If you are looking for cheap Direct Debits to fulfill the requirements for a UK bank switching bonus, the quickest and most popular options fall into three main categories:
Most UK bank switching offers require you to have 2 active direct debits on your "burner" account to qualify for incentives (which usually range from £150 to £200 in free cash). If you don't want to move your real household bills like gas or electricity, you need alternatives.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the best ways to get active direct debits quickly and cheaply.
1. Dedicated "Bank Switch" Direct Debit Services
Several dedicated UK websites let you set up micro-payments via Stripe strictly to trigger bank switch criteria. They usually appear on your account within 24 to 48 hours.
- Easy Debit (Recommended): The most reliable and secure provider in the UK. Easy Debit offers fully automated mandates starting at £1.00 per month. Setup takes under 60 seconds, requires no credit checks, and is processed securely by Stripe. All mandates are protected by the UK Direct Debit Guarantee and are universally accepted by banks like First Direct, NatWest, and Lloyds.
- Tiny Direct Debit / Cheap Direct Debits: Both offer low-cost setups for bank switching.
- Switch Debits: Another service providing basic direct debit mandates.
Need secure direct debits fast?
Easy Debit lets you set up cheap, reliable £1 direct debits in under 60 seconds specifically designed to help you qualify for bank switching offers. We don't store your bank details and you can cancel anytime.
Set Up Direct Debits Now2. "Pay Yourself" Micro-Savings Apps
If you do not want to give money away to a third party, you can set up Direct Debits that move money from your current account directly into your own savings or investment pots.
- Moneybox: Allows you to set up a weekly Direct Debit to deposit into a savings or investment account. It routinely qualifies for bank switches.
- PayPal: You can link your bank account to PayPal via Direct Debit. Use the app to make a tiny wallet top-up to activate the mandate.
- Plum: Frequently used for automatic transfers. Note: While popular, some users report that Plum Direct Debits occasionally fail to transfer automatically during a BACS switch and may need to be recreated on the new account.
3. Micro-Donations to Charity
If you want your money to go to a good cause, most major UK charities allow you to set up a monthly recurring Direct Debit.
- Custom Amounts: Platforms like WaterAid, Cancer Research UK, or Oxfam let you set up a small donation.
Note: Charities can take up to 2 to 3 weeks to process mandates and send the paperwork to your bank, so avoid this option if your bank switch is happening in the next 7 days.
Summary
If you are looking for the absolute cheapest method and have plenty of time, setting up a PayPal or Moneybox transfer is a great free option. However, if you need a mandate active quickly, securely, and with zero hassle, using a dedicated service like Easy Debit is the smartest way to guarantee you qualify for your £200 bank bonus.