Whether its a bank switch, cashback or a student account you're after, take a look at the best current accounts we have on offer. Updated daily.
£450 for an in app CASS switch with 3 active DDs & £5k salary in 30 days; plus £30pm for 5 mths when £5k salary paid in + 10 card purchases mthly. New sole Premier customers, UK 18+, £75k+ income / £100k+ eligible savings/investments. T&Cs apply
Get up to £600 when you switch to a Barclays Premier Current Account*
Premier Current Account
Switch Incentive
Up to £600 when you switch*
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
Choose from a range of experiences
Account details:
Switch Incentive: Get £450 when you switch to a Barclays Premier Current Account and another £150 when you stay.*
Interest rate: 0% AER interest on in-credit balances
Overdraft: Up to £500 interest free. Subject to financial status
Rewards: Choose from a range of experiences including early access to sports, music & cultural events with Barclays Experiences. T&Cs apply
Other Perks: Access support from dedicated Premier Financial Guides & an exclusive black debit card
Important information:
Overdrafts, including free amounts, are subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. *To get £450, switch to a Premier Current Account, pay in a min £5k salary and set up 3 direct debits, all within 30 days. To get another £150, complete 10 eligible debit card transactions p/m. T&Cs & Premier eligibility criteria apply. New customers, 18+, UK residents only. Offer may be withdrawn at any time
Get a £500 welcome bonus when you switch to Premier Select. Pay in £15k+ within 90 days (this can be done over multiple payments such as your salary) keep funds in your account for 24 hours, and log in to the NatWest app. T&Cs and restrictions apply
£500 welcome bonus to switch to NatWest Premier. T&Cs and restrictions apply
Premier Select account
Switch Incentive
£500 welcome bonus
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
24/7 customer support, access to investment
Account details:
Switch Incentive: Pay in £15k and log into app within 90 days for £500. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs and restrictions apply
Overdraft: Overdraft available subject to status
Other Perks: 24/7 customer support, access to investment advisors, no foreign transaction fee (excluding ATM withdrawals, local fees may apply)
Important information:
You can apply for an NatWest Premier Account if you meet ONE of these criteria: 1) Have an individual annual income of £100k+ or 2) Have savings or investments of £100k+ with NatWest or 3) Min £500k mortgage with NatWest. 18+ UK Res. Switch offer - Can not have had an offer previously or held a current/savings account as of 02/09/26. T&Cs and restrictions apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time
Get a £500 welcome bonus when you switch to Premier Select. Pay in £15k+ within 90 days (this can be done over multiple payments such as your salary) keep funds in your account for 24 hours, and log in to the NatWest app. T&Cs and restrictions apply
£500 welcome bonus to switch to RBS Premier. T&Cs and restrictions apply
Premier Select
Switch Incentive
£500 welcome bonus
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
24/7 customer support, access to investment
Account details:
Switch Incentive: Pay in £15k and log into app within 90 days for £500. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs and restrictions apply
Overdraft: Overdraft available subject to status
Other Perks: 24/7 customer support, access to investment advisors, no foreign transaction fee (excluding ATM withdrawals, local fees may apply)
Important information:
You can apply for an RBS Premier Account if you meet ONE of these criteria: 1) Have an individual annual income of £100k+ or 2) Have savings or investments of £100k+ with RBS or 3) Min £500k mortgage with RBS. 18+ UK Res. Switch offer - Can not have had an offer previously or held a current/savings account as of 02/09/26. T&Cs and restrictions apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time
£500 when you fully switch with £100k+ salary OR transfer £100k+ in savings/investments. New customers only. + £290 cashback when you open a Premier World Elite Mastercard within 90 days (equivalent to your first annual fee). Eligibility & T&Cs apply
£500 to switch & £290 cashback when opening a Premier World Elite Mastercard
Premier Account
Switch Incentive
£500 to switch
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
Worldwide Travel Insurance.
