The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) has handled 12.9 million switches since it launched in 2013, according to Pay.UK. In the first half of 2026, 608,528 switches were completed, up 39% on the same period in 2025. In April to June 2026, 99.3% of switches were completed within the seven-working-day timeframe (Pay.UK, 30 July 2026).

This article explains how the service works and what it covers.

ClearScore is a credit broker, not a lender.

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.

The scheme also guarantees that Direct Debits, standing orders and payments coming in, such as your salary, are moved to your new account. Recurring payments set up on your old debit card aren’t moved, because the old bank doesn’t know your new card number. You’ll need to give your new card details to any company that takes regular card payments from you, such as subscriptions or insurance.

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 launched in September 2013, some banks already helped customers move their Direct Debits and standing orders. But there was no guaranteed timescale, no automatic redirection of payments sent to the old account, and no guarantee to refund interest and charges if something went wrong. Switching could take longer, and customers often had to update some payment details themselves. 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. In 2013, MoneySavingExpert reported that switching could take between 18 and 30 days, compared with 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, 116,345 switches were completed, according to Pay.UK. Pay.UK has said higher savings rates are a key driver of switching.

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

There are three things to be aware of when using the service.

When you switch, your new bank will send you a new debit card and tell you how to start using it, including whether you need to activate it and how you’ll get or choose your PIN. Any PIN you had set up on your old debit card won’t be transferred to your new card.

Also, while your new account will be switched within 7 working days, this rule doesn't apply to debit cards. This means you could be waiting for your debit 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.

Payments sent to your old account are redirected to your new one for at least three years. If payments are still arriving at your old account, redirection is extended until 13 months have passed with no payments being redirected. The sender is also given your new account details.

Importantly, if anything goes wrong with your switch, your new bank will refund any interest (paid or lost) and charges made on your old or new current account as a result. 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. Most banks and building societies 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 you usually tell your new provider. 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 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. Hard searches are recorded on your credit report. Experian says most stay for 12 months; TransUnion removes them after two years. In the short term however, lots of hard searches could have a negative impact on your ability to obtain future credit.

Credit reference agencies, such as Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, collect information about how you’ve managed credit and use it to produce your credit report. They may also give you a credit score, but each agency calculates its own. Lenders don’t use one universal score: they make their own assessments using information from credit reference agencies and their own criteria.

Eligibility and acceptance are decided by each provider and depend on its own criteria and checks.

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

Yes, the switch service only applies to current 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.

Read more: bank accounts guide.