Barclays Bank Account
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Apply to open an account that lets you earn rewards for banking with us, and an app that helps you keep your money under control.
Switch your bank account
Here are the ways you can switch to us
Already have a current account with us?
Depending on the type of account you want to switch, you can switch:
- Sole accounts to us in our app1.
Or
- Joint personal accounts in branch or via video appointment.
We’ll do all the paperwork and keep you updated every step of the way
If you don’t have a current account with us yet, you’ll need to open one first before you can switch to us.
How it works
The Current Account Switch Service is a free service that lets you switch a current account from one participating bank or building society to another, in seven working days. It’s designed to be simple and stress-free, and the full switch option is backed by the Current Account Switch Guarantee.
As part of the full switch, we transfer all your regular payments in and out (such as salary and Direct Debits) to your new Barclays account. We also set up a payment redirection for any credits or debits from your old account for a minimum of three years.
- Open a current account with us, if you don’t already have one2
- To switch joint accounts, you'll need to already have a joint account opened
- Give us a few details then choose a full or partial switch3
- We set it all up and tell you when it’s done
Current Account Switch Guarantee [PDF, 40KB]
Switching to Barclays [PDF, 2.1MB]
Find out more about Current Account Switch Service and frequently asked questions
Don’t have a current account with us?
Find out more about our Current Account Switch Service and see frequently asked questions.
Premier Current Account
Access a range of benefits and services exclusive to Premier. Eligibility and conditions apply.
What happens when you switch
In the first two days
We’ll contact your old bank and we’ll be in touch to confirm your switch is underway.
Day three
We’ll send you a letter to confirm the date of your switch and that your old bank has agreed to it.
Day four to six
We’ll be in touch with an update.
Day seven
We’ll let you know your switch is complete.
Full and partial switching
Full switch
With a full switch, we'll move all your regular credit and debit payments, like Direct Debits, standing orders, bills and your salary, to your new Barclays account.
We’ll then close your old account for you and set up a payment redirect from your old account to your new Barclays account for a minimum of three years.
A full switch is covered by the Current Account Switch Guarantee. It’s unlikely, but if something goes wrong with your switch, we’ll refund any interest (that you’ve had to pay, or which you’ve lost) or charges incurred on your old or new account as a result.
Partial switch
With a partial switch3, you’ll need to contact your old bank for a list of the regular payments you make from the account you're switching from. Then, let us know which of those you’d like us to move to your Barclays account and we’ll switch them for you. We won't be able to switch any individual future-dated payments.
We’ll leave your old account open and you'll need to arrange to transfer any incoming payments (like your salary) to your new Barclays account. A partial switch takes longer than seven working days and isn't covered by the Current Account Switching Guarantee.
Already have a current account with us?
Looking to switch an account from another provider?
You can switch to us using the Barclays app4 if you’re registered – it’s quick and easy. All you need is the bank and card details from the account you’d like to switch and we’ll do the rest5.
You’ll need to make an appointment to switch a joint account. For personal joint accounts, the appointment can be via video or in a branch.
Switching with an overdraft
You’ll need to repay the overdraft on your old account before you can switch. You can do this in one of two ways:
Apply for an overdraft with us on your new account
We'll need to agree to the amount, and it needs to be enough to clear any overdrawn balance or overdraft so we can close your old account. All overdrafts are subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history.
Pay into your new Barclays account
You can pay in enough money to cover your overdraft with your old bank and ask us to transfer it to them when we make the switch.
In both cases, you’ll need to tell us how much you’d like us to transfer to repay the overdraft. You'll be able to change this amount up until 5pm on day six of the switch by visiting a branch.
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The quickest way to switch to us is via the Barclays App. If this isn’t an option for you, you can print and fill in this form [PDF, 615KB]. Switching this way takes at least 12 working days.
There are also some banks that don’t offer a full switch, so you’ll need to use the form. These include the Bank of England, Brown Shipley, Citibank NA, ING Bank NV, Secure Trust Bank, Turkish Bank (UK) Ltd, EFG, Prepaid Financial Services and RBS.
If you transfer your balance when closing your old account, you’ll need to take your completed form to one of our branches. You’ll also need to take either a valid driving licence or passport, and a bank statement or a utility bill that shows your address, dated within the last three months.
If you only want to transfer your Direct Debits and standing orders, you can send us your form by post. You can also use this form for switching currency accounts within the UK. You’ll need to include all relevant information, including any named people on the account, and sign it. We’ll send it back it to you if it’s incomplete and we’ll only start the switch once we’ve received the right information.
If you have a joint personal account, you can book a video appointment. See how to make an appointment
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We’ll arrange to transfer your Direct Debits, standing orders and your remaining balance. If you ask us to, we’ll transfer your incoming and other outgoing payments from your old account to your new one. We’ll then contact your old bank to close your account with them.
In the meantime, make sure there’s still enough money in your old account to cover any regular payments.
