BankingsWhat Happens to Direct Debits When You Switch Banks?
How the Current Account Switch Service moves direct debits, standing orders, and salary. What to check, common problems, and your rights. UK guide.
Switching bank accounts used to risk missed payments and hassle. The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) now makes it straightforward — here is exactly how your direct debits, standing orders, and income are handled.
How the Current Account Switch Service Works
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Duration | 7 working days |
| Direct debits | Automatically transferred to new account |
| Standing orders | Automatically transferred to new account |
| Incoming payments (salary, benefits) | Redirected to new account for 36 months |
| Old account | Closed automatically (unless you choose a partial switch) |
| Guarantee | If anything goes wrong, your new bank fixes it and covers costs |
| Cost | Free |
The Switch Timeline
| Day | What happens |
|---|
| Day 1 | You apply to switch at your new bank |
| Days 1–6 | New bank contacts old bank; direct debits, standing orders, and balance are prepared for transfer |
| Day 7 | Switch completes — all payments moved, old account closed, redirect set up |
| Day 7+ | Your new account is fully active with all your payments |
| Ongoing | Redirects from old account details last for 36 months |
What Transfers Automatically
| Payment type | Transferred? | Notes |
|---|
| Direct debits | Yes | All transferred and recipient notified of new details |
| Standing orders | Yes | All transferred to new account |
| Incoming salary | Redirected | Redirected for 36 months (update employer anyway) |
| Benefits (UC, Child Benefit, etc.) | Redirected | Redirected for 36 months (update DWP/HMRC anyway) |
| Bank balance | Yes | Remaining balance transferred to new account |
| Overdraft | No | New bank may offer a new overdraft — not guaranteed to match |
| Linked savings accounts | No | Stay with old bank |
| Credit cards | No | Not part of the switch |
What You Need to Do Yourself
| Task | Why |
|---|
| Update employer with new details | Don’t rely solely on the redirect — update as soon as possible |
| Update HMRC/DWP | For tax refunds, benefits payments |
| Update any casual payers | Anyone who pays you by bank transfer |
| Check new overdraft arrangement | Your new bank may not offer the same overdraft limit |
| Cancel linked savings if needed | Savings accounts are separate — decide whether to move them |
| Update online banking apps | Set up the new bank’s app and online banking |
Common CASS Problems and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|
| Direct debit not taken | Timing issue — DD set up between switch starting and completing | Contact new bank — covered by the Switch Guarantee |
| Standing order missed | Same timing issue | New bank must fix and refund any charges |
| Salary paid to old account | Employer not yet updated | Redirect catches it — payment forwarded automatically |
| Old account still appears active | Partial switch chosen instead of full switch | Contact old bank to confirm closure |
| Overdraft not available at new bank | New bank did not match overdraft | Apply for an overdraft with new bank or keep old account open |
| Regular payment to a company not redirected | Continuous payment authority (CPA) on debit card, not a direct debit | Update your card details with the company directly |
Important: Card Payments Are NOT Transferred
| Payment type | Transferred by CASS? |
|---|
| Direct debits (regular bills) | Yes |
| Standing orders | Yes |
| Debit card payments (recurring) | No — these are linked to your card number |
| Continuous payment authorities (subscriptions) | No — update with each company |
If you pay for Netflix, Amazon, gym memberships, or other subscriptions using your debit card number, you will need to update your card details manually. These are not direct debits and are not transferred by CASS.
The Switch Guarantee
| What it covers | Details |
|---|
| Missed payments | New bank will correct and refund any fees |
| Interest charges | Any interest incurred due to the switch is refunded |
| Late payment charges from third parties | Your new bank contacts the company and resolves it |
| Money lost in transit | Fully covered — your money arrives at the new account |
| How to claim | Contact your new bank’s switching team |
Full Switch vs Partial Switch
| Feature | Full switch | Partial switch |
|---|
| Old account | Closed | Stays open |
| Direct debits transferred | Yes | You choose which ones |
| Standing orders transferred | Yes | You choose which ones |
| Redirect in place | Yes (36 months) | No |
| Balance transferred | Yes | You choose how much |
| Time | 7 working days | 7 working days |
| Best for | Completely moving banks | Keeping old account while setting up new one |
A full switch is the cleanest option. A partial switch is useful if you want to keep your old account open alongside the new one.
Switching Checklist
| Before switching | After switching |
|---|
| Check what payments come from the account (direct debits, standing orders, card payments) | Confirm direct debits appear on new account |
| Note your overdraft balance and limit | Check standing orders are active |
| Check if new bank offers comparable overdraft | Update employer with new bank details |
| List recurring card payments to update manually | Update HMRC, DWP, and local council |
| Compare fees and features of new account | Update card details for subscriptions (Netflix, etc.) |
| Monitor both accounts for 2–4 weeks |
How to Switch
| Step | What to do |
|---|
| 1 | Choose your new bank and open an account |
| 2 | Tell the new bank you want to use the Current Account Switch Service |
| 3 | Choose a switch date (within 7 working days) |
| 4 | Choose full or partial switch |
| 5 | New bank handles everything — you receive confirmation |
| 6 | Start using your new account from the switch date |
You can switch online, by phone, or in branch. Most banks make it part of the account opening process.
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