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Switching bank accounts- cash incentives

36 replies

Thismummyrunstheshow · 23/03/2024 15:10

On my credit report, I noticed an offer for a Santander Everyday Account switch offer that was £185. I've never paid attention before but this caught my eye.

I've been with HSBC since I was old enough to have an account so at least 25 years and this made me wonder- do people switch current accounts for deals like this often?
What are the pros and cons as clearly I'm behind on the times!

OP posts:
SheepAndSword · 25/03/2024 22:44

@VanGoghsDog cheers!

WombatChocolate · 27/03/2024 15:34

I’m a serial switcher.
I have a couple of ‘burner’ accounts - ie accounts I dont actually use, which I simply swap around.

I switch myself, my DH and my 19 year old son with each deal we qualify for. In the last 6 months, we will have got £1800 collectively.

There are periods with plenty if switches around and then not many. At the moment, NatWest, RBS and Ulster all give £200. Many people have done all 3 and netted £600. If they are couples that could be £1200. I’d think of it as being less than 2 hours work.

The key is to keep careful track of dates you open accounts and keep careful records of your passwords, card number etc. You have to be careful to check the terms and conditions so that you meet them - often this involves paying in a minimum sum, having some DDs set up and setting up the app. Switches usually complete in 7 days. You might not get the bonus so quickly - although some come within a couple of days - but if you’ve met the terms you should get it.

It helps if you’ve got some ready cash to move around to meet minimum pay-ins.

It’s very easy money if you’re confident with internet banking and opening new accounts.

If you’ve never done it and only have the one current account you use, look to see if you can open another current account with that same bank online. They have all your details so it can often be instantesous. Wait until you have the card details (will come in post or you might see it online or in the app) and then set up a switch with another bank that has an offer. Once the switch completes, just leave a small sum in the account or whatever meets the co dictions (go for fee free accounts if possible that don’t require monthly pay-in) and then just wait for another bonus and offer and switch from that one. You can do one and see how you get on.

Benji1998 · 28/03/2024 20:56

Does anyone know if I’d get the £185 if I switch our joint account as well? I’ve done mine and my partners current accounts but is it only one payment per person??

seekingasimplelife · 29/03/2024 13:56

Benji1998 · 28/03/2024 20:56

Does anyone know if I’d get the £185 if I switch our joint account as well? I’ve done mine and my partners current accounts but is it only one payment per person??

Which bank switch are you referring to? If it's Santander, it's one switch bonus per person, OR one bonus for a joint account - you can't do both.

https://becleverwithyourcash.com/santanders-bank-switch-offer-get-130/#Who_can_get_the_Santander_switch_bonus

EatCrow · 29/03/2024 13:58

Thismummyrunstheshow · 23/03/2024 15:10

On my credit report, I noticed an offer for a Santander Everyday Account switch offer that was £185. I've never paid attention before but this caught my eye.

I've been with HSBC since I was old enough to have an account so at least 25 years and this made me wonder- do people switch current accounts for deals like this often?
What are the pros and cons as clearly I'm behind on the times!

I would be very wary of going with Santander regardless of the incentives, I’m leaving them for their abysmal customer service. Check out Trustpilot reviews on them.

TwoBlueFish · 29/03/2024 14:00

Yep, switch mine regularly. I keep my main account as Santander but switch others around. I’ve currently got a Lloyds account which gives me free Disney+ and a NatWest one as it has a good saver account and a Chase account for day to day spends as it gives cashback.

AlmostAJillSandwich · 30/03/2024 04:46

I have had my current account since a few days after i turned 16, and have never moved elsewhere, with no intention to.

Yes, you can get cash to switch, BUT, all 3 sites i use to check my credit score say having a long standing main bank account increases your credit score, and that its a medium impact factor.

I'm very happy with the service with the building society im with, so all things considered, i'd rather stick where i am than get a few hundred quid.

WoodBurningStov · 30/03/2024 07:29

I did one recently and opened a HSBC account, didn't even need to switch my direct debits, just kept it open and made the necessary transactions (5 in this case) and applied for a money card and got over £200. I've just closed it now.

sfgthjo · 30/03/2024 08:17

@AlmostAJillSandwich I've got well over £1000 doing it, I've kept my main account open and just switch a duplicate account, been doing it for a year and keep a regular eye on my credit rating as I am remortgaging next year, it's still excellent.

ConsuelaHammock · 30/03/2024 11:59

I’ve done it lots of times and my husband has just set up a monzo account so I’m going to do it for him too. Just waiting for my Santander reward to pay out.

Squidge123 · 31/03/2024 11:15

Me and my DH have made 2.5k in about 16 months switching. We have spare accounts that we just use for switching and have never switched any of our main accounts.

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