What counts as an active Direct Debit for a switch?
What switching offers usually mean by an active Direct Debit: set up vs collected, monthly payments, the old account and timing.
Usually a genuine Direct Debit, on the account you’re switching from, that’s set up and collecting regular payments, typically monthly. Some offers only count it once a payment has been taken, and Direct Debits set up in the 7 working days before your switch won’t move. Your offer’s terms decide.
Direct Debits are not a general requirement for switching banks. Some switching offers require qualifying payments to earn the reward; others do not.
Each offer defines active differently
There’s no single rule. Each bank writes its own switching offer, and the terms decide what counts. Some simply ask for a number of Direct Debits to move across. Nationwide, for example, says: “Your old account needs to have at least 2 Direct Debits for us to move over.” Others are stricter. Lloyds has said an unpaid new mandate doesn’t count as active for its offer; see our Lloyds guide.
Set up isn’t the same as collected
A Direct Debit goes through stages: you authorise it, it’s registered with your bank, and then a payment is collected. A Direct Debit that’s been set up but hasn’t collected anything yet may not count if your offer needs an active or paid Direct Debit. More on payments before switching
Monthly is the safest choice
A Direct Debit that collects once a year or once a quarter may not look active when the bank checks. If your offer asks for active Direct Debits, one that collects every month is the safest way to meet it.
It needs to be on your old account in time
A full switch through the Current Account Switch Service moves your Direct Debits to the new account. The switch takes 7 working days, and payments set up during that time won’t be transferred. Set up any Direct Debits you need on your current account well before you request the switch.
Does the amount matter?
Offers usually set how many Direct Debits you need, not how much they’re for. If an offer has a minimum amount, it will say so in its terms. Do small Direct Debits count?
Two to the same business may count as one
If an offer needs two Direct Debits, two payments to the same organisation may be treated as one. Use different payees if you can. Setting up two
Is my Direct Debit active? A quick check
- It’s listed under Direct Debits in your banking app, not under card payments or standing orders.
- Its status shows as active, not pending or cancelled.
- Your statement shows at least one payment collected, if your offer needs one.
- It collects monthly.
- It’s with a different organisation from your other qualifying Direct Debits.
- It was set up before the 7 working days leading up to your switch date.
Keep it active until the offer is met
Some offers check Direct Debits after the switch completes. Don’t cancel until your offer’s conditions are met. When to cancel