As of September 2026, the 7-day Current Account Switch Service (CASS) has facilitated over 12.9 million switches since its inception. In H1 2026, the service processed more than 600,000 switches, driven by high competition and enticing cash bonuses from major lenders. The scheme continues to guarantee a seamless move between providers within 7 working days, with a 99.5% completion success rate.

So, how does the 7-day bank switch service work? And what are the benefits of using it? Let’s take a look.

What is the 7-day Current Account Switch Service?

The Current Account Switch Service launched in September 2013, set up by the UK payments industry following government pressure and recommendations from an independent review of banking. It's run by Pay.UK to make it easier for consumers to move bank accounts. Under the scheme you have a right to expect any bank switch to take a maximum of 7 working days. Plus, the scheme also guarantees any payments, including regular payments - such as direct debits - are automatically transferred over to your new account after switching.

These guarantees mean no missing payments coming in or out of your old account.

In addition, when switching banks, your old account is automatically closed for you. This means you don't have to inform your old bank you're leaving.

Why was the 7-day Current Account Switch Service needed?

Before the Current Account Switch Service existed, moving banks meant doing the work yourself. Every direct debit and standing order — including mortgage payments — had to be cancelled at the old bank and set up again at the new one.

If something went wrong in that process, the responsibility sat with the customer. Forgetting to give an employer new details, for instance, could mean a salary landing in a closed or unused account.

The old process was also slow. Switches typically took between 18 and 30 working days, against the seven working days guaranteed today.

Those difficulties, combined with low switching rates, led the Independent Commission on Banking to recommend in 2011 that switching be made easier. The payments industry built the service in response, and it launched in September 2013.

The aim was twofold: to remove the practical obstacles to switching, and (by making it easier for customers to move) to increase competition between banks on price and service.

How many people switch?

In June 2026 alone, over 116,345 switches completed, up 32% from 88,146 in June 2025. This surge is attributed to the 'switching war' between banks, with customers increasingly moving to find better digital apps, higher interest rates on linked savings, and significant one-off cash payments.

What should you be aware of when it comes to switching bank accounts?

There are two big things to be aware of when it comes to using the 7-day switch service.

When you switch bank accounts you must activate your new debit card and set up a new PIN. Any PIN you had set up on your old debit card won't be transferred over to your new card.

Also, while your new account will be switched with 7 working days, this rule doesn't apply to debit cards. This means you could be waiting for your debt card to arrive in the post, even after your new account has been set up.

The 7-day switch guarantee only applies once you've selected a switch date. This means that it could take more than 7 working days to move your account if there isn't a switch date available within 7 days.

What does the bank switch service cover you for?

The 7-day bank switch service guarantees payments to and from your old account will be automatically redirected to your new bank account. This includes regular payments, including any direct debits or standing orders you have set up.

Under the 7-day switch service, payments have to be redirected for a minimum of three years, extending indefinitely where payments keep arriving.

Importantly, if anything goes wrong with your switch, your new bank will cover you for any losses. This may include interest payments, or fees you have been charged as a direct result of any mistake.

Which banks are part of the bank switch guarantee?

The Current Account Switch Service doesn't apply to all banks. So if you want to switch to an account that isn't part of the service, you'll have to move accounts manually. Thankfully, most banks are part of the service.

It's usually easy to know if a provider is part of the service by looking out for a 'Current Account Switch Service' (CASS) logo on its website. However, if you're unsure, you can use the tool on the CASS website.

How do you use the 7-day bank switch guarantee?

If you want to take advantage of the 7-day switch service the easiest way to do so is to inform your new provider when opening a new account. For example, if you wish to move from Bank A to Bank B, you can apply for a new bank account on the Bank B website. During this process, you'll be asked whether you want to switch bank accounts. At this point, there is usually a box you can tick to indicate that you do wish to switch accounts.

Once you've selected this option, your new provider (Bank B in our example) will ask for your Bank A sort code and account number.

While it's often easiest to switch at the same time as applying for a new account, you don't have to. Some providers will happily allow you to switch into an existing account.

Can switching bank account impact your credit score?

When applying for a new bank account, you'll either undergo a hard or soft credit search.

'Soft' searches aren't visible to other companies, so these won't impact your credit score at all. However 'hard' searches are recorded on your credit file. However, hard credit searches are usually removed from your credit file after 12 months or so. In the short term however, lots of hard searches could have a negative impact on your ability to obtain future credit.

Does the Current Account Switch Service only apply to bank accounts?

Yes, the switch service only applies to bank accounts. It does not apply to savings accounts, mortgages, or any other personal finance product.

Can you switch banks if you're overdrawn?

Yes you can, though this will depend on your new bank. The new bank has to agree to take the overdraft on, and if it doesn't, the balance needs repaying.

Ready to switch bank accounts?

If you're keen to switch, take a look at our comprehensive guide to the best bank accounts available right now.