How long can you have an account open before switching to another bank?

rodeo321

Just wondering how this apply and switch bank transfer works? How long can you have one basic current account open before you switch and transfer to another bank?

worried_jim

The next day if you want.

rodeo321

So all you would need are direct debits and money going in to be qualify for switching to use another bank/account and then this account closes?

worried_jim

You can open as many bank accounts as you like, when you like. It will get to a point when banks start to think something is a bit suspicious. The account will stay open until you instruct the bank to close it.

MyOnlyPost

If your bank account has a debit card, some are compulsory others you can opt not to, you can't switch until you received it as surrendering the card (filling in the details on the switch form) is part of the process when done online

JuicyJesus

MyOnlyPost wrote: »

If your bank account has a debit card, some are compulsory others you can opt not to, you can't switch until you received it as surrendering the card (filling in the details on the switch form) is part of the process when done online

To expand on this, a debit card is a required part of the Current Account Switch Service and a switch can't be completed without having one on the switching account (it doesn't matter about the new account).

As soon as you have the card you can switch the account. It's not so much about surrendering the card, it's a security check (one of several) so that someone with just your sort code and account number can't steal all your money.