What is CASS (Current Account Switch Service)?

The Current Account Switch Service — almost always referred to as CASS — is the backbone of UK bank switching. It's a free, government-backed system that makes switching your current account fast, simple, and risk-free. Here's everything you need to know.

What is CASS?

CASS is a switching service operated by Pay.UK, a not-for-profit organisation that runs the UK's payment infrastructure. It was launched in 2013 to make switching banks simpler and has processed tens of millions of switches since.

Before CASS, switching banks was a manual, error-prone process that could take weeks and often resulted in missed payments. CASS standardised the process across all major UK banks and building societies, guaranteeing completion within 7 working days.

How does CASS work?

When you initiate a CASS switch, the process is almost entirely automatic:

1. You open a new account and request a switch
2. Your new bank contacts your old bank to begin the transfer
3. All Direct Debits, standing orders, and bill payments are transferred automatically
4. Your old account is closed on day 7
5. Any payments (including salary) sent to your old account are automatically redirected to your new one for 36 months

You don't need to notify any of your payment recipients. CASS does it for you.

What does the CASS guarantee cover?

The CASS guarantee means that if anything goes wrong during your switch — a payment is misdirected, a Direct Debit is missed, you're charged a fee as a result — your new bank must refund any losses immediately and cover any charges you incur. It's a comprehensive protection that makes switching genuinely risk-free.

What transfers automatically with CASS?

• Direct Debits — including your BeSwitchReady membership DDs
• Standing orders
• Any regular incoming payments (salary, pension, benefits)
• Your account balance (transferred to the new account)

What doesn't transfer?

• Your old account number and sort code (you'll get new ones)
• Continuous Payment Authorities (these are not the same as Direct Debits and must be updated manually)
• Savings accounts or ISAs linked to your old current account (these need to be moved separately if desired)

Is CASS the same as a partial switch?

No. A CASS switch is a full switch — your old account closes. Some banks offer a "partial switch" that moves Direct Debits without closing the old account, but this is not a CASS switch and typically does not qualify for switching bonuses. Most offers specifically require a full CASS switch.