I used to bank with NatWest, and I’d groan most times I received an app notification on my mobile phone telling me I’d spent money. “Please, do not remind me!” I’d think when the message appeared at the top of the screen. But after joining the 319,000-odd other Brits who switched banks this year for a cash incentive, I realised my new provider didn’t offer that same pocket-vibrating guilt trip. And perhaps surprisingly, I’ve started to miss it.
It told me every time money left my account, and every time money entered it. Why is she harping on about app notifications, I hear you say. This can’t be that important! Well, strangely enough, it is. I was always aware of what I had, what I’d spent that day (doing a quick mental maths calculation using my notifications), as well as things I had not accounted for – a pesky “free” subscription trial that I’d forgotten to cancel, or a slightly higher bill than usual. Seeing the things I hadn’t accounted for instantly allowed me to fix those problems straight away.
Missing these very notifications costs people hundreds of pounds every year. Latest Government data suggests more than 3.5 million people are being silently rolled from free or discounted trials into fully costed contracts, whilst another 1.3 million are caught out by unexpected autorenewals. This oversight is costing people an extra £170 on average.
If your online banking app gives you the option to enable push notifications, I’d urge you to consider doing it. You should be able to toggle these under the ‘settings’ or ‘notifications’ tab of your app. And while you’re at it, check your ‘Scheduled Payments’ or ‘Standing Orders’ list too, and make sure there isn’t anything else unexpected lurking in the shadows.
After noticing my current provider doesn’t offer notifications for all transactions, I’ve since written to them with my feedback, requesting the option in the future.
Ignorance isn’t always bliss.
Over 60s can get a small breakfast or a small fish and chips, plus any refillable hot drink, for £6 at Morrisons Cafe.
Speaking of bank switch incentives, there are some very appealing deals on the market right now. Some of the major players are offering up to £200 free cash to people willing to newly bank with them. There are a few hoops to jump through, but it could make for a nice windfall before summer. To get £200 from Barclays, apply for a current account through its app by May 28, 2026. Complete a full switch using the Current Account Switching Service (CASS), including at least two direct debits, and pay in £2,000 within the first 30 days. The Barclays Bank Account also comes with a 5% monthly cashback (up to £10) on petrol and diesel at Tesco forecourts – handy while prices are high.
NatWest is also offering a generous £200 incentive. Complete a full switch to a NatWest Select or Reward account, log into the mobile app, and deposit £1,250 within 60 days. The Select account is fee-free, whereas the Reward account comes with a £2 monthly fee. However, it offers up to £36 in cashback per year (when factoring in the monthly fee), which keeps the deal appealing.
You can get £180 from Santander by switching to one of its Everyday, Edge, and Edge Up accounts. Just complete a full switch, pay in £1,500, and set up two active direct debts within 60 days. And if you apply through certain comparison sites, such as MoneySavingExpert, you can also bag a free £30 Amazon voucher.
Online bank First Direct is offering newbies £175, and while this is the lowest, the provider’s 1st Account ranks high for customer service. To get the bonus, switch using CASS, pay in £1,000 and make at least five debit card payments within 45 days.
For the high earners out there, HSBC is offering a staggering £500. This is for the HSBC Premier account. To qualify, you’ll need to switch your main account and either have an individual annual income of £100,000 or more, or hold £100,000 in savings or investments with them.
A key point to note is that a “full switch” always means using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). This automatically moves your balance, direct debits, and standing orders, and closes your old account for you. I made the move for the first time earlier this year for a very pleasant £175 windfall, and it was surprisingly easy. If you’re not satisfied with your current provider, don’t be afraid to switch.