Account opening criteria
High Interest, Package, Reward & Standard current accounts
- You must be 18 years of age or older
- You must not have been declared Bankrupt or have registered for an Individual Voluntary Agreement within the last six years or be in the process of doing so (Does not apply to M&S Bank)
- You are a UK resident
Student accounts
- You’re aged 18 years or over
- You’ve been accepted onto a full-time UCAS course at a UK institution for at least 2 years
- You don’t already have a student account with another Banking institution
Children’s accounts
- You must be aged between 11 and 18 years old
- You must be living permanently in the UK
Credit building
- You must be aged 18 or over to apply
- You must have a residential address in the UK
Before applying, please always check each banks specific opening criteria on their website.
Customer Service
This is based on a scoring system we developed using data from MoneySavingExpert’s twice-yearly Current Account customer service polls.
An easy switching process
We guarantee a smooth switch.
All you need to do is:
- Open your new current account
- Pick a switch date
- Let your new bank or building society do the rest
A smooth switch for you
The Current Account Switch Service makes switching your current account simple, reliable and stress-free. Over 4 million current accounts have been switched so far.
The Current Account Switch Guarantee means that your new bank takes care of closing your old account, moving your balance and switching your payments.
So you don't need to worry.
Start using your new account
On your agreed switch date your new account will be ready to use and your old account will be closed. Your new bank will have transferred all of your regular incoming payments (such as your salary or benefits) and outgoing payments (such as Direct Debits, standing orders, future dated payments and bill payments) to your new account, along with any remaining credit balance. Your saved Payee details will also be transferred over.
Note: future dated payments set up within 7 working days of your switch date cannot be transferred across to your new account.
Need to knows
- 1. Check you're able to switch
The Current Account Switch Service covers 99% of UK current accounts. The process is the same everywhere so you can feel confident when you switch, no matter which participating bank or building society you choose.
- HOWEVER YOU CAN'T SWITCH WITH:
- A joint account without the permission of both parties
- Saving accounts
- ISAs
- Non-sterling payment accounts.
- 2. Check you're eligible
Common eligibility examples include having a minimum number of Direct Debits, and a set amount entering the account each month. You'll also need to agree any overdraft facilities you require with them before initiating the switch (subject to eligibility status).
Just in case if anything has gone wrong
In the unlikely event that anything goes wrong, your new bank or building society guarantees to refund any interest and charges you incur as a result of a delayed or incorrect switch. It's all part of the Current Account Switch Guarantee.
Track your spending and manage your accounts and payments easily using the Barclays app
Bank Account
Reward
Other perks
Overdraft
Account fee
per month
Representative example and Need-to-knows
What types of current account does Barclays offer?
There are a wide range of current accounts available at Barclays, including:
Bank account. Their standard current account, it’s free to use but you can add rewards for a monthly fee.
Premier current account. This requires a certain level of income or deposit to qualify, though you’ll get a number of benefits for no monthly cost.
Student additions account (and international). An account designed to help students with their spending and finances, with some useful perks included – though these can vary for international students.
Higher education account. A bank account made to help graduates with their finances once they’ve left university.
Young person’s account. This is an account for youngsters aged 16-19, and also comes with digital features that educate and inform young people about banking.
Children’s bank account. For children ages 11-15, it comes with facilities to help them start saving money early.
Foreign currency accounts. Barclays’ foreign currency accounts come with a reduced exchange rate risk, while you can also take out accounts specifically for Euros or Dollars.
What features do Barclays current accounts have?
Depending on the account you take out, you could have access to one or more of the following features:
Overdraft facilities are available on some of Barclays’ current accounts, though the fees can vary for authorised and unauthorised overdrafts, with some being interest free depending on your circumstances.
Pingit is an app that allows you to transfer money using just a phone number.
Digital wings is an educational programme designed to help young bankers learn more about the world of finance.
Create your own card means you can have a personalised debit card with a picture of your choosing, though there are some guidelines to follow.
Rewards are on offer for various current accounts, including:
- Cashback and discounts when you spend at selected retailers
- Cash rewards for direct debits and various banking products
Add-ons for various insurance packages can also be included, such as:
- The tech pack gives you mobile and gadget insurance
- The travel pack lets you combine worldwide family travel insurance with comprehensive car insurance
The travel plus pack includes the same as the travel pack but also adds airport lounge access and discounts on hotels and parking
Barclays credentials
Barclays is authorised and regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority, and is also regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Why you should compare current accounts
Current accounts are a major part of most people’s day-to-day banking, so it’s important to find an account that’s right for you. Shopping around can be a great way to find good deals and offers, and on MoneySuperMarket you can compare current accounts by a number of important features, such as the overdraft facilities, interest rates, and any included rewards and benefits.
Once you’ve picked the account you want to open, you can make the switch within seven working days with the Current Account Switch Service – all of your incoming and outgoing payments are automatically transferred too. Your provider will take care of any loose ends, including redirecting any transactions still going to and from your old account, as well as any penalty charges and fees.
At the moment we are unable to show you any current accounts from Barclays. Please return to our current accounts page to see our wide selection of account providers, or see more current accounts below.
