Can I switch to a Starling checking account if I already have a joint account with the bank?

I have had a current account at Barclays Bank for over 25 years but they have decided to remove my overdraft for no other reason than the fact that I don’t use it much, so I want to leave.

I want to switch to Starling but I already have a joint checking account there. Can I open a new individual account with Starling, even if I already have an account there?

Are there other banks offering good switching deals right now that I should consider?

Helen Kirrane from This is Money responds: The Current Account Switching Service (Cass) is an easy and convenient way to switch bank accounts.

They aim to make the switch quick and easy with the account transferred within seven business days.

It has facilitated more than 11 million bank account changes in the 11 years since its launch, and more than 50 banks and building societies are now part of the service.

There are a number of incentives for switching banks available right now, ranging from £200 cash back to 5 per cent interest on current account balances.

I spoke to Cass who confirmed that you will still be able to open a Starling account and switch from your Barclays account through their service even if you already have a joint account with Starling.

Andrew Hagger, founder of Moneycomms responds: Even if you already have a joint account with Starling, there is nothing stopping you from switching your old Barclays current account to a new single bank account with Starling.

Just note that any overdrawn balance in your Barclays account will not be automatically transferred. You will need to accept a new overdraft service with Starling Bank.

Which banks offer the best exchange benefits?

Andrew Hagger responds: Starling has an excellent reputation for customer service and offers a generous 3.25 per cent credit rate on balances up to £5,000, making it a great all-round account; However, there are a couple more options worth considering.

If you’re looking for an overdraft limit, First Direct may be worth a look. It currently offers a cash benefit of £175 if you make a transfer through Cass, and something you may find appealing is that it comes with an interest-free overdraft facility of up to £250.

It’s always a top performer when it comes to customer service, and First Direct current account customers also have the option of opening a regular savings account by paying a generous 7 per cent.

Alternatively, you may want to consider the NatWest Reward current account which currently offers a £180 switch incentive for Cass switches.

The account comes with a monthly fee of £2, but you can earn £4 a month just for having two or more direct debits (two of those direct debits must be at least £2 each).

Plus, you can earn an extra £1 a month with a mobile app login using the NatWest Rewards feature. That equates to cashback of up to £5 per month, so it more than makes up 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 benefits, interest and overdrafts

Helen Kirrane responds: Nationwide currently pays £175 to new customers who switch to one of its FlexPlus, FlexDirect or FlexAccount current accounts.

Customers who open a FlexDirect account earn 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 account balances, up to £1,500 for the first 12 months.

Customers considering switching to the FlexPlus account should note that from 1 December the fee will increase by £5 per month, from £13 per month to £18 per month.