You'll need the approval of your church leadership for a decision concerning the church finances.

Identify who is responsible for financial decisions

Different churches make decisions in different ways. You will need to identify who to speak to in your church and if it will require any kind of motion or vote to approve a change of banks. Usually the person to speak to will be a treasurer, a senior pastor, or an equivalent figure. If you aren't sure who to ask and how to ask them, asking someone you know well on the leadership team is a good place to start.

Do your research

You can find your church's financial report on the Charity Commission website - this will tell you where they bank currently.

Use the Banking on Climate Chaos website to check how that bank performs and be prepared with JustMoney Movement's Greener, Fairer Banking Guide to discuss alternatives.

You may not know what specific features and services you need from a bank or what type of account your church is eligible for - you'll need your church treasurer's help for this - but it's good to know what the options are. There is no one-size-fits-all solution: your church may have particular needs that make some options unsuitable, but there is usually a better choice you can make.

Think about their motivations

If talking to a church leader, think about framing your suggestions in terms of the church's mission, impact in the world and wise use of the resources God has given.

If your church has already engaged in climate justice (perhaps through beginning an Eco Church journey), then you can frame this as an impactful next step.

If talking to a treasurer, you may need to assure them that greener options are safe, that the impact of changing is worthwhile and that the process is usually straightforward.

Our why switch page can help you with this and our stories and endorsements may also be persuasive. You may find it easier to gather some friends who are also persuaded of the need for this change to show it is not just a niche concern.

Make sure your tone is positive and collaborative, bearing in mind the challenges of their role and offering support with the switching process.

Once you have formal agreement from those who need to give it, you can start the process of switching.

Step 1: Choose your new bank

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your church may have particular needs that make some options unsuitable.

Get support from those in the know to determine which bank is the best fit. JustMoney Movement's Greener, Fairer Banking Guide has information on the features of each bank account so you can find one that has what your church needs.

Step 2: Gather documentation and apply for your new account

When you apply for a new account, your new bank will need to carry out security checks. Gather together the documentation and details you need. UK Finance provide a checklist of all the things that you'll need to apply for your new account.

Step 3: Find out if you can use the Current Account Switch Service

Most banks are covered by the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) which makes switching simple and universal. Your new bank will transfer all of your regular incoming and outcoming payments to your new account, close your old account and redirect any payments sent to your old account to your new one.

Learn about how to switch using CASS

Step 4: Don't switch quietly

Once you've switched, please tell us! Tell the story of why you switched in your local press and church publications - we can help you do this if you need support.

Also explain to your former bank why you are leaving them. This adds to the social momentum for change in the banking sector.

Download a template email/letter to send to your bank (Word, 25.9KB)

We're here to support you through the process of switching banks. For each church, we will work with a Local Rep or Reps - this is how you can get involved. 

Local Reps are responsible for contacting the leadership of their church, encouraging them to switch to an ethical bank account and then supporting them to make the switch. You don't need any experience or lots of time to give - just the willingness to do some research, write some emails, have some meetings, and the persistence and patience to help your church improve its climate impact.

Support Bank Well provides 

Firstly, we will provide you with online training to equip you in your role as a Local Rep.

Then, you will be assigned a Local Rep Supporter from our team, who has experience supporting churches to switch. They will be available to answer questions and provide guidance at every stage of the process. 

We believe the request is best made by you as a member of your church so their involvement will be supporting you at arms length, but if your church’s case is particularly tricky they may join meetings and respond to churches directly.