Get ready for your first switch

19 mins

Overview

A spare account is a basic current account you’ll use as the starting point for your first bank switch.

This guide covers the full setup. For background on why you need a spare account and how bank switching works, read our bank switching explainer.

Pick your spare account

5 mins

Your spare account must be part of CASS (the Current Account Switch Service). Most major UK banks are included, but some digital-only banks like Revolut and Zopa are not. You can check which banks are eligible on the CASS website.
You might already have a spare, unused current account that is part of CASS. If so, use it — job done.
Need to open a new account? We recommend:
Starling — soft check, quick to open, great all-round app
- Starling never run welcome offers, so you’re not missing out by using it as a spare account
Chase (a second current account) — only if you already have Chase
- Set up a second current account by pressing the Add button to the right of ‘Current Accounts’ on the Chase app home screen
- You can then use this to switch away from, whilst keeping your main Chase current account untouched

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Set up Direct Debits

5 mins

You need up to 3 active Direct Debits on your spare account before you can switch.
Option 1: Move existing Direct Debits
Transfer 3+ Direct Debits from your main current account
- Log into each Direct Debit provider (e.g. mobile phone, energy) and update the bank details to your spare account’s sort code and account number
Option 2: Set up new charity Direct Debits
Set up 3 x £2/month Direct Debits with your favourite charities. For example, Crisis, British Red Cross, British Heart Foundation.
Option 3: Set up a Quidsy Direct Debit (fastest)
Set up 3 x £1/month Direct Debits with Quidsy. Quidsy is free to use and relies on your support — in turn we help you build up your profit. Set up Quidsy Direct Debits.

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Add money

2 mins

Transfer enough money to your spare account to cover your Direct Debit payments.
If you moved existing DDs: transfer enough to cover the next payment cycle
If you set up charity DDs: transfer £10 to cover 3 x £2 for the first month plus a buffer
If you set up Quidsy DDs: transfer £5 to cover 3 x £1 for the first month plus a buffer

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Wait for at least one payment to process

7 mins

Direct Debits need one payment cycle to count as ‘active’ before you can switch.
If you moved existing DDs: these can take up to 30 days depending on when the next payment is due
If you set up charity DDs: set the payment date as early as possible — once the first payment is taken, you can switch
If you set up Quidsy DDs: these will only take a few days to process

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Guide Complete

Finished? Tick off each step above.