If you’ve been sat on the same bank account since your student days, now’s the time to give it a reyt good shake. September 2026’s bank switch offers are sounding, with up to £240 up for grabs if you move your brass to the right place. Santander’s leading the charge with the biggest bonus, but HSBC, Nationwide and a few others are chucking in decent cash too. Here’s the full rundown of who’s paying what, who’s worth switching to, and how to make sure you don’t end up out of pocket.
Today's best deals
| Offer | Price (GBP) | Expires / terms | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santander Everyday Current Account – £240 bonus | £240 | Before 7 October 2026. Switch using CASS, pay in £1,500, set up 2 direct debits, open a Santander Regular Saver and pay in £200 within 60 days | Santander |
| HSBC UK Bank Account – £220 bonus | £220 | Switch using CASS, deposit £2,000, spend £500 on debit card within 60 days | HSBC |
| Nationwide FlexDirect/Plus/Account – £175 bonus | £175 | Switch using CASS, must not have held a Nationwide current account since 1 January 2023 | Nationwide |
| First Direct 1st Account – £100 bonus | £100 | Switch using CASS, pay in £1,000 within 3 months | First Direct |
| NatWest Select Account – £200 bonus | £200 | Switch using CASS, pay in £1,250 within 60 days | NatWest |
| NatWest Reward Account – £200 bonus | £200 | Switch using CASS, pay in £1,250 within 60 days, £2 monthly fee | NatWest |
| RBS Select Account – £200 bonus | £200 | Switch using CASS, pay in £1,250 within 60 days | RBS |
| RBS Reward Account – £200 bonus | £200 | Switch using CASS, pay in £1,250 within 60 days, £2 monthly fee | RBS |
| HSBC Premier Bank Account – £500 bonus | £500 | Switch using CASS, pay in £100,000 salary or maintain £100,000 in savings/investments | HSBC |
| NatWest Premier Select Account – £500 bonus | £500 | Switch using CASS, maintain £15,000 balance | NatWest |
| RBS Premier Select Account – £500 bonus | £500 | Switch using CASS, maintain £15,000 balance | RBS |
Why these stand out
Santander’s £240 is the biggest cash bonus on the table right now, and it’s not just a straight handout – you’ll also get access to their Regular Saver account, which is paying a reyt decent 8% AER. That’s a proper saving on top of the switch bonus, especially if you’ve got a bit of brass to stash away. The catch? You’ve got to pay in £1,500 and set up two direct debits within 60 days, plus chuck £200 into that Regular Saver. If you’re already paying in that sort of money each month, it’s a sound deal. If not, you might struggle to meet the terms.
HSBC’s £220 is a close second, and it’s a bit more straightforward – just switch, deposit £2,000, and spend £500 on your debit card within 60 days. No need to faff about with savings accounts or direct debits beyond the switch itself. It’s a good option if you’ve got a bit of spare cash sitting around and you’re happy to spend it. The downside? If you’re not already an HSBC customer, you’ll need to open the account via their app, which might be a pain if you’re not tech-savvy.
Nationwide’s £175 is a solid offer, especially if you’re after a bank that’s still got branches on the high street. There’s no monthly fee on their FlexAccount, and you don’t need to pay in a minimum amount or set up direct debits beyond the switch. The catch is you can’t have held a Nationwide current account since the start of 2023, so if you’ve switched to them before, you’re out of luck.
First Direct’s £100 is a bit on the lower side, but it’s still free brass, and they’re known for their customer service. If you’re after a bank that’ll actually answer the phone when you ring up, it’s worth considering. You’ll need to pay in £1,000 within three months, which is doable for most folks.
NatWest and RBS are offering £200 each for their Select and Reward accounts. The Select accounts are fee-free, but the Reward accounts come with a £2 monthly fee. If you’re already with NatWest or RBS, check if you’re eligible – some existing customers can still get the bonus if they haven’t had one since 2023. The Premier accounts from NatWest and RBS are offering a whopping £500, but you’ll need to maintain a £15,000 balance, which puts them out of reach for most of us.
HSBC’s Premier account is also offering £500, but again, you’ll need to either pay in a £100,000 salary or maintain £100,000 in savings or investments. Unless you’re minted, this one’s probably not for you.
More offers & tips
- Santander’s £50 opening offer for young people: If you’re aged 13 to 17, Santander’s offering an extra £50 when you open a 123 Mini account. It’s not a switch bonus, but it’s still free brass.
- First Direct’s £100 referral bonus: If you’ve got a mate with First Direct, get them to refer you and you’ll both get £100 when you switch. Easy money if you know someone.
- Always check cashback sites before you switch: Some cashback sites may offer additional incentives, so it’s worth a quick look before you commit.
- Monese’s £20 bonus: Monese is offering £20 if you switch to their account, though it’s a digital-only bank so no branches.
- Starling Bank’s £105 toothbrush offer: Switch to Starling and you’ll get a voucher for a SURI Pro 2.0 toothbrush, worth £105. It’s not cash, but it’s a decent freebie.
- Check your eligibility: Most banks have an eligibility checker on their website. Use it before you apply to avoid a hard credit search if you’re not likely to qualify.
- Use the Current Account Switch Service (CASS): It’s free, it’s easy, and it guarantees your switch will be done within 7 working days. Your new bank will handle everything, including moving your direct debits and closing your old account.
- Watch out for fees: Some accounts come with monthly fees, overdraft charges, or other costs. Make sure you know what you’re signing up for before you switch.
