Data from the current account switch service (CASS) covering the first quarter of 2026 reveals that switching was most popular among those aged 25 to 40.

This age group was nearly twice as likely to move bank than the average person, with the cohort representing 22 per cent of the entire UK population – yet making up 42 per cent of total switches over the period.

Meanwhile three northern cities sat in the top five regions for switching. Newcastle was in second place, while Sheffield and Manchester were in third and fourth place respectively.

Birmingham topped the table with 8,179 switches – retaining its position from the last quarter of 2025.

Recently, high street banks have been handing out cash incentives of up to £220 to persuade customers to switch.  

John Dentry, a product manager at Pay.UK, which owns and operates the CASS, said: 'As financial pressures weigh down on families, being able to quickly switch bank accounts to somewhere better suited can be a real difference-maker.

'This level of competition is the reason the UK enjoys so many different banking related perks, offers and deals, all of which play a major role in supporting household finances.'

 The top 10 regions for current account switching from January to March 2026 were:

CASS reported a 43 per cent increase in total switching during the first quarter of 2026, compared to the same period last year.

Switching is more popular than ever with 2025 being the third consecutive year that CASS has recorded over one million switches, according to Pay.UK.

However this represents a small proportion of the UK’s adult population, so it’s likely that many people are choosing to stick with their bank.

This summer is proving to be an especially good time to consider switching current account with a raft of high-street names offering lucrative incentives of up to £220.

Keep in mind incentives are usually reserved for new customers who haven’t received a switch bribe from the bank before.

It’s also important to look beyond the headline reward to check that the bank is right for you.

For example, do they have branches in your area if you like to bank in person?

We examine some of the top picks below, including what you need to do to qualify for the reward – and what to watch out for.

> Read more: Which banks have the best current accounts?

HSBC: The best switch deal – but beware the spending requirement

HSBC is paying new customers a punchy £220 to switch – the best amount we’ve seen recently.

You can get it if you haven’t had an HSBC or First Direct account since 1 January 2023. This is a more generous exclusion than other options, which often state you can’t ever have had an account or switch deal from the bank before.

You need to switch using the CASS – including carrying over at least two direct debits – and deposit £2,000 minimum within 60 days of opening the account.

In that timeframe, you also need to spend £500 using a debit card, which is a more restrictive requirement than other deals.

First Direct: Boosted switch deal and good customer service

First Direct has boosted its long-standing switch incentive from £175 to £200 until 15 July.

The bank doesn’t have any branches so you need to be comfortable with banking over the phone or online, but it’s often rated well for customer service.

To get the £200 you must switch using the CASS including two direct debits within 45 days of opening the account. You also need to deposit £1,000, use your debit card at least five times, and log in to digital banking.

The account has a £250 interest-free overdraft and a 7 per cent regular savings account which lets you stash between £25 and £300 a month for 12 months.

First Direct doesn’t charge you for using your debit card overseas either.

NatWest: Free £200 plus low-faff monthly cashback

NatWest is paying £200 to switch to its everyday or reward current account.

The reward account has a £2 monthly fee. However, you get £5 in cashback each month that you pay out two or more direct debits of at least £2 and log in to the mobile app.

This gives you an easy £36 a year. 

To get the £200 you need to pay in at least £1,250 and log in to the app within 60 days of switching. You should get the cash within 30 days of meeting the conditions.

Watch out for the eligibility criteria because you can’t get the reward if you’ve had a switch bribe from the NatWest group before – this includes Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank. You also won’t qualify if you switch an account from one of those banks.