Why did/would you switch current accounts?

colsten

born_again

Only one.. £££

kuratowski

Generally what prompts me to switch providers (for current accounts and other utilities) is when something happens that makes me disenchanted with the service.

IvanOpinion

The first time I switched account (1995) it was because the bank would not allow Mrs O to lodge a cheque (from another bank) into my account so that I could pay some bills.  At that point I switched to Abbey Nat/Santander and have been wit them ever since - it still works out the best value for my needs. 

I keep a couple of zombie accounts as well, and switch them every 12-18 months to get bonuses.  I can't be bothered over-doing this though since in many instances I consider my time to be more valuable than some of the bonuses on offer.

kaMelo

IvanOpinion said:

The first time I switched account (1995) it was because the bank would not allow Mrs O to lodge a cheque (from another bank) into my account so that I could pay some bills.  At that point I switched to Abbey Nat/Santander and have been wit them ever since - it still works out the best value for my needs. 

I keep a couple of zombie accounts as well, and switch them every 12-18 months to get bonuses.  I can't be bothered over-doing this though since in many instances I consider my time to be more valuable than some of the bonuses on offer.

£100 cash bung for five minutes effort, or £1200 per hour. I don't know what you do but that's a little more than my hourly rate.

Jimjim78

Just for the bribe. Just over £1k so far, money for nothing!

The_Green_Hornet

I switch my main account for the first three options and I switch my other accounts for the money.

brewerdave

Switched two accounts to Santander 123 back in the day for the 3% interest and cash back

vacheron

1: For the incentives
2: For the incentives
and 3: For the incentives

 I couldn't care less if their customer service is rubbish or not, just makes it easier to switch away to the next banks offer. 

oldagetraveller1

Only changed, using the switching service, for any "incentive" once.. One occasion, years ago to Barclays, it was a £100 bribe just for opening a current account. The switching service wasn't even thought of then.

The only time using the switching service, which was the main criterion for the bribe, was a Tesco current account to RBS. It was £175 in two stages at the time.

jbrassy

I have a First Direct account as my main account which I never switch as I think they provide a good service and I've never had any issues. I would only switch if this situation changed.

I have a Starling card purely for use abroad (specifically - ATM withdrawals abroad). I would switch away if this situation changed. 

Then I have 2 other accounts which I switch regularly to get the switch bonuses.