MSE Forum Poll: Will you be switching banks accounts this year?

Former_MSE_Daniel

With switching incentives popping up regularly and some accounts offering better interest rates, cashback or budgeting tools, the start of the year is a popular time to reassess whether your current bank still delivers what you need.

On the flip side, many people prefer to stick with what they know, valuing stability and familiarity over potential perks.

So we’d love to know: are you planning to switch your bank account in 2026, or staying put?

vacheron

As usual, multiple responses are appropriate and one that isn't listed.

in my case: 

• Yes, I've done it before
• But only for the right offer
• And only if they will let me as I won't qualify for most due to previous recent switch incentives from the same institutions.

flaneurs_lobster

The Poll doesn't really cater for those people who are perfectly happy with their "main" bank account that they've had for years (decades?) and wouldn't dream of leaving them - but still indulge in a bit of bank account swapping for fun'n'profit.

I could legitimately select every option in that poll. 

horsewithnoname

No because I can’t be bothered to. It’s not too much hassle really, and I don’t feel any sense of loyalty, but I just can’t be bothered. 

YorksLass

Another option that isn't listed is when your existing bank decides to transfer their personal banking business to another bank that might not be one you would have chosen.  So more of a 'forced' move rather than a considered decision.

twopenny

My excellent bank, great customer service, has been taken over by one that made a big error on an ISA I put with them and it took a lot of time and effort on my part to sort the mess. Still lost money.

Waiting to see what happens.

martinbainbridge1975

already done it, left HSBC in 2019 for Natwest, moved to Lloyds

loyalty counts for nothing these days

Dizzycap

I've undertaken all possible switches that have been available withinn the criteria stated whlst still retaining my original main Lloyds bank account for over 30 years! Simply open another free bank account with your regular bank - Throw £1 in and wait for a switch. You'll have to set up a couple of DD's before switching and charities are always good to give money too 

Nasqueron

Yes on the right offer - as I don't qualify for any of them currently - had over £1900 over the years but waiting for the dates to reset so I can do more

Vitor

I'm switching ISA providers to chase interest rates

Rob5342

flaneurs_lobster said:

The Poll doesn't really cater for those people who are perfectly happy with their "main" bank account that they've had for years (decades?) and wouldn't dream of leaving them - but still indulge in a bit of bank account swapping for fun'n'profit.

I could legitimately select every option in that poll. 

And there are people like me who are quite happy to switch their main account for something better when they come across it, but also open and switch lots of other accounts to get the bonuses and see if the apps are good enough to use as a main account. In the last 32 years I've switched my main account 7 times but have switched other accounts more times than I can remember. I'm not planning to do any more switches for the moment, simply because I've exhausted every option.