What happens to your Direct Debits when you switch current accounts?

3rd Aug 2026Updated 28 Sep 2026

Worrying about payments being disrupted is one of the main reasons people stay with bank accounts that don’t work for them. But switching accounts and rearranging Direct Debits actually doesn’t have to be a hassle at all.

If both your old and new banks are part of the Current Account Switch Service, your Direct Debits will transfer automatically to your new account – you don’t have to do anything.

If your new bank isn’t part of it, you will need to update each Direct Debit yourself, but you can usually do this online.

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Direct Debits and bank switching: the basics

What is a Direct Debit?

A Direct Debit is an instruction that lets a company collect payments from your bank account on a set date. You authorise it once, and the company handles the rest. Your energy bill, broadband, insurance premiums, and gym membership are all likely set up this way.

Unlike a standing order, where you set the amount, a Direct Debit gives the company some flexibility over the amount they can take – for example, when your phone bill changes slightly from month to month.

Payments are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee, which entitles you to a full, immediate refund from your bank in the unlikely event that a payment is taken by mistake.

How switching services work in the UK

The Current Account Switch Service is an independent, free system that makes switching your current account simple and stress-free. It moves your payees, Direct Debits, standing orders, balance, and incoming payments across to your new account and closes your old account, too.

It’s also backed by the Current Account Switch Guarantee, which means your new bank must refund any interest (paid or lost) and charges on your old or new account if anything goes wrong with the switch.

If your old account includes an overdraft, you can still switch through the Current Account Switch Service – as long as your new bank agrees. Speak to them before you start the switch to confirm whether you’re eligible for an overdraft.

Read the Current Account Switch Service guide to find out more.

What happens to your Direct Debits during the switch

How the Current Account Switch Service handles Direct Debits

Once you’ve chosen a switch date, your new bank takes charge. It works directly with your old bank to copy across all your active Direct Debit instructions, keeping everything in place: collection dates, amounts, and company references.

The companies collecting your payments are notified automatically as well – you don’t need to contact a single provider yourself.

Heads up that this only applies to banks that are part of the Current Account Switch Service. If either your old or new bank isn’t part of it, the automatic transfer can’t happen.

You can check which banks are signed up on the Current Account Switch Service website.

Timeline: when your Direct Debits move

With the Current Account Switch Service, you can choose a switch date that suits you, provided you allow a minimum of seven working days. By the switch date, all active Direct Debits will be live on your new account.

What about old Direct Debits?

When you switch using the Current Account Switch Service, your new bank will only transfer active Direct Debits – those that have collected a payment in the last 13 months. Direct Debits are considered dormant or lapsed if they’ve not been used within that period, and these won’t be carried across to your new account.

Switching without the Current Account Switch Service

Not every bank is part of the Current Account Switch Service – Zopa isn’t yet, but will be joining later in 2026. If you wanted to switch to Zopa’s Biscuit current account now, you’d need to update your Direct Debits yourself.

Switching is usually worth it. For example, about a third of UK adults don't realise current accounts can pay cashback on Direct Debit bills, and of those who do, only 4 in 10 are actually earning it*. With Biscuit, you'll earn cashback on Direct Debits, interest on your bank balance, and get access to a high interest Regular Saver.

You can find out more about switching to Biscuit here. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: open your Biscuit bank account

The account application takes a few minutes on the Zopa app.

Step 2: list all your active Direct Debits

Log into your old bank’s app or online banking to find them.

Step 3: contact each provider with your new sort code and account number

Most have an online form or account where you can update payment information.

Step 4: redirect your salary and incoming payments

It’s worth doing this at the same time as updating your Direct Debits so everything moves together.

Step 5: keep your old account funded for 1 to 2 months

Make sure there’s enough money in your old account during this time to avoid any missed payments.

“All my Direct Debits were tied to my main account for years, so I was apprehensive about making the switch. But it was made easy, and I've never looked back,” says Luke Bullen, a Biscuit customer who recently switched.

Can a Direct Debit fail during a bank switch?

It’s uncommon, but possible – particularly if a payment falls due right at the point of transition. Choosing a switch date a few weeks after your main payment dates reduces the risk.

Remember that with the Current Account Switch Guarantee, if a Direct Debit does fail because of the switch, your new bank must refund any interest (paid or lost) and charges on your old or new account.

For switches that are done manually, keeping your old account funded is a sensible move.

What if I have problems with a Direct Debit after switching?

If you’ve switched using the Current Account Switch Service, contact your new bank. The Current Account Switch Guarantee means they have to resolve errors quickly, including contacting the Direct Debit originator and arranging any refunds.

Switched without it? Contact the company collecting the payment directly and make sure they’ve updated their records with your new account details.

How do I cancel a Direct Debit after switching banks?

If you decide you don’t need a Direct Debit anymore, you can cancel it directly through your new bank’s app or online banking. You can also contact the company collecting the payment and ask them to cancel it. Cancelling a Direct Debit before your switch date means it won’t be carried across – active or otherwise.

Key takeaways: your Direct Debits are protected

If both your old and new banks are part of the Current Account Switch Service:

Your Direct Debits transfer automatically within 7 working days.
The Current Account Switch Guarantee means your new bank must refund any interest (paid or lost) and charges on your old or new account in the event of a switching error.
Only active Direct Debits are transferred – those collected in the past 13 months.

If your new bank isn’t part of the Current Account Switch Service:

You’ll need to contact each Direct Debit provider individually and update your details.
Keep your old account funded for 1–2 months to cover any payments that haven’t migrated yet.

Ready to switch?

Biscuit by Zopa is a free current account that comes with interest on your balance built in as standard, plus your choice of an extra benefit: a boosted rate, cashback on your Direct Debits, or cashback on eating out. Find out more about switching to Biscuit.