Bank Switching question

Idpullthecurtain

Hi,
Does anyone know the criteria for a direct debit for switching.
I have a few direct debits that dont actually happen, for example my credit card minimum payments.  They are set up, but they never actually happen because I like to pay off my balance just before its due.
Would these still allow me to meet the criteria of having 2+ Direct Debits on my account?
TIA

eskbanker

Idpullthecurtain said:

Hi,
Does anyone know the criteria for a direct debit for switching.
I have a few direct debits that dont actually happen, for example my credit card minimum payments.  They are set up, but they never actually happen because I like to pay off my balance just before its due.
Would these still allow me to meet the criteria of having 2+ Direct Debits on my account?
TIA

There are no fixed standard criteria, so it'll vary from one bank to another, both for the ceding and receiving ends of the switch, but unused DDs may be cancelled if left dormant for a couple of years:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80235047/#Comment_80235047

Katiehound

Idpullthecurtain said:

Hi,
Does anyone know the criteria for a direct debit for switching.
I have a few direct debits that dont actually happen, for example my credit card minimum payments.  They are set up, but they never actually happen because I like to pay off my balance just before its due.
Would these still allow me to meet the criteria of having 2+ Direct Debits on my account?
TIA

You might consider having another CC where you only spend a couple of pounds per month & let this go through as a DD. 
Some banks will let an annual DD qualify such as membership of AA for example others only seem to consider monthly DDs.
Sometimes you only need the DDs for the sake of the switch deal, sometimes you can cancel them (after you have received your bonus!) so you may only need them for a few months.

Before switching it is wise to let the DDs go through once then you know you have qualified for that bonus.