Switch your bank account
Moving your accounts to us
It couldn't be simpler to switch your main account to us and get a taste of our customer satisfaction first hand.
Here's why you should seriously consider switching your current account to us:
- We’ve been voted Best Current Account Provider 2011 by Money Supermarket*
- Our customers recently voted us the Number 1 bank for customer service on the High Street†
- Our call centres are all UK based and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So you can talk to a friendly voice whenever you need.
- We’ll keep you informed of the progress of your switch by text.
- If you're a member of The Co-operative Group, you can earn points on many of our products and services which contribute to a share of the profits paid to you twice a year.
- We realise that you may be worried that payments might be missed whilst we move your other accounts to us. For your peace of mind you can apply for a temporary fee-free and interest-free overdraft. Subject to status. You can apply for a temporary overdraft of up to £1,000 for the first 90 days of moving your other accounts to us, to ensure that you won’t miss any important payments.
*Awarded to our Current Account, Current Account Plus, Privilege and Privilege Premier Accounts
†Independent data shows that we have had a higher proportion of satisfied current account customers than any other High Street bank for the past 5 years.
Source: GfK NOP Financial Research Survey (FRS) 12 months ending January 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008. Main current account holders who are "extremely satisfied" or "very satisfied" with their current account overall. c.57,000 GB adults interviewed p.a.
High Street bank definition includes: Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Clydesdale, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds TSB, Nationwide, NatWest, Northern Rock, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, Yorkshire Bank.
Steps to switch
New Customers
You can switch your payments once you have an account with us. Take a look at our range of current accounts.
Existing Customers
If you already have an account with us you can switch using our online switching form.
Alternatively you can switch by simply calling 08000 284 284 (Find out about call charges) or visiting your local branch.
Once we've received your request to switch, we'll contact your old bank for a list of your Direct Debits and standing orders
When we receive the list back we’ll set up your standing orders and ask your Direct Debit Companies to claim payments from your Co-operative Bank account.
Please note it is the responsibility of these companies to update their records with your new details.
When the payments have been set up on your account we’ll send you a letter to confirm this.
Once you receive this letter you should give details of your Co-operative Bank account to your employer, pension provider or anybody else that pays money in to your account. To do this either contact your employer or pension provider directly or complete the Credit Redirection Notification form.
How long should it take to switch?
From receiving your request all payments should be live on your Co-operative Bank account within around 4 weeks, though this does depend on other banks and your Direct Debit companies acting on our request.
Keeping you up to date
We’ll keep in touch during the switching process and if we become aware of any delays we’ll let you know. If you provide us with your mobile number we’ll keep you up to date by text message.
If you need any help or have any questions at any stage you can call us on 08456 023 862 (Call charges). Lines are open 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
For more information on switching Ask a question.
Further information can be also be found on the BACS website.
