresholds need genuine purchases, not ATM-only activity.
Common questions
Can I switch twice in a year?
Yes if you meet each bank's new-customer rules — but some offers exclude anyone who held an account with the group in the past 12 months.