The European Commission has welcomed the European Banking Industry Committee's (EBIC) adoption of a set of "Common Principles for Bank Account Switching", which will make it easier for consumers to switch their current account from one bank to another within their own Member State.

In the Commission's view, this represents a tangible benefit for consumers and should help to boost competition on the European retail banking market. The new rules have been developed in response to an invitation from the Commission announced in the "Single Market for 21st Century Europe" package.

Internal Market and Services Commissioner McCreevy said: "I am pleased that the European banking industry took up the challenge of self-regulating on this important initiative for European citizens. I believe that, once implemented by all European banks, the Principles will increase mobility and stimulate competition. The adoption of the Common Principles is a crucial step showing European banks' commitment to competition, even under the current difficult circumstances. However, the banks' job is not over yet. Now they will have to work hard on proper implementation and application of these Principles in each Member State".

EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva said: "The objective is very clear, we want to get rid of the extra costs and paperwork that are holding consumers back from switching easily to get the best deal from banks on the high street. We know that the current account market has significant untapped potential for cost savings. A staggering 56 % of European consumers report that they got a lower price when they switched. These principles mark an important first step towards making free bank switching a reality for consumers. But the proof of the pudding will be in the eating: together with consumer bodies, we will be watching the implementation of the code carefully to see whether it produces concrete results."

According to the Principles, if a consumer wishes to change bank, the new bank will act as the primary contact point and offer its assistance throughout the switching process. It will deal with the old bank, ensuring that the transfer of the consumer's recurrent payments, such as direct debits and standing orders, is done smoothly and rapidly. The new bank will also either help the consumer to inform the relevant third parties, such as utilities providers, about the new bank account details or do that itself. Finally, the new bank will assist the consumer in closing the old account and transferring the remaining balance to the new account.

The old bank will generally not charge the consumer for providing standard information about the consumer's recurrent payments. The Commission expects that, combined with competitive market forces, this principle will lead to a situation where the whole switching process is, generally, free of charge for the consumers.