How long does a bank switch take?

One of the most common questions about bank switching is how long the whole process takes. The short answer: the switch itself takes 7 working days, but from application to bonus in your account is typically 6–8 weeks.

The bank switching timeline

Days 1–5: Application and account opening

You apply for your new account online or in-app. The bank verifies your identity (usually a soft credit check and document verification). Account opening is typically confirmed within a few hours to a few days.

Days 5–12: The CASS switch (7 working days)

Once your new account is open, you request a CASS switch. From this point, the Current Account Switch Service takes exactly 7 working days to complete. During this time:

• Your Direct Debits and standing orders are transferred to your new account
• Your old account is closed
• A 36-month payment forwarding service activates on your old account number

You do not need to contact any of your payment recipients — CASS handles everything automatically.

Days 12–42: Meeting the offer conditions

After the switch completes, you typically have 30 days to meet any remaining conditions — usually depositing your minimum monthly pay-in. Most people do this naturally when their salary lands.

Days 42–72: Bonus payment

Once all conditions are met, the bank pays your bonus — typically within 30 days of conditions being satisfied. So the total timeline from application to bonus in your account is usually 6–8 weeks.

Do Bacs Direct Debits take longer to set up?

New Bacs Direct Debit mandates typically take 3–5 working days to activate after you authorise them. This is worth bearing in mind if you're using a BeSwitchReady membership to set up your two Direct Debits before switching — allow at least one full week after joining before initiating your switch, to ensure both mandates are fully active.

Can you use your old account during the switch?

Yes. Your old account remains accessible and usable throughout the 7-day switch period. The closure only completes at the end of the switch window.