The switch itself leaves your credit file alone. Opening the new account often means a credit check, so space your applications out.
4 Oct 2026 · 4 min read
Switching through the Current Account Switch Service doesn’t touch your credit file. Opening the new account usually does, because most banks run a credit check first.
NatWest says so in its switching guide. "Simply switching from one bank to another using the Current Account Switch Service will not affect your credit rating. However, when you open a new bank account, we may run a credit score check which could affect your credit rating."
Why banks check
A current account comes with a debit card, and often an overdraft, so banks check who you are and whether you have a history of not paying. HSBC lists "Agree to a credit check" among the things you need to open its account. Its overdraft page says "we’ll check if you qualify for the account, do a credit check and look at your financial circumstances."
Soft and hard searches
A soft search is a look at your file that other lenders can’t see, and it doesn’t affect your score. Some banks use one to tell you whether you’re likely to be accepted before you apply. Santander says its app check "won’t impact your credit score".
A hard search is the application itself, and other lenders can see it on your file. Several in a short space of time can look like someone short of money applying everywhere.
The likely-to-be-accepted check is usually a soft search, and the application after it is often a hard one.
Space the applications out
Halifax’s guide says "Frequent switching within the course of a year might tell lenders that you aren’t very reliable. This should only be a problem if you’re planning to take out a mortgage."
So do one switch at a time, let each one finish, and leave a gap before the next. If you’re applying for a mortgage in the next few months, pause switching until it completes.
Skip the overdraft if you won’t use it
An overdraft is lending, and asking for one adds an affordability check to the account check. If you’re opening the account for the bonus, leave the overdraft box unticked.
If your file is thin
People new to the UK and people who have never borrowed get declined most often, because lenders have nothing to go on. Our posts on doing switch bonuses with no credit history and building a UK credit file cover what to do first.
What we do about it
Bank Switcher plans your switches one after another by default and shows each bank’s conditions before you apply, so you can start with the offers you’re most likely to be accepted for.