Account details:
Switch Incentive: Switch to HSBC Premier for a £500 welcome bonus, plus cashback equal to your first annual fee with Premier World Elite Mastercard
Overdraft: Arranged overdraft available
Rewards: Worldwide Travel Insurance. Access to digital GP. Access to wealth specialists
Other Perks: Exclusive Premier rewards and offers
Important information:
£500 when you complete a full switch with a £100k+ salary OR transfer £100k+ in savings/investments with HSBC UK for the qualifying period. Plus open a Premier World Elite Mastercard within 90 days for £290 cashback (equivalent to your first annual fee.) Subject to eligibility & T&Cs. Credit subject to status. Offer can be withdrawn at any time.
Get a £500 welcome bonus when you switch to Premier Reward. Pay in £15k+ within 90 days (this can be done over multiple payments such as your salary) keep funds in your account for 24 hours, and log in to the NatWest app. T&Cs and restrictions apply
£500 welcome bonus to switch to NatWest Premier. T&Cs and restrictions apply
Premier Reward account
Switch Incentive
£500 welcome bonus
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
£2 /month
Rewards and other perks
Earn £9 a month in rewards
Account details:
Switch Incentive: Pay in £15k and log into app within 90 days for £500. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs and restrictions apply
Overdraft: Overdraft available subject to status
Rewards: Earn £9 a month in rewards (£9 for 2x +£4.50 Direct Debits) + 1% Rewards on spend with selected partners
Other Perks: 24/7 customer support, access to investment advisors, no foreign transaction fee (excluding ATM withdrawals, local fees may apply)
Important information:
You can apply for an NatWest Premier Account if you meet ONE of these criteria: 1) Have an individual annual income of £100k+ or 2) Have savings or investments of £100k+ with NatWest or 3) Min £500k mortgage with NatWest. 18+ UK Res. Switch offer - Can not have had an offer previously or held a current/savings account as of 02/09/26. T&Cs and restrictions apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.
Get a £500 welcome bonus when you switch to Premier Reward. Pay in £15k+ within 90 days (this can be done over multiple payments such as your salary) keep funds in your account for 24 hours, and log in to the RBS app. T&Cs and restrictions apply
£500 welcome bonus to switch to RBS Premier. T&Cs and restrictions apply
Premier Reward
Switch Incentive
£500 welcome bonus
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
£2 /month
Rewards and other perks
Earn £9 a month in rewards
Account details:
Switch Incentive: Pay in £15k and log into app within 90 days for £500. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs and restrictions apply.
Overdraft: Overdraft available subject to status
Rewards: Earn £9 a month in rewards (£9 for 2x +£4.50 Direct Debits) + 1% Rewards on spend with selected partners
Other Perks: Exclusive 24/7 customer support, access to investment advisors & option to donate the Rewards you’ve built up
Important information:
You can apply for an RBS Premier Account if you meet ONE of these criteria: 1) Have an individual annual income of £100k+ or 2) Have savings or investments of £100k+ with RBS or 3) Min £500k mortgage with RBS. 18+ UK Res. Switch offer - Can not have had an offer previously or held a current/savings account as of 02/09/26. T&Cs and restrictions apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.
UK & Europe family travel insurance + AA family breakdown cover + Mobile phone insurance
Silver Account
Interest Rate
0% AER
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
£11.5 /month
Rewards and other perks
Up to 15% cashback with selected retailers
Account details:
Overdraft: Arranged overdraft available
Rewards: Up to 15% cashback with selected retailers when paying by debit card or Direct Debit. Retailer offers and cashback amounts vary
Other Perks: AA Breakdown Family cover. Roadside Assistance with At Home & National Recovery + up to 15% cashback at selected retailers
Important information:
UK & Europe family travel insurance cover ceases on the account holders 65th birthday - so long as the account holder is under 65 their spouse, partner or civil partner will also be covered until they reach 65.
