Switching Bank Accounts | Current Account Switch

We know switching banks sounds like it'll be a nightmare, but we promise it's not.

With the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), choose a date and we’ll move everything over for you in just 7 working days. Any (unlikely) mistakes will cost us, not you.

Switch in Just 7 Days-We do everything we can to make the transaction as smooth as possible - you'll be surprised how little you actually have to do:

Open an account

Switching your everyday banking to your first direct account is easy, Once your first direct account is open, simply log into your first direct app, select the account you wish to transfer into, tap ‘switch to us’ from your account menu and follow the instructions. We will ask you for your account details, existing account details and preferred switching date.

We’ll let your old bank know

Once we've received your switch request and your current account is open, we'll let your old bank know you're moving.

We do the work

Your old bank will automatically send us details of your regular payments (Direct Debits, standing orders and bills).

We set up all the payments on your new first direct 1st Account, inform all your Direct Debit originators that you've moved banks and give them your new details, including your employer so your salary can be redirected. There is nothing at all for you to do, no calls or anything.

...and you're switched

On the date that you choose to switch, your old bank account will close and you'll be able to see the balance from your old account in your first direct 1st Account.

We'll contact you to let you know the move is complete. Don't be nervous that you barely had to do anything, it really is that easy.

Switching To Us

*Claiming your £175

To get the £175 cash offer you need to open a 1st Account, switch your everyday banking to us using the Current Account Switch Service and pay in at least £1,000 within three months of opening the account.

This offer is limited to one payment per customer or joint account, and you'll get the money within 28 days of all the criteria being met. New customers to first direct only, who have not previously held a first direct product. Sorry, we also can’t offer this to people who have opened an HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2020.

You may hold an HSBC account and still qualify for the offer, as long as the current account was opened before 1 January 2020. We reserve the right to refuse your application and withdraw this offer at anytime. Credit is subject to status and an assessment of your financial circumstances. UK residents only.

FAQs

Can I switch my current account if I am overdrawn?

Yes. You will need to agree any overdraft facilities you require with us. Alternatively, we may be able to provide facilities to help you pay off any existing overdraft you may have, subject to our normal lending criteria. If you do not come to an agreement with us, you must make separate arrangements to repay your existing overdraft before you switch.

Is the Current Account Switch Guarantee the same for all banks?

Yes, all banks and building societies that display the Current Account Switch Guarantee Trustmark will follow the same switching process and must offer the same guarantees. See all UK participating banks and building societies Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first]

I have a joint account. Can I switch my current account?

Yes, as long as both parties agree to the switch and you are switching to another joint account. It is not possible to use the service to switch a joint account to a sole account.

Can I choose my switch date?

Yes, you can choose and agree a switch date with us. Just make sure you allow seven working days for the switch to take place and that your chosen date isn't a Saturday, Sunday or Bank Holiday.

Are account opening and account switching all part of the same process?

Account opening and account switching are separate processes. first direct has to carry out 'know your customer' security checks as part of our account opening process. Once these are complete to our satisfaction, you can choose and agree your switch date.

Will the Current Account Switch Service automatically transfer new payment arrangements if I set them up at my old bank within 7 working days of the switch date agreed with first direct?

No. The Current Account Switch Service will take care of all payment arrangements at your old bank up until 7 working days before your agreed switch date. If you want to set up new payment arrangements during the 7 working day period leading up to your switch date you must do this on your new account.

Do I have to close my old account?

Your old bank will close your old account as part of the switching process. This ensures that any payments made to your old account are automatically redirected to your new account. If you want to, you can switch and keep the old account open, but you won't be able to use the Current Account Switch Service.

What happens to any debit card transactions or Direct Debits that I have asked my old bank to stop?

The Current Account Switch Service will not interfere with this process and any debit card or Direct Debit transactions that you have asked your bank to stop should remain stopped after your switch.

What if I change my mind?

You can cancel your switch up to seven working days before your switch date. After that, only certain elements can be cancelled. We'll guide you through this process if you decide to cancel your switch.

Will switching my current account affect my credit rating?

No, providing you repay any outstanding overdraft on your previous account as required by your old bank or building society. If there are any problems with payments as part of the switching process, we'll correct them and ensure your credit rating is not affected.

My Direct debit hasn't moved across after I've switched. What do I do?

If you're missing a Direct Debit and your switch is complete, contact us on 03 456 100 100. Remember all payments are covered by the Current Account Switch Guarantee and any charges or interest incurred on your old or new account as a result of the error will be refunded.

Fully Guaranteed

The Current Account Switch Service has been designed to let you switch your current account from one bank or building society to another in a simple, reliable and stress-free way. It will only take seven working days.

As your new current account provider we offer the following guarantees:

the service is free to use and you can choose and agree your switch date with us
we'll take care of moving all your outgoing payments (Direct Debits and standing orders etc.) and those coming in (like your salary)
if you have money in your old account, we'll transfer it to your new account on your switch date
we'll arrange for any payments accidentally made to your old account to be automatically redirected to your new account - we'll even contact the sender and give them your new account details
if there are any issues in making the switch, we will contact you well before your switch date
if anything goes wrong with the switch, as soon as we're told, we'll refund any interest (paid or lost) and charges incurred on either your old or new current accounts.

Third Party Provider Permissions

Third Party Providers (TPPs) provide a range of services such as viewing all your accounts in one place (Open Banking).

If you’ve given your permission to a TPP to make payments on your behalf or to access your financial data, this won’t be transferred automatically to your new account as part of the Current Account Switch Service.

Before you close your old account, check if you have any TPPs set up and make a note of who with. You can view this information on our Open Banking dashboard via Online Banking or in your Mobile App.
Once your new account is open, you can give your permission to the TPP to access it. You’ll need to contact them to provide your new account details.
If you’re not sure if your new bank will allow the TPP to access your account, you’ll need to ask them before switching and check their terms and conditions for more information about TPPs.

If your new bank or building society agrees, bank accounts that include an overdraft can switch using the Current Account Switch Service. And if you’d like to have an overdraft with your new bank account, speak to your new bank or building society before starting your switch. Your new bank or building society will be able to advise if you’re eligible for an overdraft, dependent on their lending criteria and your credit status.

If you're unhappy with any part of your switch, please visit our guide to making a complaint.

Ready to switch?

Apply now Opens in new window [will show overlay first]

Before you apply

Before applying, please take the time to read through the following. You may wish to save some of these documents for future reference.

Account Terms and Conditions and Charges (PDF)
Privacy Notice (PDF)
Current Account Switch Data Privacy Notice (PDF)
1st Account Fee Information Document (PDF)
Glossary of terms (PDF)
Current Account Switch Guide (PDF)
Interest rate and charges (PDF) (For 1st Account charges, refer to our Account Terms and Conditions and Charges (PDF))
Information sheet and exclusion list (PDF)
We adhere to The Standards of Lending Practice (PDF)
Current Account Switch Terms and Conditions (PDF)

Important notes

If you're not happy with your account, you have a 14 day period after you receive your welcome pack to close your account. Please see the first direct Account Terms and Conditions for full details.

first direct is a division of HSBC UK Bank plc and HSBC has accounts more suitable for customers living outside of the UK. For more information please call HSBC on +44 1226 261 010 or visit hsbc.co.uk.

first direct subscribe to the Lending Code. You can learn more about the Lending Code on the Lending Standards Board website Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].

For more information about accounts and other products you can refer to the Money Advice Service™ website Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first].