THE POWER'S IN YOUR POCKET
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THE POWER'S IN YOUR POCKET *
TAKE CONTROL OF CLIMATE CHANGE
SWITCH YOUR BANK
SWITCH TO A BANK THAT INVESTS IN A FUTURE YOU WANT
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR MONEY
CREATE THE CHANGE YOUR DESERVE
SWITCH YOUR BANK
(Under 20 minutes - £0 - Government Protected)
climate harming
Based on Fossil Fuel investment 2024
Barclays - £125 Billion
Santander - £125 Billion
HSBC - £125 Billion
NatWest - £125 Billion
Lloyds - £125 Billion
climate safe
Based on Fossil Fuel investment 2024
Triodos - £0
Nationwide - £0
Co-op - £0
Starling - £0
Monzo - £0
WHAT SWITCHED IS
SWITCHED is a student-led climate campaign aiming to bring young people together around a collective movement of switching banks. Helping students and young people take control of climate change by switching to banks that invest in the world they want—turning a free, fast, and easy action into real collective empowerment and impact.
Our own banks are the biggest fossil fuel investors in the world and are shaping a future where limiting warming is impossible
You Have the power
Climate safe banking is the solution that we need for a better future that is fair to all - and you have the power to make the shift.
Students are some of the most valuble customers customers in retail banking, while also being the most climate consiouse. When you match your bank with your values you
When you switch you not only take your money out of fossil fuels and lower your carbon footprint dramatically, you take control.
We have the power to catalyse a shift in banking, taking trillions out of the problem and putting it in the solution.
This is your voice, and for the first time you will be heard by those with the power to decide our future
WHY WE SWITCHED
Banks are the biggest fossil fuel investors in the world, putting billions into fossil fuels every year, their decisions dictate our future. Climate-safe banks invest £0. By switching to Climate-safe banks we get to have a voice for the first time. We get the say in our future we’ve always deserved. Switching takes under 20 minutes, costs nothing, and can reduce your money’s carbon footprint by up to 75%. When students switch together, banks notice, and change happens.
BANK COMPARISON CHART (SIMPLE VERSION)
Climate-Harming Banks
Climate-Safe Banks
Barclays
HSBC
Santander
NatWest
Lloyds
Triodos
Nationwide
Co-op
Starling
Monzo
Source: Banking on Climate Chaos / bank.green
HOW TO SWITCH
Check whether your bank funds fossil fuels
Choose a climate-safe alternative
Switch your account in under 20 minutes
The UK Current Account Switch Service moves your payments automatically.
It’s free. It’s protected. You make a difference without even feeling it..
WHAT WE DO
SWITCHED does on campus campaigning through leaflets, posters and stickers. Raising awareness of banks investments in fossil fuels and the power we hold to change them by switching. We hold and collaborate on events to motivate switching and group switches where young people can come and take action together. Lowering anxiety and celebrating our power.
You can follow our social media @switched_campaign
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Want to bring SWITCHED to your university?
Download posters, flyers, and guides.
Host a switching event.
[Download campaign materials]
SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN
SWITCHED is run by students, for students.
Donations help us print materials, run events, and reach more campuses.
[Donate]
Examples of Harmful Bank Investments
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Santander Fossil Investing
Santander’s bottom rating for Environmental Destruction is due to the fact the company has been called out for allegedly funding projects that are harmful to the environment, such as the Santo Antonio Dam in Brazil, which sparked controversy for the harm caused to the region’s ecosystem as a consequence of its operation.
Sources: -
Barclays Fossil Investing
Barclays is the largest European financier of fossil fuels, and the ninth largest worldwide. The bank was featured in the Banking on Climate Chaos report – a collaboration between multiple environmental groups – which stated that Barclays had provided over $24 billion in fossil fuel financing in 2024.
Sources: -
Natwest Fossil Investing
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Sources:
the alternatives
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Triodos
Triodos Bank is widely recognized for its strong ethical and sustainable banking practices. It consistently receives high ratings from organizations like Ethical Consumer and has been named the "Best Ethical Financial Provider" at the British Bank Awards. Ethical Consumer particularly highlighted Triodos' transparency, strong ethical policies across all funds, and robust exclusions on investments in harmful sectors.
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Nationwide
Nationwide Building Society emphasizes ethical and responsible investment practices, particularly due to its structure as a building society owned by its members, which shapes its focus on positive impacts for members, communities, and society. Nationwide's ethical stance is reflected in its lending policies, investment approach, and commitment to sustainable finance.
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Co-operative
The Co-operative Bank is known for its ethical stance and customer-led Ethical Policy, which guides its investment and lending practices. This policy means the bank avoids financing fossil fuels, certain arms manufacturers, and businesses involved in animal cruelty. They also actively campaign for human rights, environmental protection, and social justice.
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Starling
Starling Bank generally scores well on ethical and sustainability metrics, particularly regarding its digital-first approach and commitment to renewable energy. However, some ethical concerns exist, such as its handling of Covid loans and past issues with regulatory reporting.
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Monzo
Monzo Bank is generally considered an ethical bank, particularly in the UK, due to its commitments to responsible banking practices and its focus on sustainability. It has been recognized as a "best buy" for ethical current accounts by various organizations and has been commended for its stance against investing in fossil fuels. Some aspects of its operations have drawn criticism from ethical consumer organizations.
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