Get £20 when you spend £20, upto 3.40% AER (variable) paid daily & discounted lounge access
Metal
Interest Rate
0% AER
Arranged overdraft
Account fees
£14.99 /month
Rewards and other perks
1 RevPoint per £2 spent
Account details:
Switch Incentive: Spend £20 to get £20 when you open an account*
Overdraft: No overdraft facility
Rewards: 1 RevPoint per £2 spent up to 3.40% AER variable on savings, personalised Metal card, subscriptions worth over £2,100/year
Other Perks: Save 40% on international transfers, salary paid a day early, no fees on weekend currency exchange
Important information:
New customers only, min £20. Customers aged 16+ can now open a Revolut account; some features only available to 18+. Interest earned is liable to the applicable taxes. Personalisation fees may apply. Currency exchange in 35+ currencies with Revolut exchange rate. Instant access savings, eSIM fees and RevPoints T&Cs apply. Early salary for UK users receiving BACS payments only.
Get £200 when you switch to a new Club Lloyds Silver account and transfer 3 active Direct Debits using the Current Account Switch Service. Offer ends 9th December 2026. UK residents, 18+. T&Cs and exclusions apply
UK & Europe family travel insurance+AA family breakdown cover+Mobile phone insurance
Club Lloyds Silver Account
Interest Rate
0.75% AER
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
£16.5 /month
Rewards and other perks
A lifestyle benefit + no debit card fees overseas
Account details:
Switch Incentive: Get £200 when you switch using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). T&Cs and exclusions apply. Offer ends 9th December 2026
Interest rate: 0.75% AER interest on in-credit balances between £1 and £3999.99
Overdraft: Arranged overdraft available
Rewards: A lifestyle benefit + no debit card fees overseas + credit interest & preferential savings, mortgage offers & travel money rates
Other Perks: AA Breakdown Family cover & Roadside Assistance + up to 15% cashback at selected retailers
Important information:
*£5pm Club Lloyds fee refunded each month you pay in £2,000+. UK & Europe family travel insurance ends on the account holder's 65th birthday; if the account holder is under 65, their spouse, partner or civil partner is covered until they reach 65. To receive the £200 switch offer, switch to a new eligible Lloyds account and transfer 3 active Direct Debits using CASS. UK residents, 18+. T&Cs apply
5% interest on balances up to £500
Student Account
Interest Rate
5% AER
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
Receive 5% AER/4.89% gross variable
Account details:
Interest rate: 5% AER interest on in-credit balances up to £500
Overdraft: Interest and fee-free tiered arranged overdraft
Other Perks: Receive 5% AER/4.89% gross variable interest on balances up to £500
Important information:
You can then apply to increase the overdraft to £1,000 in months seven to nine and from month ten up to £1,500 – helping you to manage your spending over your first year. UK resident 17+, Eligibility for overdraft: UK resident 18+
New customers earn 3.00% AER (variable)* on current accounts up to £500k + no fees abroad**
Current Account
Interest Rate
3% AER
Arranged overdraft
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
Spend abroad with no fees from Kroo Bank,
Account details:
Interest rate: 3% AER interest on in-credit balances up to £500000
Overdraft: No overdraft facility
Other Perks: Spend abroad with no fees from Kroo Bank, pots to organise money, tools to split shared spending, real-time insights, + a Cash ISA
Important information:
*New customers earn 3.00% AER/2.96% gross (variable) interest on balances up to £500k, including a fixed 2.00% AER bonus for the first 12 months. **When you use your Kroo Bank card abroad, Kroo won’t add any extra fees for transactions or ATM withdrawals. While Kroo don’t charge, some individual ATM providers may have their own fees. You’ll get Visa’s exchange rate, with no markup from Kroo
Get £50 when you open a 123 Mini Current Account, deposit £50 within 31 days of opening & keep it open until the £50 payment is made. UK residents aged 13-17 only. New 123 Mini Current Accounts only. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs apply
High interest for under 18s
1|2|3 Mini Current Account
Interest Rate
3% AER
Arranged overdraft
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
3% interest on balances from £1,500-£2,000
Account details:
Interest rate: 3% AER interest on in-credit balances between £1500 and £2000
Overdraft: No overdraft facility
Other Perks: 3% interest on balances from £1,500-£2,000
Important information:
Under 13s: account must be opened in branch and in trust and managed by an adult.
