# Switching Bank Accounts

> How the Current Account Switch Service works, the 7-working-day guarantee and what happens if something goes wrong.

Canonical page: [/banking-savings/switching-bank-accounts](/banking-savings/switching-bank-accounts/) · Last reviewed: 2026-08-22

Switching your current account is designed to be simple and free through the Current Account Switch Service, which most banks and building societies use.

## Key information

- Switching is free and takes 7 working days
- Your Direct Debits, standing orders and incoming payments move automatically
- The Current Account Switch Guarantee refunds charges or lost interest if the switch goes wrong
- Payments to your old account are redirected to the new one

## How switching works

You apply through your new bank and agree a switch date, allowing seven working days. Your new bank moves your incoming payments (such as your salary) and your outgoing payments (Direct Debits and standing orders), transfers any remaining balance, and closes your old account for you.

## The Current Account Switch Guarantee

The switch is backed by a guarantee. If anything goes wrong as a result of the switch, your new bank will refund any interest lost or [charges incurred](/banking-savings/bank-charges) on your old or new account. Payments accidentally sent to your old account are automatically redirected to the new one.

## Before you switch

Check whether you would lose any benefits tied to your existing account, whether the new account has conditions (such as a minimum monthly pay-in for a reward), and whether an [arranged overdraft](/credit-borrowing/overdrafts) you rely on will be available on the new account.

## Your rights

- The Current Account Switch Guarantee protects you against errors during the switch.
- If the switch is handled poorly you can complain to the bank and escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

## Official sources

- [Current Account Switch Service](https://www.currentaccountswitch.co.uk)
- [Financial Ombudsman Service](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk)

## Related

- [Current Accounts](/banking-savings/current-accounts/)
- [Problems With Your Bank](/banking-savings/problems-with-your-bank/)
- [FSCS Protection](/banking-savings/fscs-protection/)

## Sources

- Current Account Switch Service — [Common questions](https://www.currentaccountswitch.co.uk/common-questions-personal/) (accessed 2026-08-22)