How long does a bank switch take — and when does the bonus arrive?
Two different clocks run when you switch. The first is the switch itself, which is quick and standardised. The second is the bonus payment, which is set by the bank and is usually much slower.
Confusing the two is why people worry that something has gone wrong when the switch completed weeks ago and no money has appeared.
The switch: around seven working days
The Current Account Switch Service moves your balance, your direct debits, and your standing orders, and redirects payments sent to your old account. It runs to a defined timetable, typically completing in seven working days, and you choose the completion date when you apply.
The service also carries a guarantee covering payments that go astray during the move, which is part of why using it matters — offers that require a switch generally mean a full switch through this service, not simply opening an account and transferring money yourself.
The bonus: usually weeks, not days
Banks pay switch bonuses on their own schedule, and the terms will state a window — commonly somewhere between a few weeks and around three months after the switch completes and all conditions have been met.
The clock generally starts when the last condition is satisfied, not when you applied. If an offer requires a minimum pay-in or a number of card payments, delaying those delays the bonus.
If the bonus doesn't arrive
- 1Re-read the offer terms and confirm the stated payment window has actually passed.
- 2Check every condition against your statements — direct debits transferred, minimum pay-in made, card payments completed, mobile banking registered.
- 3Confirm the switch was a full CASS switch, not a partial transfer.
- 4Contact the bank with your switch reference. Most missed bonuses are resolved this way, and errors do happen.
- 5If it isn't resolved, raise a formal complaint with the bank, and escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you remain unhappy with their final response.
Common questions
- Can I keep my old account open?
- A full switch closes the old account as part of the process. If you want to keep it, you would need a partial transfer instead — but partial transfers usually don't qualify for switch bonuses.
- Will switching hurt my credit score?
- Opening a current account normally involves a credit check, which can have a small short-term effect. Switching frequently is visible to lenders, so it's worth pausing if you're about to apply for a mortgage.
Live offers by bank
Each bank page shows the current bonus, who qualifies, the switch timeline and how to switch. Amounts are refreshed automatically every Monday.