MOBILE PHONES

HAVE you thought about shifting your bank account to get a better service, ditching that rubbish energy provider with poor customer service, or getting a cheaper mobile phone deal? What’s stopping you? Here are three things that are super easy to switch and save.

FABULOUSLY, you can now change your mobile phone supplier with a text message.

New OFCOM rules mean that if your minimum contract has expired, you no longer need to jump through tons of complicated hoops to switch providers. You just send a text.

■ IF you want to switch and keep your phone number text PAC to 65075. Your current provider must respond asap.

You’ll then get the

PAC code (porting authorisation code) you need to move to another provider – valid for 30 days. If any exit/early termina- tion fees apply they have to tell you about this too.

If you’re not bothered about keeping your old number you can text STAC to 75075 to request a code that allows you to do the same thing.

When you give the code to the new mobile phone firm, they have to sort the switch out within one day – and voila!

Not sure if you’re out of contract? Text INFO to 85075 to find out.

BANK ACCOUNTS

Tell your new bank you want to switch accounts, fill in a simple form and provide ID.

The banks then have a maximum of seven working days to transfer everything.

Just over 99% of switches happen successfully within the timescales – but again, if something goes wrong you can make a formal complaint.

ENERGY PROVIDERS

Providers have to help you switch

THE old switching process could take up to a month and often resulted in direct debits not being paid or other mistakes. So the rules were tightened massively a few years back. Here’s how it works.

Find a bank you like the look of. There’s loads of comparison information out there so check what services are on offer.

Look for interest rates, customer service reviews (there has just been a big survey on the best and worst banks) and overdraft charges before deciding.

THE PRICE OF LOYALTY

THERE are loads of other sectors and services where switching to a better service provider is easier and quicker than it used to be. So don’t stay loyal just because it seems less hassle. Set aside time to switch to a better deal – you could save a fortune!

■ Resolver can help you sort out complaints about pretty much anything. Check out resolver.co.uk and share your experiences at yourstories@ resolvergroup.com

AGAIN, there are loads of energy switching comparison sites. Have a look to get a feel for the deals that could benefit you. Look for the ‘confidence code’ – OFGEM’s code of practice for comparison services created to help make the switching process easier and more reliable. You need the name of your current supplier, the tariff you’re on (it’s on your bill) and your postcode. I’d give an up to date meter reading to your current service provider too, just so you can find out if your bill is in credit or debit (now’s the best time to switch as the summer means we use less energy). Get in touch with the new company and start the process. They should deal with any issues of overcharging while the switch is in progress so if there’s any confusion speak to them first about final bills. Annoyingly, you’ll pay less by paying by direct debit, which isn’t fair, but that’s the case with most service providers.