Earn cashback each month, 2.1% interest on balances up to £25k & no debit card fees outside the UK
Edge® Up Current Account
Interest Rate
2.1% AER
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
£5 /month
Rewards and other perks
1% cashback (up to £15 a month)
Account details:
Interest rate: 2.1% AER interest on in-credit balances up to £25000
Overdraft: 0% arranged overdraft for first four months for switchers
Rewards: 1% cashback (up to £15 a month) on selected household bills when you pay by Direct Debit
Other Perks: Access to Santander Regular Saver, save up to £200 per month, payable from a Santander current account. T&Cs apply
Important information:
You must be over 18 and live in the UK permanently to open the account. Pay a £5 monthly fee to maintain the account, pay in at least £1500 each month and have 2 active Direct Debits. To be eligible for Santander Boosts, you must have a personal Santander debit or credit card, be 18 years or over and be registered for Online and Mobile Banking
Get £200 when you switch to a new Lloyds Premier account and transfer 3 active Direct Debits using the Current Account Switch Service. Offer ends 9th December 2026. UK residents, 18+. T&Cs and exclusions apply
Bupa Digital Family GP & Wellbeing subscription+1% cashback on debit card spend
Premier Account
Interest Rate
1.5% AER
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
Bupa Digital Family GP & Wellbeing subscription
Account details:
Switch Incentive: Get £200 when you switch using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). T&Cs and exclusions apply. Offer ends 9th December 2026
Interest rate: 1.5% AER interest on in-credit balances between £1 and £3999.99
Overdraft: Arranged overdraft available
Rewards: Bupa Digital Family GP & Wellbeing subscription + 1% cashback on debit card spend + Lifestyle benefit + Financial Coaching
Other Perks: Preferential savings, mortgage offers & travel money rates + no debit card fees abroad + Up to 15% cashback at selected retailers
Important information:
You need to pay in £5,000+ or maintain £100,000+ in qualifying savings/investments to be eligible for this account. To earn credit interest, pay 2 different Direct Debits monthly. 1% cashback capped at £10 per account per month. To receive the £200 switch offer, switch to a new eligible Lloyds account and transfer 3 active Direct Debits using CASS. UK residents, 18+. T&Cs apply
Get a £500 welcome bonus when you switch to Premier Reward. Pay in £15k+ within 90 days (this can be done over multiple payments such as your salary) keep funds in your account for 24 hours, and log in to the NatWest app. T&Cs and restrictions apply
£500 welcome bonus to switch to NatWest Premier. T&Cs and restrictions apply
Premier Reward account
Switch Incentive
£500 welcome bonus
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
£2 /month
Rewards and other perks
Earn £9 a month in rewards
Account details:
Switch Incentive: Pay in £15k and log into app within 90 days for £500. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs and restrictions apply
Overdraft: Overdraft available subject to status
Rewards: Earn £9 a month in rewards (£9 for 2x +£4.50 Direct Debits) + 1% Rewards on spend with selected partners
Other Perks: 24/7 customer support, access to investment advisors, no foreign transaction fee (excluding ATM withdrawals, local fees may apply)
Important information:
You can apply for an NatWest Premier Account if you meet ONE of these criteria: 1) Have an individual annual income of £100k+ or 2) Have savings or investments of £100k+ with NatWest or 3) Min £500k mortgage with NatWest. 18+ UK Res. Switch offer - Can not have had an offer previously or held a current/savings account as of 02/09/26. T&Cs and restrictions apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.
Get a £500 welcome bonus when you switch to Premier Reward. Pay in £15k+ within 90 days (this can be done over multiple payments such as your salary) keep funds in your account for 24 hours, and log in to the RBS app. T&Cs and restrictions apply
£500 welcome bonus to switch to RBS Premier. T&Cs and restrictions apply
Premier Reward
Switch Incentive
£500 welcome bonus
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
£2 /month
Rewards and other perks
Earn £9 a month in rewards
Account details:
Switch Incentive: Pay in £15k and log into app within 90 days for £500. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs and restrictions apply.
