Make money by switching your bank account

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Switching bank account to another provider is something everyone should consider. The benefits can be enormous and it’s actually simple to do. As with any service provider, it pays to always be on the lookout for a better deal. Switching bank accounts is no different.

Many of us are happy with our bank account and have no desire to switch, but that’s often because we’ve have never considered it and aren’t aware of the benefits it could bring. Financial regulation in the UK allows consumers to switch whenever they like and banks know this. As a result, they offer various perks to encourage customers to switch.

Some people switch periodically to make sure they are always taking advantage of the latest offers. Once you switch you’re be able to move your current account, along with all your direct debits and standing orders, to another bank within just seven days. It’s also completely free and the banks do all the hard work for you.

Did you know people in the UK are more likely to get divorced than switch their bank accounts during the course of their lives? This is an incredible statistic – and it’s due to us getting comfortable with our familiar bank.

Here are the latest current account switches you can make to save money and earn great rewards:

• Meeting income requirements
• Current accounts that pay you interest and cashback
• Current accounts that pay you to switch
• Ready to change yet?

Can’t meet minimum monthly deposits?

Most bank accounts offer rewards if you pay in a certain amount each month. For many people, their salary will easily cover this minimum requirement. However, if your salary isn’t high enough, you’re not earning anything, or you’re retired – don’t panic!

You’ll need two accounts to make this work, but that’s simple enough to set up. Your second current account should be with a different bank.

Put the monthly minimum amount – say £1,000 – into the second bank account.

Set up a standing order so that this amount transfers into your main current account.

Set up a second standing order for the following day on your main current account to shift the money back again.

This ‘cheats’ the minimum income requirement, as you’re simply shifting the same £1,000 in and out of the account every month!

Current accounts that pay you interest and cashback

Santander 123 Current Account

Let’s examine what Santander is offering first, while more information can be found on their website; here are the basics:

• Monthly interest of 1.00% AER / gross (variable) on balances up to £20,000. You’ll receive monthly interest of 1.50% AER/1.49% gross (variable) on balances up to £20,000 before 5 May 2020
• Up to 3% cashback on some household bills, capped at £5 in each cashback tier each month. There is no cap before 5 May 2020
• Pay in at least £500 into your account each month and have at least 2 active Direct Debits
• Earn cashback on your household bills and interest on your balance for a £5 monthly fee to maintain the account
• Arranged Overdraft facility (if you’re eligible)

 

To qualify, you’ll need to:

• Pay at least £500 into your account a month
• 2 active Direct Debits – Think phone, mortgage, rent, utilities
• Be over 18 and live in the UK permanently

Good if: you know there will always be at least £500 going in every month and you’re happy to use this as your main account.

Bad if: you’re not prepared to pay a small fee of £5 every month to enjoy the benefits.

Nationwide FlexDirect Account

Good if: you usually have a balance of £2,500 or over.

Bad if: you’re always dipping into your overdraft.

Current accounts that pay you for switching your bank account

There are other perks to switching your bank account. Some banks actually offer a cash incentive if you do. Here are the ones doing it in 2020:

First Direct free £100 for switching

First Direct are offering £100 if you switch to their standard account. This is still a worthwhile reason to switch if your current account isn’t offering you any perks.

There are those who switch accounts every now and again just for this very reason. Switching accounts every 6 months can actually be rather lucrative if different banks are offering similar cash incentives.

This is a great offer, but make sure you’re aware that you must pay in at least £1,000 a month.

HSBC – free £175 for switching

Another bank offering something similar is HSBC who are giving away £175 to anyone who switches. This is £75 more than First Direct. Similar T+Cs apply of course, but imagine switching this way every few months just for the small cash injection it provides!

Ready to change yet?

Many of us can’t be bothered to change our account every six to twelve months to ensure we’re getting the best deal on the market. Some of us have just never thought of it. That’s okay, but it’s worth investigating.

Banks rely on you not looking for alternative accounts, they offer perks to new customers while you just get the same service you always did, good or bad. But now it’s never been easier to switch so it’s a great time to take advantage of the incentives available.

You’re under no obligation to stick with your current bank, and the rewards are out there for those who are open to change.