- Consider the perks: Some accounts come with cashback, interest on balances, or other perks. If you’re paying a monthly fee, make sure the perks are worth it.
- Don’t switch just for the bonus: If your current bank is meeting your needs, think carefully before switching. The bonus might not be worth the hassle if you’re happy where you are.
- Set up a ‘burner’ account: If you’re not sure about a bank, open a basic account with them first. That way, you can switch to a better account later without affecting your main banking.
- Keep an eye on your credit score: Switching banks can sometimes affect your credit score, especially if you’re applying for overdrafts or other credit. Check your score before and after you switch to make sure there’s no nasty surprises.
- Review your direct debits: When you switch, make sure all your direct debits and standing orders have been moved over. It’s a pain to sort out if something goes wrong.
How to claim it
Switching your bank account is easier than you think, thanks to the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). Here’s how to do it, step by step:
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Pick your new bank: Have a look at the offers above and decide which one’s right for you. Consider things like fees, perks, and whether you want a bank with branches.
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Check your eligibility: Most banks have an eligibility checker on their website. Use it to make sure you qualify for the switch bonus before you apply. This’ll save you a hard credit search if you’re not eligible.
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Open your new account: You can usually do this online or in-branch. You’ll need to provide ID, proof of address, and some details about your income and employment.
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Start the switch: Once your new account’s open, you can start the switch process. You’ll need to fill in a CASS form, either online or in-branch, and provide details of your old account.
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Choose your switch date: You can pick a date for the switch to happen, usually within 7 working days. Make sure it’s a date when you won’t need to access your old account.
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Wait for the switch to complete: Your new bank will handle everything, including moving your direct debits, standing orders, and balance. Your old account will be closed automatically.
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Meet the bonus terms: Make sure you meet any terms and conditions for the switch bonus, like paying in a minimum amount or setting up direct debits. Keep an eye on your new account to make sure everything’s gone through.
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Claim your bonus: Once you’ve met the terms, the bonus should be paid into your account within a few weeks. If it doesn’t appear, get in touch with your new bank.
Watch-outs:
- Direct debits and standing orders: Make sure all your regular payments have been moved over. If something’s missing, get in touch with your new bank straight away.
- Overdrafts: If you’ve got an overdraft, your new bank might not offer the same limit. Make sure you’ve got enough money in your account to cover any payments that come out.
- Joint accounts: If you’re switching a joint account, make sure both of you meet the eligibility criteria for the switch bonus.
- Existing customers: Some banks won’t pay the bonus if you’ve held an account with them before. Check the terms and conditions before you switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Current Account Switch Service (CASS)?
CASS is a free service that makes switching your bank account simple and secure. It guarantees that your switch will be completed within 7 working days, and your new bank will handle everything, including moving your direct debits, standing orders, and balance. Your old account will be closed automatically, and you’ll be covered for any charges or interest incurred if something goes wrong.
Do I have to close my old account?
Yes, if you’re using CASS, your old account will be closed automatically. If you don’t want to close it, you can still switch your main banking to a new account, but you won’t be eligible for the switch bonus.
What happens to my direct debits and standing orders?
Your new bank will move all your direct debits and standing orders over to your new account as part of the switch. They’ll also set up a redirect for any payments that come into your old account, so you don’t need to worry about missing anything.
Can I switch if I’ve got an overdraft?
Yes, but your new bank might not offer the same overdraft limit as your old one. Make sure you’ve got enough money in your account to cover any payments that come out, or talk to your new bank about increasing your overdraft limit.
Will switching affect my credit score?
Switching banks can sometimes affect your credit score, especially if you’re applying for overdrafts or other credit. The switch itself shouldn’t have a big impact, but it’s worth checking your credit score before and after you switch to make sure there’s no nasty surprises.
How long does it take to get the switch bonus?
It depends on the bank, but most bonuses are paid within 30 to 60 days of meeting the terms and conditions. Check the small print to see when you can expect your bonus, and get in touch with your new bank if it doesn’t appear.
Can I switch more than once to get multiple bonuses?
Some banks will let you switch more than once, but most have rules to stop people from churning accounts just for the bonuses. For example, Santander won’t pay the bonus if you’ve held a Santander current account since 1 January 2026, and HSBC won’t pay if you’ve opened an account with them since 1 January 2023. Always check the terms and conditions before you switch.
What if I change my mind after I’ve switched?
If you change your mind within 30 days of switching, you can ask your new bank to reverse the switch. After that, you’ll need to go through the switch process again if you want to move your account.
Can I switch if I’m self-employed or unemployed?
Yes, most banks will let you switch if you’re self-employed or unemployed, but you may need to provide alternative proof of income or meet different eligibility criteria. Use the bank's online eligibility checker first to see if you qualify for the switch bonus.
What if I’ve got a joint account?
If you’re switching a joint account, both of you will need to meet the eligibility criteria for the switch bonus. Make sure you both check the terms and conditions before you switch.
Do I have to switch everything to get the bonus?
Most banks require you to switch your main current account to qualify for the bonus. Some might let you switch a savings account or other account, but you’ll need to check the terms and conditions.
Conclusion
If you’ve been thinking about switching your bank account, now’s a reyt good time to do it. With bonuses of up to £240 on offer before 7 October 2026, there’s plenty of free brass up for grabs. Just make sure you pick the right account for your needs, meet the terms and conditions, and keep an eye on your new account to make sure everything’s gone through smoothly.
And remember, if you’re not sure about a bank, you can always open a basic account with them first and switch to a better account later. That way, you can bag the bonus without committing to a bank that doesn’t suit you.
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