1 in 5 new parents say having a child made them rethink their bank, with a third feeling the pinch

• Those earning over £75,000 were most likely to consider changing their banking provider (26%) after becoming a parent

• Nine in 10 parents reassess their finances, with savings (65%), budgeting (57%) and household bills (45%) the most commonly reassessed areas 

8 January 2026 – New research from the Current Account Switch Service shows that one in five new parents (21%) say that having a baby led them to reconsider who they bank with, rising to a quarter of earners over £75,000 (26%).  

From families feeling the pinch to high-earners managing complex finances, the survey of 2,000 parents with children aged 0-3, underscores the pressure of life-changing moments on consumer finances, as nine in 10 (91%) reassessed their finances ahead of becoming parents.  

The reset is being driven by immediate pressures on household budgets, with savings (65%), budgeting (57%) and household bills (45%) the most commonly reassessed areas, as 34% report feeling more pressure financially since having a child.  

Two-fifths of parents (40%) say they have cut back on non-essential spending since having a child, and nearly three in 10 (27%) say they have dipped into savings to cover everyday costs. Over a fifth of new parents (22%) have received financial support from family or friends.  

Higher earners squeezed by parenthood 

New parents on above-average incomes were more likely to reconsider their finances after having a child, highest among those earning between £55,001 - £65,000 (96%), followed by 95% of those earning between £65,001 - £75,000.  

Those earning over £75,000 were most likely to consider changing their banking provider (26%), with the same cohort most likely to cut back on non-essential spending (45%). They were also most likely to report that childcare costs significantly impacted their budget (36%) compared to an average of 30%. £60,000 is currently the threshold for applying the High Income Child Benefit Charge, where parents have to pay 1% of the total Child Benefit entitlement for every £200 of adjusted net income over £60,000. 

New parents seek a switch that makes their lives easier  

Four in ten (40%) new parents say rewards or cashback now matter more to them, while 37% prioritise a smooth mobile banking app. Around a third say they are looking for budgeting tools (34%), while the same proportion say good customer service (34%) has become more important since having a child.  

With time and headspace in short supply, a fifth (21%) admit they are more likely to put off paperwork during early parenthood. Among those who have switched banks, the top reasons reflect this push for simplicity and value, including cash incentives or rewards (25%), a better mobile app (21%), stronger customer service (21%) and improved budgeting tools (21%). 

John Dentry, Product Owner at Pay.UK, owner and operator of the Current Account Switch Service, said: “Becoming a parent is a big financial reset for many. Our research shows parents aren’t just tightening belts - they’re actively reassessing how their money – and their bank account - works for them. 

But when life gets busy, admin tasks often fall down the list, and that’s when people risk missing opportunities to make changes that could really help such as switching to a current account that better fits their needs. 

The Current Account Switch Service makes that process simple and stress-free. It moves salaries, Direct Debits and payments automatically, with full guarantees in place if anything goes wrong. No chasing payments, no paperwork - just a smooth switch that helps families unlock accounts with better features such as cashback, budgeting tools and reliable mobile banking.”