What is a donor account for bank switching?

A donor account is the bank account you switch FROM. It doesn't matter what bank it's with — it just needs to meet CASS requirements: be a full current account with at least 2 active Direct Debits.

What is a burner account?

A burner account is a basic bank account opened specifically to be used as a donor for your next switch. You set up 2 cheap Direct Debits, wait for them to activate, then switch it to claim a bonus.

How many bank switches can I do per year?

There's no legal limit. You can switch as often as you like. However, each bank has eligibility rules and cooling-off periods (typically 12-36 months). Most people manage 3-5 switches per year.

Do bank switches affect my credit score?

Opening a new bank account usually involves a soft credit check, not a hard search. CASS switches themselves don't appear as credit applications. However, some banks do a hard search when you apply for their account.

Bank Switch Strategy Guide

How to earn hundreds in free switching bonuses using donor accounts, optimal sequencing, and CASS.

Donor Account

The account you switch FROM. Any current account with 2+ active Direct Debits.

Burner Account

A cheap/free account opened just to be your next donor. Open, add DDs, switch, repeat.

CASS

Current Account Switch Service. Moves your account, DDs, and payments in 7 working days.

Step-by-Step Process

Open a Burner Account

Open a free basic current account with any bank. Good options: Starling, Monzo, or any high street bank that doesn't require a switch-in bonus. This becomes your donor.

Some banks let you open an account online in minutes
You don't need to use it as your main account
Avoid opening with a bank you want to switch TO later

Set Up 2+ Direct Debits

CASS requires at least 2 active Direct Debits. Set up the cheapest ones possible. They must be proper Direct Debits — not card payments, not standing orders.

£1/month charity donations (Oxfam, RSPCA, etc.) are the cheapest option
Netflix, Spotify, Amazon are card payments — they do NOT count
Direct Debits take ~1 month to fully activate

Wait for Direct Debits to Activate

Wait until both Direct Debits have successfully collected at least once. This usually takes one billing cycle (about a month). Don't rush this — switching too early means the DDs won't transfer.

Check your bank statements to confirm collection
Some DDs collect on a specific date — time your switch after that

Apply for the Switch Offer

Apply for the bank account with the best available switching bonus. The application usually includes an option to switch via CASS during the process.

Check banking group eligibility first (see below)
The switch takes about 7 working days via CASS
Download statements from your old bank BEFORE the switch

Meet the Bonus Criteria

Most banks require you to pay in a minimum amount (often £1,000-£1,500) and use the account for a period. Set up a standing order from another account to meet pay-in requirements.

Standing orders from your main account count as pay-ins
You can usually move the money right back out
Read the specific T&Cs — some require contactless payments or app logins

Collect Bonus & Repeat

Once the bonus is paid (typically 1-3 months), you can start the cycle again. Open a new burner, set up DDs, and switch to the next bank.

Track cooling-off periods — most banks block re-switching for 12-36 months
Keep a spreadsheet or use StoozeMax to track eligibility
Most people manage 3-5 switches per year = £500-£1,000+

Banking Groups

Banks within the same group share eligibility restrictions. If you've switched to one, you usually can't claim a bonus from another in the same group until the cooling-off period expires.

Lloyds Banking Group

LloydsLloyds PremierClub LloydsHalifaxBank of ScotlandScottish Widows

NatWest Group

NatWestRoyal Bank of ScotlandRBSUlster Bank

HSBC Group

HSBCFirst Direct

Barclays

BarclaysBarclays Premier

Santander UK

SantanderSantander Edge

Nationwide Building Society

NationwideNationwide FlexDirect

Co-operative Bank

Co-op BankCo-operative Bank

Virgin Money

Virgin MoneyClydesdale BankYorkshire Bank

Common Mistakes

Using card payments instead of Direct Debits

Netflix, Spotify, and mobile subscriptions paid by card do NOT count. You need proper Direct Debits (charity donations, energy, broadband).

Switching before DDs have collected

Wait for at least one successful collection from each DD before initiating the switch. Usually takes one billing cycle.

Not downloading old bank statements

You lose access to your old bank's app/online banking after the switch. Download or screenshot all statements first.

Ignoring banking group restrictions

Halifax and Lloyds are the same group. NatWest and RBS are the same group. Check eligibility before applying.

Applying during a mortgage application

Too many new accounts can spook mortgage lenders. Pause switching 6+ months before applying for a mortgage.

Pro Tips

Open your next burner account the same day you complete a switch — this keeps the pipeline flowing

Use a dedicated email for bank accounts to keep bonus-related emails separate

Set calendar reminders for cooling-off expiry dates

Some banks count household income for joint accounts — switching as a couple doubles your bonuses

Keep at least one stable current account as your 'main' — don't switch your primary account

Ready to Start Switching?

StoozeMax tracks your switches, cooling-off periods, and eligibility automatically.

Check Eligibility Sign Up Free

Information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always read the terms and conditions of each bank offer.