Consumers more likely to switch their football team than their bank

New research conducted by The Co-operative Bank Current Accounts has revealed that one in three (31%) people in Britain will freely switch which football team they support in this summer’s World Cup if their team is knocked out of the competition, or indeed if they failed to qualify whatsoever.

The research also shows that that one in five (19%) admit to having already switched which team they support in previous competitions, although four out of five people will put aside their club rivalries to support their national team.

In terms of switching which side you support though, it appears that children are much more likely to switch teams than their parents, with 24% of people under 18 admitting to team-hopping, whilst just 12% of the over 45 age group admit to the same. Meanwhile, 23% of people said that the behaviour of teams will influence who they support.

However, despite a willingness to switch who they support when it comes to the football, just 29% of people are prepared to switch their current account, despite general levels of poor customer service and a lack of trust in banks.

Rob Bulmer, Managing Director – Retail, The Co-operative Financial Services, said:

“Given the passion that people feel for their national side, it’s quite surprising that such a large percentage of people would switch allegiances once their team is out of the World Cup.

“Fewer people, however, would switch their current account provider, which is extraordinary given the lack of trust and poor customer service that many receive from banks. However, it’s easier now than ever for people to switch accounts if they are unhappy and we’ve seen a corresponding 38% increase in current account openings since last year.”