Image source, Getty Images By Jemma Crew Business reporter Published 6 hours ago Many of us have been with the same bank for years, potentially missing out on hundreds of pounds that rivals are offering us to move to them. Whether it's loyalty, laziness, or fear it'll be a faff that keeps us from switching, banks are competing to change our mind. More than five banks are currently offering incentives to switch - with the largest bonus 220. Plus, if you've got savings, you could get a better interest rate - and therefore a greater return on your money. Almost two thirds of British savers have been with their bank for more than a decade, new research from Hargreaves Lansdown suggests. Its survey, of 3,000 British adults in August, found 34% have moved their money in the last 12 months. It estimates staying put costs British savers around 12bn in missed interest every year, based on analysis of Financial Conduct Authority data. The price of staying put Simon Belsham, Hargreaves Lansdown's chief client officer, says doing nothing might be easy but "often leads to poor returns". "Millions leave their cash with the same bank by default and that inertia is worth a fortune to banks, while costing British savers billions of pounds a year. "Savers clearly care about rates: when they move their money, the overwhelming reason is to secure a better return. "What holds them back is the effort of repeatedly finding, opening and juggling different accounts." How to change bank, energy or broadband provider and save money Published 13 July People are "incredibly loyal" to their bank which is why competitors need to offer sweeteners, says Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at AJ Bell. "It's worth it for the banks, because they then have a captive audience, who are more likely to take other products from them." She says the bonus should be the "cherry on top" and people shouldn't overlook other aspects such as the bank's reputation for service, any overdraft charges and what savings rate it offers. What you need to know Many deals are dependent on conditions such as a minimum amount of money into your account in the first few weeks, or minimum number of direct debits leaving it. Switching banks will show up on your credit report. This is what lenders will look at when deciding how much money you can borrow for a mortgage. Opening lots of accounts in quick succession could dent your record, but closing an old one may boost your score. "If you're planning to apply for a loan or mortgage in the next 12 months, you may want to wait until the deal is done," says Coles. If you decide to switch you don't need to worry about individually transferring over every direct debit or bills payment, thanks to the free Current Account Switch Service (CASS). Over 50 UK banks and building societies are signed up. Tell your new bank your chosen switch date (allow seven working...
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