Day 1
Set up both direct debits
Use the Fixed and Alternate options to create two separate mandates on the account you're about to switch. Each takes a couple of minutes through GoCardless's checkout.
Step by step
Setting up your two direct debits
The setup itself takes a couple of minutes. The part that takes longer is timing it so both direct debits are genuinely active before you start your switch.
The order of events
Most switch bonuses are won or lost on timing. Here's the sequence that works.
Day 1–3
Mandates are confirmed
GoCardless notifies your bank of each new mandate. You'll usually see them listed under direct debits in your banking app shortly after setup, marked as pending until the first collection.
First collection date
The first £1 is taken from each
This is the point most banks consider a direct debit "active" rather than just "set up" — some switch terms are checked against this, so it's worth waiting for it to happen before you switch.
After the first collection
Start your CASS switch
Apply for your new account and begin the switch as normal. Don't set up any new direct debits in the days immediately before your switch date — it can occasionally cause the transfer to miss them.
Within 7 working days
Everything moves across
CASS moves your balance, direct debits, standing orders and incoming payments to your new account automatically, including both £1 direct debits.
A few things worth knowing
Check your bank's exact wording
Almost all switch offers ask for direct debits specifically, but the finer print occasionally varies — a small number of banks want "household" or recurring bill direct debits rather than any direct debit. Read your target bank's terms before relying on this.
Set them up before, not during
It's best to have both direct debits collecting before you start the switch process, rather than setting them up mid-switch, so there's no question about whether they were active on the account.
You can leave them running
Once your switch is complete and any bonus has been paid, you can either cancel both direct debits or leave them running for £2 a month, ready for your next switch.
Payments are covered either way
Whether you keep the direct debits running or cancel them, every collection remains covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee.
Ready to set them up? Both options take a couple of minutes each.