Santander is paying £240 to people who switch to its Everyday Current Account. It's the biggest standard switching bonus on the market right now, and the account has no monthly fee.
The offer is time-limited: it opened on 1 September 2026 and is widely reported to close on 7 October 2026, although Santander says it can be withdrawn at any time. If you want it, start now.
The offer at a glance
| Bonus | £240 |
|---|---|
| Account | Santander Everyday Current Account (no monthly fee) |
| Direct debits | At least 2 active household DDs (bills only) |
| Pay-in | £1,500, plus £200 into a Regular Saver |
| Time limit | 60 days from starting the switch |
| Paid | Within 90 days of starting the switch |
| Closing date | Reported as 7 October 2026 (can be withdrawn early) |
The requirements: how to qualify
Everything below has to be done within 60 days of starting your switch:
- Full switch via CASS: Use the Current Account Switch Service and close your old account as part of the switch.
- Pay in £1,500: In one payment or several. You can move it back out afterwards.
- Two active household direct debits: At least two must be in place on your new Santander account when Santander checks your eligibility. Santander only counts household bills: council tax, mobile phone, home phone, broadband, paid-for TV, and water, gas or electricity. Direct debits into a Santander, cahoot or Cater Allen savings account don't count.
- Fund a Regular Saver with £200: Open a Santander Regular Saver in your own name and pay in at least £200. It currently pays 8% AER variable (including a 5% bonus for the first 12 months).
- No Santander current account on 1 January 2026: New and existing customers can apply, but not if you held a Santander current account on that date.
Important: Santander only counts household bills
This is where Santander's offer differs from most others. Its terms define qualifying direct debits as household direct debits, so a general-purpose direct debit, including one from Easy Debit, won't count towards this offer.
The good news is that Santander lets you set these up after you switch, as long as they're in place within 60 days. The simplest route is to move two real bills, such as your mobile phone and broadband, onto the new account.
If you're chasing a different offer that doesn't restrict who the direct debits are paid to (HSBC, first direct, Lloyds or Nationwide), see our guide to what counts as an active direct debit.
Step-by-step: switching to Santander
- Check which household bills you can move: You need two from council tax, phone, broadband, paid-for TV and utilities.
- Open a Santander Everyday Current Account: Apply online or in the Santander app, and choose to switch your existing account during the application.
- Pick a switch date: CASS takes 7 working days. Your direct debits, standing orders and incoming payments move across automatically.
- Pay in £1,500: Transfer it from another account at any point within the 60 days.
- Open and fund a Regular Saver: Pay in at least £200. This is the step people most often miss.
When do you get paid?
Santander says eligible customers get the £240 within 90 days of starting the switch. Keep your two household direct debits active until the money arrives.
Who can't get it?
- Anyone named on the new account who held a Santander current account on 1 January 2026.
- Anyone who applies after the offer is withdrawn. Your switch request must be submitted while the offer is live.
Frequently asked questions
How many direct debits do I need for the Santander switch offer?
At least two active household direct debits on your new Santander Everyday account within 60 days of starting the switch. Only council tax, phone, broadband, paid-for TV and utility bills count.
Do cheap or £1 direct debits count for the Santander offer?
No. Santander only counts household direct debits, such as council tax, phone, broadband, paid-for TV and utilities. General-purpose direct debits don't qualify for this offer.
When does the Santander £240 switch offer end?
It launched on 1 September 2026 and is widely reported to close on 7 October 2026. Santander says it can be withdrawn at any time, so check before you apply.
Do I have to open a Regular Saver to get the Santander bonus?
Yes. You need to fund a Santander Regular Saver with at least £200 within 60 days of starting the switch, as well as paying £1,500 into the current account.
Can existing Santander customers get the £240?
Existing customers can apply, but not if they held a Santander current account on 1 January 2026.
How long does Santander take to pay the switching bonus?
Santander says it pays within 90 days of starting the switch process, once all the conditions are met.
More bank switching guides
Last checked 26 September 2026. Switching offers change or close without notice. Always read the bank's own terms before you apply. Easy Debit is not affiliated with any bank and this guide is not financial advice.