+£200
22 mins
Barclays
£200 Free Cash•22 mins
£200 Free Cash
+£200What is Barclays?
Barclays has been around since 1690, making it one of the oldest banks in the world. Today it’s part of the “Big Four” UK high street banks, serving around 20 million personal banking customers with current accounts, savings, mortgages, and investments.
Barclays is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA. Your deposits are protected up to £120,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). They have one of the UK’s largest branch and ATM networks alongside a highly-rated mobile banking app.
Launched
1690
Customers
20m+
Google Play
4.6 (580k)
★★★★★★
Key Terms
Profit
+£200
Credit checkHard check
Direct debits2
Pay-in£2,000
Free cash£200
Free cash arrives73 days
Eligibility: New Barclays customers only. Must not have held any Barclays current account on or before 10 March 2026.
Step by Step Guide
Chris's overview
Optional·2 min read
This is one of the most generous bank switch bonuses available right now at £200. The criteria are simple: open a Barclays Bank Account via the app, switch at least 2 Direct Debits using CASS, and pay in £2,000 within 30 days.
The main thing to note is the higher deposit requirement. £2,000 versus the typical £1,000 at other bank switches. You get this money back of course, it just needs to hit the account within 30 days. And there are no card transaction requirements, which makes this simpler than most switches.
The bonus takes up to 45 working days (about 9 weeks) after you’ve met all the conditions, which is longer than some banks. But at £200, the wait is worth it. Important: you must open the account through the Barclays app. You can’t do it on desktop.
Pre-switch checklist
Optional·1 min check
Before starting a switch, check the existing current account you're switching from:
Plus:
1
Download the Barclays app and apply
15 mins
- Click the button below to open the Barclays switch offer page.
- Download the Barclays app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and apply for the Barclays Bank Account (no monthly fee).
- When asked, select ‘Yes’ to switch your existing bank account using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).
- Enter your existing bank’s sort code and account number to start the switch. Make sure at least 2 Direct Debits will transfer across.
On desktop? Scan QR code on your phone
2
Pay in £2,0009d
5 mins
Your switch completes in about 7 working days. Your Direct Debits and payments will move automatically.
- Transfer at least £2,000 into your new Barclays account.
- Your salary counts towards this, or you can do a manual bank transfer.
- The deposit must land within 30 days of opening the account.
Complete within 30 days of opening your account
3
Receive £200 free cash+63d
2 mins
Barclays will text you when you’ve met the conditions. Your £200 arrives within 45 working days.
- Check your Barclays account for the £200 free cash credit.
- Once received, keep Barclays as your main account or switch to your next bank switch offer.
Offer Complete
Done? Tick off each step above to see your total.
Barclays Full Review
Completed the offer? Awesome! Here's our full review on why Barclays could work well for you going forward.
Barclays has been around since 1690, making it one of the oldest banks in the world. Today it’s part of the “Big Four” UK high street banks, serving around 20 million personal banking customers. They offer current accounts, savings, mortgages, credit cards, and investments. Their mobile app is one of the highest-rated banking apps in the UK. They also have one of the country’s largest branch and ATM networks for those who prefer in-person banking.
Is Barclays safe?
Yes, Barclays is one of the safest places to put your money. They’re authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Your deposits are protected up to £120,000 per person by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). As a systemically important UK bank, they’re subject to additional regulatory oversight and capital requirements.
Who is Barclays for?
Barclays suits anyone looking for a well-established high street bank with strong digital capabilities. Their mobile app is excellent for day-to-day banking, while their extensive branch network means face-to-face help is available when you need it. The Barclays Bank Account has no monthly fee, making it a straightforward choice for everyday banking.
Top Barclays Features
1
Highly-rated mobile app
Manage your accounts, make payments, freeze your card, and access budgeting tools all from the Barclays app.
2
No monthly fees
The Barclays Bank Account is free to run with no monthly account fee.
3
Extensive branch network
Access to thousands of branches and ATMs across the UK for when you need in-person banking.
4
Apple Pay and Google Pay
Contactless payments from your phone with full support for both Apple Pay and Google Pay.
5
FSCS protected
Your deposits are protected up to £120,000 per person by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✓Generous £200 switch bonus, one of the highest available
- ✓No monthly fees on the standard Bank Account
- ✓Excellent mobile app rated 4.8 on App Store
- ✓Large branch and ATM network across the UK
- ✓Simple switch criteria with no card transaction requirements
Cons
- ✗Hard credit check required to open the account
- ✗Must open account via the Barclays app (not desktop)
- ✗£2,000 pay-in requirement is higher than most switch offers
- ✗Bonus takes up to 45 working days after meeting criteria
Our Verdict
Barclays is offering one of the most generous bank switch bonuses we’ve seen at £200. The criteria are refreshingly simple compared to other switches: just move 2 Direct Debits via CASS and pay in £2,000 within 30 days. No card transaction hoops to jump through.
The main considerations are the higher £2,000 deposit (most switches ask for £1,000) and the longer wait for the bonus at up to 45 working days. But at £200, the maths speaks for itself. If you’re new to Barclays and have £2,000 to park in the account temporarily, this is well worth doing.