Overdraft: Overdraft available subject to status
Rewards: Earn £9 a month in rewards (£9 for 2x +£4.50 Direct Debits) + 1% Rewards on spend with selected partners
Other Perks: Exclusive 24/7 customer support, access to investment advisors & option to donate the Rewards you’ve built up
Important information:
You can apply for an RBS Premier Account if you meet ONE of these criteria: 1) Have an individual annual income of £100k+ or 2) Have savings or investments of £100k+ with RBS or 3) Min £500k mortgage with RBS. 18+ UK Res. Switch offer - Can not have had an offer previously or held a current/savings account as of 02/09/26. T&Cs and restrictions apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.
£200 on opening a NatWest Select/Reward account & fully switch via CASS. Within 60 days pay in £1,250, keep for 24hrs & log in to app. UK residents, no NatWest current account held on 6/5/26/previous cash from NatWest/RBS/Ulster switch. T&Cs apply
£200 offer when you switch to NatWest. £2/m fee, T&Cs apply
Reward Account
Switch Incentive
£200 offer
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
£2 /month
Rewards and other perks
From 1% in Rewards
Account details:
Switch Incentive: £200 offer when you switch to NatWest using the Current Account Switch Service. T&Cs and restrictions apply
Overdraft: Arranged overdraft available. Subject to eligibility
Rewards: From 1% in Rewards when you spend with selected partners + £4/m Rewards (£4 for 2x £2+ direct debits)
Other Perks: Access to Digital Regular Saver. Deposit £1 to £150 per month
Important information:
For £200, open a Select or Reward account and switch using the Current Account Switch Service. Pay in £1,250 & log into the app within 60 days. You must not have held a current account on 06/05/26 or previously received an offer from NW Group. T&Cs & account criteria apply. May be withdrawn at any time. You must be 18+ and a UK resident and pay in £1,250 each month
Free 4-year railcard + interest free overdraft
Santander Edge Student current account
Interest Rate
0% AER
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other personalised offers
Account details:
Overdraft: Up to £2,000 interest and fee-free arranged overdraft
Rewards: Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other personalised offers when you use Santander Boosts
Other Perks: Free 4-year 16-25 Railcard, saving you 1/3 on rail travel in Great Britain
Important information:
Must be over 18 and live in the UK permanently and studying for an undergraduate course that is at least 2 years in length or a level 4-7 apprenticeship. You must plan to pay in at least £500 every 4 months and must not already have an existing Santander current account. Overdraft is subject to status.
5% interest on balances up to £500
Student Account
Interest Rate
5% AER
Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
Receive 5% AER/4.89% gross variable
Account details:
Interest rate: 5% AER interest on in-credit balances up to £500
Overdraft: Interest and fee-free tiered arranged overdraft
Other Perks: Receive 5% AER/4.89% gross variable interest on balances up to £500
Important information:
You can then apply to increase the overdraft to £1,000 in months seven to nine and from month ten up to £1,500 – helping you to manage your spending over your first year. UK resident 17+, Eligibility for overdraft: UK resident 18+
Get £50 when you open a 123 Mini Current Account, deposit £50 within 31 days of opening & keep it open until the £50 payment is made. UK residents aged 13-17 only. New 123 Mini Current Accounts only. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs apply
High interest for under 18s
1|2|3 Mini Current Account
Interest Rate
3% AER
Opening restrictions
You must be aged between 13 and 17 years old to apply online
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
3% interest on balances from £1,500-£2,000
Account details:
Interest rate: 3% AER interest on in-credit balances between £1500 and £2000
Overdraft: No overdraft facility
Other Perks: 3% interest on balances from £1,500-£2,000
Important information:
Under 13s: account must be opened in branch and in trust and managed by an adult.
