Most bank switch bonuses require 2-3 active Direct Debits. Here's what counts, what doesn't, and the cheapest way to set them up.
Most switch offers need 2-3 active Direct Debits, though some banks (like NatWest and TSB) need none. There is no limit on how many Direct Debits you can have — banks don't cap them, so you can safely run as many £3/month Direct Debits as you need across multiple switches.
Set up Direct Debits now — £3 each per month
No account neededHow many do you need?
2 separate Direct Debits from one setup — they appear as 2 distinct debits on your statement, which is what banks requiring 2+ DDs are checking for.
For how long?
Covers the switch and the wait for the bonus, then cancels itself — you will never pay more than £24.
Not sure which switch to do first, or when your Direct Debits need to be live?
Tell us which bonuses you have had and which accounts you hold. We send back the switches you can still claim, in order, with the day to set up Direct Debits, what each bank needs before it pays, and when it is safe to cancel.
A Direct Debit gives the company permission to take money directly from your bank account. It's different from a card payment (where you give your card number). In your banking app, Direct Debits usually appear in a separate section from card payments.
Key difference: With a Direct Debit, the company pulls money from your account using your sort code and account number. With a card payment (Continuous Payment Authority), the company charges your debit card number. Only Direct Debits count for bank switching requirements.
If you don't have enough Direct Debits, here are the cheapest options:
Set up Direct Debits now — £3 each per month
No account neededHow many do you need?
2 separate Direct Debits from one setup — they appear as 2 distinct debits on your statement, which is what banks requiring 2+ DDs are checking for.
For how long?
Covers the switch and the wait for the bonus, then cancels itself — you will never pay more than £24.
2. Charity Direct Debits (£1-2/month)
Most charities accept Direct Debit donations from £1 or £2 per month. Set up 2-3 small donations to different charities. You're doing good while meeting switch requirements. Cancer Research UK, RSPCA, Shelter, and most major charities offer this.
3. Scrimpr Direct Debits (50p/month)
Scrimpr.co.uk offers Direct Debits from 50p per month specifically designed for bank switching. Multiple Scrimpr DDs count as separate Direct Debits. Popular in the r/beermoneyuk community.
4. Move existing card payments to DD
Some services let you switch from card payment to Direct Debit. Check if your gym, broadband, or subscription services offer DD payment. This costs nothing extra.
| Bank | DDs Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Direct | 2 | Must transfer via CASS |
| HSBC | 2 | Must transfer via CASS |
| Nationwide | 2 | Plus 1 debit card transaction |
| Club Lloyds | 3 | Plus debit card spend |
| Barclays | 2 | Blue Rewards account |
| NatWest / RBS | 0 | Just deposit £1,250 |
| TSB | 0 | Deposit £1k + 5 card payments |
| Santander | 2 | From selected list |
| Co-op Bank | 2 | Plus 10 card payments in 30 days |
A Direct Debit is a payment where the company pulls money from your bank account using your sort code and account number. Council tax, energy bills, water bills, insurance, TV Licence, and charity donations all count. Netflix, Spotify, and mobile phone contracts paid by card do NOT count.
Charity donations start from £1/month and Scrimpr Direct Debits from 50p/month. StoozeMax Direct Debits are £3/month each, which buys the reminder telling you when your bonus has landed and it is safe to cancel, and lets one setup create 2-3 separate debits. You need 2-3 active Direct Debits for most bank switches.
Most banks require 2-3 active Direct Debits. First Direct and HSBC require 2, Club Lloyds requires 3, and NatWest requires none (just a deposit). There's no limit on how many Direct Debits you can hold overall, so always check the specific offer terms as requirements vary.
Some banks require Direct Debits to have processed at least one payment before the switch. It's safest to set up your Direct Debits at least 1-2 weeks before initiating the switch, so they have time to collect.
No. Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and most streaming services are paid by card (Continuous Payment Authority), not Direct Debit. They do not count towards bank switch requirements. You need proper Direct Debits that use your sort code and account number.
Never miss a switch requirement again
StoozeMax shows you exactly what each bank needs: how many DDs, deposit amounts, spending requirements, and deadlines. All in one dashboard.
Start Tracking FreeWant an email on the day your Direct Debits need setting up — and every date after?
Direct Debits, the requirements deadline, when the bonus is due, when it is safe to cancel, and when you can switch again. No account needed.
Updated monthly. Sorted by minimum cost. All verified as genuine Direct Debits that count for bank switching.
| Provider | From |
|---|---|
Cheapest DD option; specifically for bank switching | £0.30/mo |
Designed for bank switching; each DD counts separately | £0.50/mo |
Specifically for bank switching | £0.50/mo |
StoozeMaxOurs Includes cancel reminders after switch completes | £3.00/mo |
| Charity | Min DD |
|---|---|
| Save the Children | £1.00/mo |
| RSPCA | £1.00/mo |
| NSPCC | £2.00/mo |
| RNLI | £2.00/mo |
| Battersea Dogs & Cats Home | £2.00/mo |
| British Heart Foundation | £2.00/mo |
| Macmillan Cancer Support | £2.00/mo |
| Oxfam | £2.00/mo |
| Shelter | £2.00/mo |
| WaterAid | £2.00/mo |
| Cancer Research UK | £2.00/mo |
| WWF | £3.00/mo |