Two direct debits. £1 each. Ready before you switch.
Most UK bank switch offers require at least two active direct debits on the account. Set up two genuine, low-cost mandates in a couple of minutes, so that condition is never the thing standing between you and your switch.
Why banks ask for two direct debits
When you switch current account through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), your bank handles the move automatically — but most switch bonuses come with their own extra conditions on top of the switch itself.
It's the most common condition
Alongside a minimum pay-in, "at least two active direct debits" is the condition attached to nearly every major switch offer, because it shows the account is genuinely in use.
Direct debit, not standing order
Banks are specific about this: it has to be a real direct debit mandate collected through Bacs. Standing orders and card subscriptions usually don't count.
It needs to be "active"
A mandate on its own isn't always enough — most banks want to see that at least one payment has actually been collected before they treat it as active.
Your two direct debit options
Set up one of each and you're covered. Both are genuine Bacs direct debit mandates processed securely through GoCardless.
How it works
Four steps, most of which take a few minutes. The only thing you're waiting on is the first collection date.
Choose an option and enter your details
Set up your mandate through GoCardless's secure checkout using the details of the account you'll be switching.
Your mandate is created
GoCardless confirms the mandate with your bank, usually within minutes.
The first £1 is collected
This is what most banks look for to treat the direct debit as genuinely "active," not just set up.
Start your switch as normal
Begin your CASS switch with your new bank. Both direct debits transfer across automatically with everything else.
Safety, and what it looks like on your statement
These are ordinary direct debits, not a subscription or a hidden charge. Here's exactly what you're agreeing to.
Direct Debit Guarantee
Every payment is protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee. If an amount is ever taken in error, you're entitled to an immediate refund from your bank.
Processed by GoCardless
Payments are collected by GoCardless, an FCA-authorised payment institution used by thousands of UK businesses for Bacs direct debits.
Cancel anytime
You can cancel either direct debit at any time, either through your bank or directly with GoCardless, with no notice period.
Clearly labelled
Collections appear on your statement as CHEAPDIRECTDEBIT.CO.UK, so there's nothing unexplained if you check your account later.
Common questions
Will this affect my credit score?
No. Setting up a direct debit doesn't involve a credit check and isn't recorded on your credit file. Switching bank accounts can involve a soft or hard credit check depending on the bank, but that's separate from the direct debit itself.
Do standing orders count instead?
Usually not. Most banks' switch terms specifically say "direct debit," which is a different payment type to a standing order. If you're unsure, check the exact wording of your target bank's offer.
What happens to these direct debits after I switch?
CASS automatically carries all your direct debits over to your new account, including these ones. You can leave them running or cancel them once your switch bonus has been paid.
Is there a minimum term?
No. There's no contract or minimum term on either option. You're free to cancel as soon as you no longer need it.