Children get their own app & card for everyday spending, whilst an adult has visibility via the app
Revolut
Interest Rate
0% AER
Opening restrictions
Available for children aged 6-15. A parent/guardian aged 18+ must have a Revolut account to open & manage the account
Account fees
None
Rewards and other perks
Freeze a child's card in the app, receive
Account details:
Overdraft: No overdraft facility
Other Perks: Freeze a child's card in the app, receive instant transaction notifications and stay informed on account activity
Important information:
Kids & Teens accounts are available for children aged 6-15. A parent or guardian aged 18+ must have a Revolut account to open and manage the account. Children aged 13+ can create an account with parental approval. Payments to and from other Revolut customers are only available to children aged 13+. Some products and features may have age restrictions. See provider T&Cs for details
Switching bank accounts is simple, especially if your new provider uses the Current Account Switch Service.
Apply for your chosen account and provide any identification requested. Ask your new bank to switch your existing account, giving your old account and debit card details. Both banks must participate in the Current Account Switch Service. If you’re overdrawn, agree an overdraft with your new bank or arrange to repay it before switching.
Once your new account is open, agree a switch date with your new bank. Allow at least seven working days and choose a weekday that isn’t a bank holiday. You can keep using your old account until then, but avoid setting up new Direct Debits or standing orders on it during the switching period.
Your new provider will transfer your balance, move regular payments and close your old account. Payments into your old account will be redirected for at least three years. Check whether you need to update debit card details for subscriptions.
Your new account is ready for everyday spending, bills and payments. The Current Account Switch Guarantee protects you if something goes wrong during the switching process.
The Current Account Switch Guarantee protects you when you complete a full switch through the Current Account Switch Service, also known as CASS.
It means your switch should be completed in seven working days, with your balance and regular payments moved to your new account. Payments sent to your old account details should also be redirected.
If something goes wrong with the switch and you’re charged fees or lose interest as a result, your new bank should refund you.
Not every type of account switch is covered, so check that your new provider uses the Current Account Switch Service before you apply.
A current account is a type of bank account that allows you to manage your everyday money, including paying bills, receiving wages, and making purchases.
You will typically get access to a debit card, online and mobile banking services, and direct debits to help manage regular payments.
Some current accounts may offer additional features such as overdraft facilities or cashback, but they may come with specific requirements, such as a minimum monthly deposit.
Current accounts are designed for daily use and typically don't offer high interest on your balance compared to savings accounts, but there are some high interest current accounts available.
1) Apply to open the account: You can open a current account online or in-branch, using the Current Account Switch Service if you want to transfer from another bank.
2) Understand the terms: Current accounts come with features like a debit card, online banking, and direct debits, with some accounts offering extras like overdrafts or cashback.
3) Manage your funds: You can deposit, withdraw, or transfer money easily, helping you manage your everyday expenses and payments with flexibility.
4) Use the account regularly: A current account allows you to access your money whenever you need it, making it perfect for daily financial transactions.
Bank switching is when you move your current account from one provider to another. Many people switch to get a better everyday account, a cash incentive, improved online banking, lower overdraft costs, or extra perks.
Most major banks and building societies use the Current Account Switch Service, which means your new provider can manage the move for you. If you complete a full switch, your old account will usually be closed and your balance, direct debits, standing orders and incoming payments will move to your new account.
As well as meeting usual eligibility requirements such as being 18 or over and a UK resident, there are usually additional requirements in order to receive the switch incentive. These vary across banks and accounts, but often include:
Deposit a certain amount: You might have to move a certain amount of money into the new account
Direct debits: Your new provider may want you to set up a minimum number of direct debits or standing orders in order for you to make the switch
Be a new customer:Some banks will require you to be a first-time customer to qualify for the switch bonus
Everyday spending: Think of a current account as the money you have available. It’s ideal for day-to-day spending, whether you pay by debit card, bank transfer, direct debit or standing order.
Salary: YYour wages can be paid into your current account, giving you a central place to manage your money. From there, you can pay for everyday spending, transfer money into savings or pay off your credit card.
Cash withdrawals: Use your debit card for UK ATM withdrawals to avoid fees. Credit card withdrawals may incur fees and interest.
If you want to manage your finances with someone else, a joint currentaccount could be ideal.
A children’s bank account can help your child understand the value of money and become more financially independent.
