The Current Account Switch Service makes moving your account to us easy and stress-free.
How to switch
Existing customers
We can switch a current account you hold at another bank to your existing Santander current account. If you don’t want to switch online, you can also visit your local branch. You may need to book an appointment.
New customers
If you don’t have a Santander current account, you can apply online or in branch. We will ask you during the usual application if you want to switch to Santander. Just answer 'Yes' and fill out the application.
Choose your switch date
This can be up to 60 days in the future
Stay up to date
We'll keep you updated on progress by letter, text or email
We'll do the hard work
Like closing your old account and moving payments
It’s important that the details you provide are the same as the ones held at your old bank. So if you need to update names or addresses for example on your old account, it’s best to do this before you start your switch.
What gets switched?
We’ll move over:
- your account balance
- your regular income (like your salary, pension or benefits payments)
- any Direct Debits or standing orders
- all your payees (meaning anyone you’ve sent money to)
- any payments, meaning we’ll also make sure that any payments sent to your old account by mistake get moved to your new account. We’ll contact the sender and give them your new account details.
What you'll need
Before we can start your switch, you’ll be asked to tell us:
- your old account sort code and account number
- your existing debit card number and expiry date
- if you are switching a joint account to us, we’ll need the debit card details for all applicants
We cannot switch your current account if you have a joint account with your old bank and your new Santander account is just in your name.
You can switch to Santander from a bank (or building society) that isn't signed up to the Current Account Switch Service. But this will mean you won't be eligible for any switcher offers.
The Current Account Switch Guarantee
The Current Account Switch Service makes switching from one bank or building society to another simple and stress-free.
The service is free and we'll take care of moving any payments going in or out. To learn more, please read our Current Account Switch Guarantee
Following your switch:
- Payments that used to come out of your old account, such as Direct Debits and standing orders, will start coming out of your Santander account and your old account will be closed. So you should make sure you have the money in your Santander account to cover them.
- Card payments, such as your Netflix subscription, will not be switched as part of the process. So when the switch is complete, you should update these with your Santander card details.
Thinking about an overdraft?
If you’d like to add an overdraft to your existing Santander current account, or to change your existing limit, you can do this in Online Banking or by contacting us at any time. Use our overdraft eligibility checker to see how much you might be able to borrow. We’ll look at your circumstances to see what we can offer you. Overdrafts are subject to status and require a credit check.
If you’re switching to us from another bank, you won’t be charged arranged overdraft interest for the first 4 months.
Check your eligibility Overdraft cost calculator
After the no-fee period, interest may apply for using an arranged overdraft.
Can I change my mind after I set up the switch?
You can cancel your switch up to seven working days before your switch completion. Once the switch has begun, the switch process can't be cancelled, and your old account will close.
Can I switch my current account if I am overdrawn?
If your old account has an overdrawn balance, you’ll need to clear it with the old bank, but you can still switch your current account to us using the Current Account Switch Service.
If you’d like to add an overdraft to your existing Santander current account, or to change your existing limit, you can do this in Online Banking or by contacting us at any time. Use our overdraft eligibility checker to see how much you might be able to borrow. We’ll look at your circumstances to see what we can offer you. Overdrafts are subject to status and require a credit check.
Where can I find out more about the Current Account Switch Guarantee?
You can find more information through the CASS website
Switching and Third Party Provider (TPP) services
If you’re using any services provided by TPPs on the current account you’re switching over to us then this access will not be switched to your new account.
They might include services like aggregation (the ability to see your accounts from more than one provider in one place), money management or other services where you’re providing permission for a third party company to have access to information, or carry out payments on your behalf. Our terms and conditions provide more information about TPPs permissions.
There’s a couple of simple things you’ll need to do to move these services over to your new account.
- If you don’t know which TPP’s are accessing your account then before you close your old account, check which permissions are active.
- When your new account is open you’ll need to set up access to your new account with your TPP.
There are some types of accounts that can’t be used with TPP’s. Current accounts that you can use online will be included.