How to switch bank accounts in the UK

Switching your financial provider doesn't have to be complicated — learning how to change bank accounts in the UK is actually a pretty straightforward process.

Whether you're looking for better interest rates, lower fees, or a more intuitive mobile app, the UK banking system is designed to make moving your money as simple as possible.

Most providers now use a dedicated service to handle the heavy lifting for you, ensuring your payments and balance move across without any stress.

Read on to learn more. And, when you're ready, check out our step-by-step guide to opening a Revolut account.

What's the Current Account Switch Service?

The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) is a free service designed to make switching your personal or small business current account simple and reliable. It was first introduced to encourage competition in the banking sector by making it easier for customers to move to a provider that better suits their needs.

When you use this service to switch bank accounts in the UK, the process is managed entirely by the bank you're moving to. This means you don't need to coordinate with your old bank or manually move your standing orders. The service handles the transfer of your balance, your incoming payments (like your salary), and your outgoing payments (like your utility bills).

The Current Account Switch Guarantee

One of the most important aspects of using CASS is the Current Account Switch Guarantee. This provides peace of mind by promising that the switch will be completed on a date agreed upon by you and your new provider. If anything goes wrong during the process, such as a payment being missed or interest being lost, your new bank will refund you the difference.

Why you might consider switching bank accounts

Many customers choose to switch because they want a more modern banking experience. Older providers might have hidden fees or outdated apps that make it hard to track your spending, so you might be on the lookout for an smarter alternative.

Reasons to switch include:

• Better mobile app functionality: many modern providers like us offer real-time notifications and instant spending analytics
• Improved interest rates: you might find a bank account that offers more competitive rates on your savings
• Lower fees: some accounts have monthly maintenance charges that you can avoid by moving elsewhere
• Ease of use: having your spending, savings, and investments all in one place can give you much better clarity over your finances

Switch account offers

Many UK banks provide switch account offers to entice new customers. These typically take the form of a cash bonus paid into your account after you complete a full switch using the Current Account Switch Service.

To qualify for these bonuses, you usually need to meet specific criteria. For example, you may only receive the reward if you:

• move at least 2 active Direct Debits to the new account
• pay in a minimum amount (e.g. £1,500) within the first 60 days
• log into the new bank's mobile app

While these incentives can be appealing, it's important to look beyond the initial reward. A cash bonus is a one-time benefit, but the ongoing features of the account — like the quality of the mobile app, currency exchange rates, and customer support — will have a much bigger impact on your daily financial life.

Always check the T&Cs to make sure you're comfortable with any monthly fees or minimum pay-in requirements that might apply to the account after the bonus period ends.

What you need to switch your bank account

To ensure a smooth transition, you should have several pieces of information ready. While the new bank handles the switch, you need to make sure you give them accurate details to avoid delays.

You'll typically need:

• your full name and current address
• your date of birth
• the sort code and account number of the account you're closing
• the details of the debit card associated with that old account
• proof of identity, such as a valid passport or driving licence
• proof of address, such as a utility bill or council tax statement

If you're a non-resident or a new arrival to the country, you might find the requirements are slightly different. Explore our guide on how to open a bank account in the UK for more specific details.

How to switch bank accounts step-by-step

The process for moving your finances can be broken down into a few manageable steps. Most customers find that the actual admin on their part takes less than 10 minutes. Here's how it works:

1. Find your new account

Before starting the process, you should research different providers to see which one offers the features you value most. You might be looking for switch account offers that provide a cash incentive like we mentioned earlier, or you might prefer a provider with a high-rated mobile app and advanced budgeting tools. It's also important to check if the provider is a participant in the Current Account Switch Service to make sure you get the full guarantee.

2. Apply for the new account

Once you've made a choice, you'll need to apply for your new account. You can usually do this online or through an app. During the application process, you'll be asked if you want to switch your existing account. If you select 'yes', the new provider will ask for the details of your old bank, such as the sort code and account number.

3. Request the switch

After your new account is approved, you'll sign a Switch Agreement and an Account Closure Form. These documents give your new bank permission to contact your old bank and arrange the transfer. At this stage, you're effectively handing the hard work over to your new provider.

4. Choose your switch date

You can choose a switch date that suits you, provided it's at least 7 working days from when the account is opened. Many people choose a date shortly after their monthly salary is paid to make sure they have plenty of money in the new account for any upcoming bills. On the chosen date, your old account will be closed, and your balance and payments will be active on your new account.

Switching your account to Revolut

We're now a fully licensed bank in the UK. Since March 2026, Revolut Bank UK Ltd has been authorised and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Eligible deposits with Revolut Bank UK Ltd are now protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £120,000 per person.

We also support the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) for customers who want to move their entire banking life to us. This free service ensures your balance, Direct Debits, and recurring payments are transferred within 7 working days, all backed by the Current Account Switch Guarantee.

How to switch to Revolut

We're committed to making your transition to Revolut as smooth as possible. You can opt to move all payments and remaining balances to Revolut, and close your old account, using the current account switching service.

Or, you can decide to only move payments from your previous account to Revolut, while keeping your old account open and your old debit card active.

If you're ready to open a Revolut bank account, you can download our app, sign up, and start the switch in just a few taps.

We were granted our full banking licence in March 2026. At the time of publication, some existing customers may still be‌ being moved over to bank accounts. This means that some information about banking protections may not yet be applicable to all customers.

Revolut Bank UK Ltd (https://revolut.com) is registered in England and Wales (Registered No. 12871051). Registered address: 30 South Colonnade, London E14 5HX, United Kingdom. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register No. 981170).

The information provided is accurate as of 29 May 2026.