Off to college or university soon? Student bank accounts can offer attractive overdraft facilities and include perks like free railcards or cinema tickets.
An app-based bank account is a fully digital current account with no physical branches, allowing you to manage everything conveniently from your smartphone or tablet.
Accounts which offer extra benefits as standard, such as travel insurance, car breakdown cover and gadget insurance, for example. Tend to charge a monthly or annual fee, but can be good value if you make use of the benefits.
Each account has features designed for different types of customers, so choosing the best current account for you depends on your personal finance habits and goals.
For those who regularly need to dip into an overdraft, you may want to prioritise an account that comes with a cheaper overdraft – as some banks have very high overdraft rates.
You may want to consider an online or app-based bank, where you can check your balance, manage transactions and access banking services 24/7, making it easier to manage your money wherever you are.
If your account is rarely overdrawn, then a high interest account could benefit you. These accounts pay competitive rates of interest, however there is usually a cap on the balance that can earn interest each month.
If you have a low credit score, a basic bank account can help you manage your moneywhile you work on improving your credit history. You won’t have access to an overdraft, but setting up direct debits can help you pay bills on time and avoid missed payments.
A current account allows you to quickly access your funds with a debit card, mobile banking, or ATMs, making day-to-day spending convenient.
You can easily set up direct debits and standing orders for bills and regular payments, helping you manage your finances efficiently.
Many current accounts offer an overdraft feature, providing a safety net for short-term borrowing when needed.
Most current accounts offer little or no interest on your balance, meaning your money may not grow over time.
Some current accounts charge a monthly fee, while other costs may apply for using an overdraft, making international payments, withdrawing cash abroad or missing a payment.
Easy access to funds and overdrafts may lead to overspending, potentially resulting in debt if you don’t manage your account responsibly.
We tend to overlook our current accounts but they are valuable weapons in our financial arsenal and even offer a cash incentive for switching (at the time of writing you can get up to £500[1] with MoneySuperMarket). Some perks can genuinely save us money when they fit our needs, and match our spending and saving habits. But even with the switch guarantee, we don't vote with our feet often enough when the account, service or provider isn't what we need or really want. It's high time we started flexing our muscles by switching our current accounts and making those providers work harder for us and our money.
Kara Gammell Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
Compare a range of accounts and features in one place to make it easier to find one that suits you.
Click through to search the market to find the best current account for your needs, including any cash incentives to switch
Use our handy filters to narrow down your options based on the type of current account you need, such as high interest or student accounts
When you find the deal you want, click straight through to the provider to complete your application. Sit back while your new bank takes care of the switch
Most providers will only need you to be over 18 and a UK resident to open a bank account, but some banks might have additional requirements for certain types of accounts. This could mean a minimum credit score, especially if the account comes with perks or benefits. Under-18s can also open a current account with providers that offer junior accounts, although younger applicants may need parental consent.
Yes, some banks offer current accounts designed for children and teenagers, although the minimum age and features vary between providers. Depending on the account, a parent or guardian may need to open or approve it. Children’s accounts can offer features such as spending controls, payment notifications and budgeting tools, helping young people learn to manage money while giving parents some oversight.
If you want to close your account, you’ll normally be able to do this by contacting your bank either by phone or post, or by meeting face to face and letting them know.
To open a bank account in the UK, you’ll usually need to prove your identity and address. The exact documents required vary by bank and account type, and some providers let you verify your details digitally instead.
Commonly accepted documents include:
Proof of identity: a valid passport, UK driving licence or another accepted photo ID.
Proof of address: a recent utility bill, bank statement, council tax bill or other document showing your name and address.
Additional information: some banks may ask for your date of birth, National Insurance number, employment details or information about where your money comes from.
Possibly. Some banks can verify your identity electronically, while others accept alternative documents if you don’t have standard photo ID or proof of address. Check with your chosen provider before applying, as requirements vary.
There are no rules on how many you can have. You can have multiple bank accounts – provided your bank or building society lets you. But some have eligibility criteria, such as a minimum amount you must pay into the account each month, for example.
