A bank switching reward depends on meeting the offer’s conditions. Check the bank’s current terms before opening an account, moving payments or buying extra Direct Debits.
Check that you qualify
Look for rules about existing accounts, previous rewards, connected banking brands and sole or joint applications. Save a dated copy of the terms you rely on.
A bank account should also suit your normal needs. Compare its monthly fee, any conditions for avoiding that fee and how you access your money. Consider the ongoing cost as well as the reward.
Use the required switching route
The Current Account Switch Service process covers moving an eligible current account to a participating provider. Account opening is separate from the switch, and the full switch closes the old account.
Check whether the incentive requires that full process. Moving a payment manually is not automatically equivalent. The switch service and the bank’s reward are separate arrangements.
Read the payment requirements carefully
Check the required number of Direct Debits, what makes them active and whether they must already have collected a payment. Also look for deposit, card-use or app-use conditions.
Do not assume that every type of regular payment counts. For example, Lloyds’ published conditions distinguish qualifying Direct Debits from standing orders and recurring card payments. Its FAQ also uses the word subscriptions in its exclusions. Ask the bank how its wording applies to the payment you intend to use.
Write down each deadline
An account-opening window, switch deadline and later funding window can be different. Note the exact dates or time periods in your chosen offer, including whether it says calendar or working days.
CASS needs seven working days for the switch. Its guidance also warns against adding new payment arrangements during that period. Leave time to check your Direct Debits before starting.
Decide whether you need another paid service
Check the payments you already have before buying more. If they meet the bank’s conditions, there may be no reason to add another monthly fee.
Select Correct earns money from its paid Direct Debit service, so we have a financial interest when we recommend it. Buying the service does not establish eligibility. You are responsible for checking the terms, and the bank decides whether to pay a reward.
Use our selected bank offers as a starting point, then read the bank’s full conditions before applying.
Sources checked for this guide
These sources were checked on 3 November 2026. Check the bank’s current terms before acting.
The Direct Debit service
Each subscription costs 50p a month until cancelled. Check your bank’s terms before relying on a Direct Debit for a switching reward.
See prices for our paid Direct Debit service