Более половины переезжающих в Великобритании не меняют банк при смене жилья

New research found many people review household services when moving home but leave their current account untouched. Money and Consumer Writer People moving home are being encouraged to review their current bank account as new research suggests more than half do not consider switching provider during a move. ‌ A survey for the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) found 58 per cent of recent home movers did not review or consider switching their bank account as part of the process.Nearly a third (32%) of this group said they did not even realise reviewing their current account was something they should consider when moving home. ‌ The research, involving 2,000 UK adults who had moved home during the previous two years, found just 22 per cent looked into current accounts or other banking options while researching their move. ‌ However, switching could potentially give customers access to benefits including better interest rates, cash incentives, budgeting tools or other perks, depending on the account and provider. John Dentry, Product Manager at Pay.UK, which owns and operates the Current Account Switch Service, said: “Moving home is one of life’s more stressful milestones, and at a time when every pound counts, consumers need to be unlocking all the help they can get. “With rates well above the low figures of a few years ago, taking time to compare current account options alongside mortgage arrangements can make a real difference, as could extra interest on your deposit, improved financial planning tools and tailored mortgage advice.” ‌ The research also found a significant difference between age groups when it came to reviewing their banking arrangements. Around half of people aged between 18 and 24 (50%) and those aged 25 to 34 (51%) reviewed or considered switching their current account when moving home. This compared with 30 per cent of people aged 45 to 54 and just 19 per cent of those aged over 55. ‌ More than one in five (22%) home movers aged 18 to 24 went on to switch their current account, compared with eight per cent of over-55s. Meanwhile, 67 per cent of people aged over 55 said they would not normally consider reviewing their bank account during a home move. Latest Personal Finance News ‌ Mortgage customers and switching banks The research found access to mortgage deals was one reason some homeowners decided to move their current account. Among mortgage holders who had switched banks, 41 per cent said they did so to take advantage of customer-only deals and mortgage rates. A further 30 per cent switched to receive an incentive related to their mortgage, while 28 per cent cited access to higher interest rates on their deposit. ‌ Other reasons for switching included additional perks, cited by 41 per cent, better budgeting or money-management tools (29%) and simplifying finances by consolidating accounts (29%). However, switching current account provider does not automatically mean someone will qualify for a cheaper mortgage. The Current Account Switch Service advises people with a mortgage to seek advice from existing and prospective lenders before changing bank accounts. ‌ Mr Dentry said: “As the backbone of your finances, you should take your choice of banking provider seriously and ensure your current account is meeting your needs and goals.” How the Current Account Switch Service works People who decide another current account better suits their needs can use the Current Account Switch Service to move between participating banks and building societies. ‌ The service is free and a switch is completed within seven working days on a date agreed with the new provider. Outgoing payments such as Direct Debits are transferred to the new account, along with incoming payments including salary payments. Payments accidentally sent to or requested from the old account are also automatically redirected to the new account. Article continues below The Current Account Switch Guarantee provides protection if something goes wrong with the switch, including refunding interest or charges incurred on the old or new current account as a result. People can also switch when they are overdrawn, although any overdraft facility required with the new bank or building society will need to be agreed with that provider. Mr Dentry added: “If you decide to switch, it won’t add any burden or cost. You simply pick a new bank or building society, request a switch, and we’ll do the rest within seven working days.”