It can be beneficial to have an additional current account with a partner or housemate if, for example, you need to share payment of rent, mortgage and other bills. You could also open a second current account to earn higher interest on some savings, and still want to keep another account for day-to-day spending.
Be aware that if you use an overdraft on more than one current account this could negatively impact your credit score and affect your ability to get loans and credit. Your credit score could also dip if you apply for a lot of new current accounts in a short space of time.
You can usually switch bank accounts if you’re overdrawn, provided your new bank accepts your application and agrees to an overdraft limit that covers the amount you owe. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to repay the outstanding overdraft before switching. Check the new account’s eligibility criteria and overdraft terms before applying, as interest rates and fees may differ.
A current account is designed for everyday money management, letting you receive your salary, pay bills, make purchases and withdraw cash. A savings account is intended for money you want to put aside, usually earning interest on your balance. Current accounts may offer interest or rewards, but savings accounts often pay higher rates to help your money grow over time.
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme will protect up to £120,000. As long as your current account is held within a UK-authorised bank, building society or credit union then your money will be covered by the FSCS. If you hold a joint bank account, then up to £240,000 will be protected. However, if you have other accounts with the same banking group, the £120,000 limit applies across your deposits with that group.
It depends on the provider, but some current accounts specialise in keeping the costs of spending abroad low. They may offer fee-free card spending, competitive exchange rates and even lower or no overseas ATM fees. Before travelling, check the provider’s overseas fees, exchange rates and any fair-use limits to make sure you know what you’ll pay.
Yes, some banking apps let you manage multiple accounts in one place, including accounts with the same provider or, through open banking, accounts held with other banks. This can make it easier to view your overall finances, check balances and track spending without switching between different apps.
If you want to close your account, you’ll normally be able to do this by contacting your bank either by phone or post, or by meeting face to face and letting them know.
Many banks let you add another person to your account or open a joint account, although the process varies between providers. You’ll usually need to provide the other person’s details and complete identity checks, which can often be done through an app or online. Check with the provider to see whether joint accounts or additional account holders are supported.
If your bank goes out of business your money is safe up to a threshold of £120,000 due to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which gives you government protection when you bank. It includes digital and challenger banks, building societies and credit unions.
You may be able to get a bank account even if you’ve had debt problems in the past or if you have a low credit score.
If you can’t get approval for a regular current account, a basic bank account offers most of the functionality of a standard account, but typically you won’t have access to an overdraft.
Online and mobile banking offers easy access to your money anytime, anywhere. You can pay bills, transfer funds, and check your balance quickly. Mobile banking apps provide convenience, letting you manage your account on the go, receive instant notifications, and ensure secure transactions.
It’s a good idea to check your account statements regularly, because this could stop you going into your overdraft without knowing. It can also be a good way to double check whether there are any transactions you don’t recognise.
Look for a provider with good customer service, because you never know when you’ll need to call them up or go into a branch to fix an issue.
Remember to be careful with your PIN and account details; you should keep this information safe and protected. Remember, your bank will never ask you to reveal details like your PIN, either on the phone, in person or through an email.
Your bank will almost certainly have an app that lets you manage your account online, and some may even be based on their app. This is excellent for quick and easy money management.
Each bank has different ways of transferring money. Some require you to use a card reader when transferring any sum of money, while others only use it for transactions over a set amount.
Other banks do not use card readers at all, so if money transfers are something you might be doing a lot of, it’s worth checking the policy details to see how easy it is to make payments on the go.
If your current account comes with benefits such as air miles, you might want to check whether you really need them. For example, if you’re not a frequent flyer, is an air miles bonus worth the extra cost of the monthly fee? The same goes for any other attached benefits such as travel insurance.
Reviewed on 26 Oct 2026 by
Accurate as of 26 October 2026.
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YouGov Survey 1st July 2025 to 30th June 2026. Net Recommend score derived from "Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?" Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=17,883, Compare the Market n=16,193, Go.Compare n=8,523, Confused.com n=7,918, Uswitch n=514)
