Customers don't often switch current accounts. However, many banks have dedicated switching teams to do the hard work for you.
You'll need to provide your existing bank account details. You can arrange this online with most banks nowadays - including Halifax and Santander. Your new bank will request details of your Direct Debits and standing orders from your current bank, and your current bank are obliged to supply these within three working days.
Some banks will require identification for your application. You may also be asked to sign a document to give your new bank permission to obtain your details. However, the banks that don't allow for this to be organised online are in the minority.
You'll be asked to confirm the details and ensure that only active payments are transferred. If you wish your pay to go to your new account, remember to notify your employer. It's possible to have multiple current accounts to suit your purposes, so don't feel obliged to close the older account if you don't want to.
That's it - you've switched. If you're still not clear on anything, read our article 'Switching current accounts: we show you how'.
So compare current accounts with Confused.com today, safe in the knowledge it's probably a lot easier to switch than you previously thought!
