Should you use the Current Account Switch Service?
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Quick answer: Yes if you want the new bank to move direct debits, standing orders and incoming payments in seven working days, with a guarantee that covers interest and charges caused by a switching error. Recurring card payments (continuous payment authorities) are not moved — update those with the merchant. Incoming payments to the old sort code are redirected for at least three years.
The Current Account Switch Service, run by Pay.UK, moves a current account — including direct debits, standing orders and incoming payments — to a new bank in seven working days, with a guarantee if something goes wrong. It is the mechanics behind most UK current-account switches. The decision is whether you actually want the old account closed, not whether seven days sounds convenient.
Skip this if: Skip CASS if you only need a second account and want to keep the old one open — CASS closes the old current account. It will not move savings, ISAs, mortgages, credit cards or loans. This page is not a bonus league table; check each bank's live conditions before you switch for cash.
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Read the full banking & current accounts guide →Primary source: www.currentaccountswitch.co.uk
What does CASS actually move in seven working days?
When you ask the new bank to switch you using CASS, they do the work — there is no form at the old bank. You agree a switch date (normally seven working days ahead). On that date direct debits and standing orders move and the old current account closes.
Payments sent to the old sort code and account number are redirected to the new account. Pay.UK's redirection period is at least three years from the switch date; after that, payments to the old details may bounce. Salary, HMRC refunds, pensions and transfers from old contacts keep arriving during that window.
| Item | Moved by CASS? | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Direct debits and standing orders | Yes | Keep a list anyway — check the first two statements on the new account |
| Incoming Faster Payments to old details | Redirected ≥3 years | Still tell payroll and HMRC the new details before redirection ends |
| Recurring debit-card subscriptions | No | Update Netflix, gym, app stores and similar with the new card |
| Savings, ISAs, mortgages, loans, credit cards | No | Transfer or remortgage separately if you want those moved |
What does the CASS guarantee actually cover?
If the switch goes wrong and you are out of pocket — a missed direct debit and a late-payment fee, for example — the new bank must refund the interest and charges caused by the error, for as long as redirection is in place.
You need to report the problem promptly and provide reasonable evidence. The guarantee is not a bonus if you simply prefer the old bank's app, and it does not compensate you for a switch you regret for non-error reasons.
Will switching hurt your credit file or overdraft?
A new account application creates a hard search and a new account record, which can cause a small short-term dip. Closing an old account does not directly damage the score, but losing a long-running account can shorten average account age — usually a minor effect unless you are mid-mortgage application.
Most banks let you switch with an overdraft up to a limit, subject to a credit check. If they decline the overdraft you can still switch the account, but you may need to repay or arrange separate borrowing first. Do not start a switch the week before a mortgage offer if you can wait.
Common questions
Does switching damage my credit file?
A new account application creates a hard search and a new account record, which can cause a small short-term dip. Closing an old account does not directly damage your score, but losing a long-running account can shorten your average account age — usually a minor effect.
Can I switch if I have an overdraft?
Most banks let you switch with an overdraft up to a certain limit, subject to credit check. If they decline the overdraft you can still switch the current account itself, but you may need to repay or arrange separate borrowing.
How long do switching cash bonuses take to arrive?
Each bank sets its own rules — usually 30 to 60 days after the switch completes, and only if you meet conditions like funding the account, setting up direct debits, or staying for a minimum period.