Looking to switch your current account? The Current Account Switch Service makes moving your account to us easy and stress-free.
How to switch
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.
Existing Santander current account holder
If you have a Santander current account, we can switch any current accounts you hold with another bank to it.
Simply log in to your online banking, visit the ‘Switch Online’ section and click ‘Switch To Us’ to get started or visit your local branch. You may need to book an appointment.
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 (PDF - 42 KB).
What happens when I switch?
Following your switch:
- You’ll receive your cards and PIN by the 7th day, as well as your Online, Mobile and Telephone Banking details if you’ve asked for them.
- Payments that used to come out of your old account will start coming out of your Santander account. So you should make sure you have the money in your new account to cover them.
Thinking about an overdraft?
If you’d like an overdraft with your new Santander current account, speak to us or use our overdraft eligibility checker before starting your switch. We’ll let you know if you’re likely to be accepted.
You can ask for one when you apply for a new account or ask to add one to an account you already have with us. We’ll look at your circumstances to see if we can offer you one. 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.
Changing your existing Santander account
If you have a current account with us, it’s easy to change to a different one. You can compare accounts, or use our calculator to check how much you could earn in cashback and interest
Then go to the page for the account you want to change to and choose ‘Change my existing account’ and follow the instructions. This isn’t part of the Current Account Switch Service.
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 an overdraft with your new Santander current account, speak to us or use our overdraft eligibility checker before starting your switch. We’ll let you know if you’re likely to be accepted.
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 are 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.
Switch to a Santander Edge, Santander Edge Up, Private (v2) current account or Everyday Current Account and get £150
To be eligible for the offer, within 60 days of submitting your initial switch request you must have:
- Completed the switch using the Current Account Switch Service, which includes closing the account not held with us
- Set up 2 active Direct Debits (this cannot include Direct Debits set up to fund a savings account you have with Santander, cahoot or Cater Allen)
- Paid in £1,500.
If you, or anyone named on the account, has previously received a switcher incentive on any of our accounts since 2021, you will not be eligible for this offer.
Take a look at the switcher terms & conditions (PDF - 61 KB)
How will I get my payment?
60 days after you submitted your initial switch request, we’ll check to make sure you are eligible and then pay £150 into your qualifying account within the next 30 days. So you can expect payment around 90 days after you tell us to switch your account, as long as you’ve met the eligibility criteria.
If the qualifying account is held in joint names and you’re eligible for the payment, then we’ll make one payment only (you won’t get one payment each).
If you asked to switch during the offer and we then withdraw the offer before your switch completes, you’ll still be eligible for the as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
This offer applies to requests to switch that we receive from 4 November 2024 to 5 February 2025.