Can I switch to a Starling current account if I already have a joint account with the bank?
I've had a Barclays Bank current account for more than 25 years but it has decided to remove my overdraft for no reason other than that I don't use it much, so I want to leave.
I want to switch to Starling but already have a joint current account there. Can I open a new individual account with Starling, even if I already have an account there?
Are there any other banks that offer good deals to switch right now that I should consider?
Switching conundrum: Is it possible to use the Current Account Switch Service if you already have a joint account?
Helen Kirrane of This is Money replies: The Current Account Switch Service (Cass) is an easy and convenient way to switch bank account.
It aims to make switching quick and painless with the account transferred within seven working days.
It has facilitated more than 11million bank account switches in the 11 years since it launched, with over 50 banks and building societies now part of the service.
There are a number of bank switching incentives available at the moment, ranging from £200 cashback to 5 per cent interest on current account balances.
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I spoke to Cass, which confirmed that you will still be able to open a Starling account and switch from your Barclays account through its service even though you already hold a joint account with Starling.
Andrew Hagger, founder of Moneycomms replies: Even though you already have a joint account with Starling, there's nothing stopping you switching your old Barclays current account to a new sole bank account with Starling too.
Just be aware that any overdrawn balance on your Barclays account will not be automatically transferred. You will need to agree to a new overdraft facility with Starling Bank.
Which banks offer the best switching perks?
Andrew Hagger replies: Starling has an excellent reputation for customer service and offers a generous in credit interest rate of 3.25 per cent on balances of up to £5,000 so is a great all-round account, however there are a couple of other options worth considering.
If you're looking for an overdraft limit, then it may be worth giving First Direct a look. It's currently offering a £175 cash sweetener if you transfer via Cass, and something that may appeal to you is that comes with an interest-free overdraft facility up to £250.
It's consistently a top performer when it comes to customer service, and First Direct current account customers also have the option to open a regular savings account paying a generous 7 per cent.
Alternatively, you may want to consider the NatWest Reward current account which at present is offering a £180 switching incentive for Cass switches.
The account does come with a £2 monthly fee, but you can earn £4 a month back just for having two or more direct debits (two of those direct debits need to be at least £2 each).
Plus, you can earn an extra £1 a month back with one mobile app log-in using the NatWest Rewards function. That's up to £5 a month back, so that more than compensates for the £2 monthly fee.
You can also earn from 1 per cent in Rewards when you spend with your NatWest debit card at selected retailers.
> Five of the best bank accounts for cash perks, interest and overdrafts
Helen Kirrane replies: Nationwide is currently paying £175 to new customers who switch to one of its FlexPlus, FlexDirect or FlexAccount current accounts.
Customers opening a FlexDirect account get 1 per cent cashback on debit card spending for the first 12 months after opening their account, capped at £5 a month.
The FlexDirect account also pays 5 per cent interest on balances in the account, up to £1,500 for the first 12 months.
Customers thinking of switching to the FlexPlus account should note that from 1 December the fee will increase by £5 a month, rising to £18 a month from £13 a month.
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