How to qualify for a bank switching bonus

Bank switching bonuses are some of the easiest free money available in the UK — but only if you tick all the eligibility boxes. Miss one requirement and the bonus won't pay out. This guide walks through every criterion and tells you exactly how to meet them.

The standard eligibility checklist

While each bank sets its own specific terms, most switching offers share five core requirements:

1. Switch using CASS — the Current Account Switch Service must be used. You can't just open a new account; it must be a full switch that closes your old account.
2. Two active Direct Debits — the single most common requirement. Both must be active at the point of switching or shortly after, depending on the bank's terms.
3. Minimum monthly pay-in — most banks require £1,000–£2,000 deposited within 30 days. This is usually verified against your new account balance.
4. New customer status — you typically can't have held an account with that bank before, or must not have received a bonus from them within a specified window (often 1–3 years).
5. Meet the deadline — you must initiate the switch before the offer's closing date. Some banks also set a deadline for meeting the other conditions after switching.

How to meet the Direct Debit requirement

You need two Direct Debits that are genuinely active — meaning they have live mandates and have ideally collected at least one payment. Options include:

• Monthly bills paid by Direct Debit (energy, broadband, mobile)
• Insurance premiums set up as Direct Debits
• Gym or subscription memberships billed by Direct Debit
• A BeSwitchReady membership, which provides two genuine Bacs DDs of £0.99/month

Note: standing orders are not the same as Direct Debits and don't usually count. Confirm with the specific bank if you're unsure.

How to meet the pay-in requirement

The pay-in requirement is straightforward — deposit the required amount into your new account within the specified period. If your salary is paid monthly and exceeds the threshold, you're done automatically. If not, you can transfer the funds from another account to meet the requirement, then transfer back if needed.

Always check the specific wording: some banks require the money to stay for 24 hours, others simply need it deposited. Read the terms carefully.

How to check your new customer status

Most banks are transparent about their eligibility windows. Before applying, check:

• Have you ever held an account with this bank (including under a previous name)?
• Have you received a switching bonus from them in the last 12–36 months?
• Are you switching from an affiliated bank? (e.g., Halifax and Lloyds are in the same group)

If any of these apply, you may need to wait before you're eligible again. Our guide to multiple switching covers this in detail.

Before you switch — a pre-switch checklist

• ✅ Two active Direct Debits confirmed in your banking app
• ✅ Confirmed you haven't held or received a bonus from this bank recently
• ✅ Salary or pay-in plan ready to meet the monthly threshold
• ✅ Offer deadline checked — you have time to complete the switch
• ✅ Terms and conditions read in full at the bank's website