Current Account Switching Service (CASS)

The Current Account Switching Service (CASS) is a UK banking initiative launched in 2013 to make switching current accounts faster and easier.  It is operated by Pay.UK, the organisation responsible for the UK’s payment clearing systems.

CASS standardises how banks exchange customer data, using agreed electronic formats similar to the Origo standards used in pensions and investment transfers.

Purpose of CAS

• Increase competition in the banking sector.
• Remove the administrative burden of manually updating direct debits, standing orders, and income payments.
• Encourage customers to switch accounts more easily.
• Provide a guaranteed, time‑bound switching process.

How CASS Works

CASS transfers all active payment arrangements from your old bank to your new bank, including:

• Direct debits
• Standing orders
• Salary and pension payments
• Regular incoming and outgoing transfers

The switch is completed within 7 working days, and your old account is automatically closed once the transfer is complete.

CASS vs.  Old Redirection System

Before CASS, banks used a redirection service:

• Payments sent to the old account were forwarded to the new one.
• Redirection typically lasted up to 3 years.
• Customers still needed to manually update payment details with each provider.
• More manual intervention and higher risk of errors.

CASS replaces this with a full transfer, eliminating the need for manual updates.

CASS Switch Guarantee

If you incur fees, charges, interest losses, or penalties due to errors or delays in the switching process, your new bank must refund you under the CASS Guarantee.

What CASS Does Not Cover

• Savings accounts and deposit accounts
• Card payments and recurring card subscriptions
• Overdraft transfers (you must apply separately with your new bank)

Eligibility and Acceptance Criteria

Banks typically require:

• You to be a new customer
• No previous switch bonus claimed from the same banking group
• A full credit check as part of the application
• Compliance with the bank’s account‑opening criteria

Steps to Switch Using CASS

1. Compare current accounts that participate in CASS.
2. Apply for your chosen new account.
3. Provide your old account details.
4. Choose your preferred switch date.
5. Wait for confirmation — the switch completes within 7 days.

Switching Incentives

Many banks offer:

• £150–£200 for standard current account switches
• £300–£400 for premium accounts
• Often banks require a deposit of £1,000–£1,500 within a set period to secure the incentive

Banks offer incentives because your current account data allow them to cross‑sell:

• Loans
• Overdrafts
• Credit cards
• Mortgages
• Insurance
• Investments and pensions

Personal vs.  Business Account Switching

Personal Accounts

• Usually free to operate
• Charges apply mainly for overdrafts or unarranged borrowing
• CASS is widely used and straightforward

Business Accounts

• Often include monthly fees
• Charges for cash deposits, transfers, standing orders, and credits
• Switching can reduce long‑term operating costs
• Regular reviews are recommended for cost efficiency

Key Statistics

• Over 50 UK banks participate in CASS
• More than 11 million switches completed since 2013
• Switching time: 7 working days
• Old account: automatically closed after a full switch

FAQ

What is CASS?

A UK service that transfers your current account, payment instructions, and incoming payments from one bank to another within 7 days.

Does CASS close my old account?

Yes.  A full CASS switch automatically closes your old account.

Can I switch savings accounts?

No.  CASS only covers current accounts.

Will my overdraft move with me?

Not automatically.  You must apply for a new overdraft with your new bank.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Your new bank must refund any charges or losses under the CASS Guarantee.

Can businesses use CASS?

Yes.  Business current accounts can be switched, though fees and features vary widely.

Do banks offer incentives?

Many banks offer cash bonuses for switching, especially for premium accounts.

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