What Is the Current Account Switch Service?
The Current Account Switch Service — commonly known as CASS — is a free, government-backed service that lets you move your current account from one UK bank or building society to another in just 7 working days. It was launched in September 2013 to make switching bank accounts simpler and remove the fear that things might go wrong during the process.
Before CASS existed, switching banks was a genuine headache. You had to manually contact every company that took direct debits, update your salary details with your employer, and hope nothing fell through the cracks. CASS eliminated all of that.
Over 9 million switches have been completed through the service since it launched, and it's backed by a guarantee that protects you if anything goes wrong during the transfer.
The CASS Guarantee
The switch guarantee is what makes the whole process virtually risk-free. Here's what it covers:
- Your switch will be completed within 7 working days of your chosen switch date
- All incoming payments (salary, benefits, transfers) will be automatically redirected to your new account
- All outgoing payments (direct debits, standing orders) will be transferred to your new account
- If anything goes wrong, the bank will refund any interest or charges you incur as a direct result of the error
- Payments to your old account are redirected for 36 months — so even if someone sends money to your old details, it reaches you
This guarantee is provided by every bank and building society that participates in the scheme, which covers virtually all UK current account providers.
Before You Switch: What to Prepare
Switching is straightforward, but a small amount of preparation makes the process even smoother:
Check your eligibility
- Make sure you meet the new bank's criteria (age, residency, identification requirements)
- If you're switching for a bank switching bonus, read the specific terms carefully
- Confirm you haven't held an account with the new bank before, if that's a condition
Gather your information
- Photo ID — passport or driving licence
- Proof of address — utility bill, council tax statement, or bank statement from the last 3 months
- Your existing bank details — sort code and account number
- National Insurance number — some banks ask for this during the application
Take a snapshot of your current account
- Note all active direct debits and standing orders
- Check for any pending transactions that haven't cleared
- Download recent statements for your records
- Note any linked accounts (savings pots, overdrafts)
Step-by-Step: How to Switch Using CASS
Step 1: Choose Your New Bank
Research which bank suits your needs. Consider:
- Switching bonuses — Chase UK, Nationwide, and others regularly offer cash incentives
- Account features — cashback, interest on balances, budgeting tools
- App quality — Monzo and Starling Bank are consistently rated highly for their mobile banking experience
- Branch access — if you need in-person banking, check branch availability near you
Check our best bank switching offers in 2026 for a current comparison.
Step 2: Open Your New Account
Apply for your new current account either online, through the bank's app, or in a branch. Most applications take 5 to 15 minutes and you'll typically get a decision immediately.
During the application, you'll be asked whether you want to switch your existing account. Say yes and select the full switch option (not partial). You'll need to provide your current bank's sort code and account number.
Step 3: Choose Your Switch Date
You'll be asked to pick a switch date. This is the date when your old account closes and your new account takes over. Key considerations:
- Allow at least 7 working days from when you submit the switch request
- Avoid switching on or just before payday — give yourself a buffer in case of any delays
- Mid-month is usually safest — most direct debits come out at the start or end of the month
- Weekends and bank holidays don't count as working days
Step 4: Sit Back and Let CASS Do the Work
Once you've submitted your switch request, here's what happens behind the scenes:
- Your new bank contacts your old bank to initiate the transfer
- All direct debits and standing orders are moved to your new account
- Your old account balance is transferred to your new account
- Your old account is closed on the switch date
- A redirect is set up so any payments sent to your old account details are automatically forwarded for 36 months
You don't need to contact anyone yourself. Your employer, utility companies, HMRC — they'll all be notified automatically through the redirect service.
Step 5: Verify Everything Transferred
After your switch date, take a few minutes to check:
- Direct debits — log into your new account and confirm all regular payments are listed
- Standing orders — check these transferred with the correct amounts and dates
- Salary or benefits — confirm your next payment arrives in the new account
- Any linked services — update your details on PayPal, Amazon, or other platforms that store your bank details (these won't transfer automatically)
What Transfers Automatically (And What Doesn't)
Transfers automatically via CASS:
- Direct debits
- Standing orders
- Incoming payments (salary, benefits, transfers from other people)
- Your account balance
Does NOT transfer automatically:
- Savings accounts or ISAs linked to your old bank — these remain separate
- Credit cards — unaffected by switching current accounts
- Online payment platforms (PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay) — update these manually
- Subscription services where you entered card details rather than setting up a direct debit (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
- Overdraft facilities — your new bank may offer an overdraft, but it won't automatically match your old one
- Cashback or rewards earned with your old bank — check if these need to be claimed before closing
What Happens to Your Overdraft?
If you have an arranged overdraft with your current bank, CASS won't automatically transfer it. Here's what to consider:
- Apply for an overdraft with your new bank before switching if you rely on one
- Your old bank may require you to clear any overdraft balance before the switch completes
- Some new banks offer an overdraft as part of the switching deal — check the terms
- If you're in your overdraft when you switch, the balance will transfer as a negative amount. Your new bank needs to have agreed an overdraft facility for this to work smoothly.
Speak to both your old and new bank if you're unsure. This is the one area where a brief phone call can save hassle.
Partial Switch vs Full Switch
CASS offers two options:
Full switch — your old account is closed, everything transfers, and you get the 36-month redirect. This is what qualifies for switching bonuses.
Partial switch — you choose which direct debits and standing orders to move, and your old account stays open. This does NOT qualify for most switching bonuses and doesn't include the redirect guarantee.
For the vast majority of people, a full switch is the better option. The redirect service means there's no risk of missed payments, and it's the only way to qualify for cash bonuses.
How Long Does the Switch Take?
The entire process takes 7 working days from your chosen switch date. In practice:
- Day 1-2: Your new bank contacts your old bank
- Day 3-5: Direct debits, standing orders, and payments are transferred
- Day 6-7: Your old account is closed, balance transferred, redirect activated
Most people report the process completing in exactly 7 working days with no issues. If there is a problem, the CASS guarantee ensures you won't be out of pocket.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
My direct debit didn't transfer. Contact your new bank immediately. Under the CASS guarantee, they must resolve it and cover any charges you incur.
I haven't received my switching bonus. Check the specific terms — most bonuses take 7 to 30 days after meeting all conditions. If you've met every requirement and the timeframe has passed, contact the bank.
My salary went to my old account. The 36-month redirect should catch this, but inform your employer of your new bank details as soon as possible to avoid relying on the redirect long-term.
I changed my mind. You can cancel the switch before your chosen switch date by contacting your new bank. Once the switch date has passed and your old account is closed, reversing it becomes more complicated.
Ready to Switch?
Switching banks through CASS is one of the simplest financial moves you can make. The 7-day guarantee removes virtually all risk, and with banks regularly offering £100 to £200 in switching bonuses, it's well worth the 15 minutes it takes to get started.
Check our guide to whether switching banks is worth it if you're still weighing up the decision, or jump straight to the best switching offers available right now.
