Joint accounts
If you want to manage your finances with someone else, a joint current account could be ideal.
Current accounts
Compare current accounts.
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Our best current accounts by type
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.
£200 when you complete a full switch, set up 2 household Direct Debits and pay in £1.5k within 60 days + £25 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card if you switch or do 5 debit card transactions by 31/12/25. Offers can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs/eligibility apply
£200 to switch + £25 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card + access to a Regular Saver
Everyday Current Account
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Switch Incentive
£200 to switch
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
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Account fees
None
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Rewards and other perks
Access to Santander Regular Saver
Important information & opening criteria
Account details:
Switch Incentive: £200 when you switch to an Everyday Current Account (T&Cs apply)
Overdraft: 0% arranged overdraft for the first 4 mths for switchers
Rewards: Access to Santander Regular Saver . 5.00% AER/Gross (fixed) for 12 months. Save up to £200 per month
Other Perks: Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other personalised offers when you use Santander Boosts
Important information:
Assumed overdraft of £1,200. Annual interest rate 39.94% variable. Representative 39.9% APR. How does this overdraft compare? Representative APRs help you compare the cost of different credit products. Switch incentive available when you use Current Account Switch Service. For £200 cash you'll need to complete the full switch, set up 2 active household Direct Debits and pay in £1,500 within 60 days. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs apply. You must be 18 or over and live in the UK permanently to open the account.
Get £175 if you switch to a First Direct current account using the Current Account Switch Service. T&Cs apply
£175 to switch + access to 7% Regular Saver + no debit card fees when spending abroad
1st Account
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Switch Incentive
£175 to switch
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
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Account fees
None
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Rewards and other perks
Access to 7% AER/gross Regular Saver
Important information & opening criteria
Account details:
Switch Incentive: £175 when you complete a full switch for participating banks and building societies
Overdraft: First £250 is interest free (subject to status)
Other Perks: Access to 7% AER/gross Regular Saver Account. No first direct debit card fees when spending abroad
Important information:
Switch to First Direct using the Current Account Switch Service, including a min of 2 standing orders and/or direct debits, pay in £1,000, log on to digital banking and make 5+ debit card transactions. All criteria to be completed within 45 days of account being opened. Can not have held a first direct product previously or have opened a HSBC account after 1st Jan 2018
£200 when you complete a full switch, set up 2 household Direct Debits and pay in £1.5k within 60 days + £25 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card if you switch or do 5 debit card transactions by 31/12/25. Offers can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs/eligibility apply
£200 to switch + £25 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card + no debit card fees abroad
Edge® Current Account
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Switch Incentive
£200 to switch
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
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Account fees
£3 /month
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Rewards and other perks
1% cashback (up to £10 a month)
Important information & opening criteria
Account details:
Switch Incentive: £200 when you switch to a Santander Edge current account (T&Cs apply)
Overdraft: 0% arranged overdraft for first 4 months for switchers
Rewards: 1% cashback (up to £10 a month) on selected household bills when you pay by Direct Debit.
Other Perks: Santander Edge saver 6.00% AER/5.84% gross (variable) on balances up to £4,000. No transaction fees outside the UK. T&Cs apply
Important information:
For £200 cash you'll need to use Current Account Switch Service, complete the full switch, set up 2 active household Direct Debits and pay in £1,500 within 60 days. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs apply. £3 monthly fee. You must be 18 or over and live in the UK permanently to open the account. To earn cashback, you must pay in £500 each month and set up 2 active Direct Debits.
Get £20 when you spend £20, upto 3.51% AER (variable) paid daily & discounted lounge access
Metal
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Interest Rate
0% AER
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Arranged overdraft
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Account fees
£14.99 /month
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Rewards and other perks
1 RevPoint per £2 spent
Important information & opening criteria
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 3.51% 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; customers aged 16+ can now open a Revolut account. Some features are only available to those aged 18+. 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.
£200 when you complete a full switch, set up 2 household Direct Debits and pay in £1.5k within 60 days + £25 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card if you switch or do 5 debit card transactions by 31/12/25. Offers can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs/eligibility apply
£200 to switch + £25 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card + protection for you and your family
Edge® Explorer Current Account
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Interest Rate
0% AER
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
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Account fees
£17 /month
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Rewards and other perks
Earn 1% cashback
Important information & opening criteria
Account details:
Switch Incentive: £200 when you switch to a Santander Edge Explorer current account (T&Cs apply)
Overdraft: 0% arranged overdraft for first 4 months for switchers
Rewards: Earn 1% cashback on selected household Direct Debits (up to £10pm) and essential debit card spend (up to £10pm)
Other Perks: Travel and mobile phone insurance, 24/7 GP access, breakdown cover , no Santander fees for debit card spend or withdrawals abroad
Important information:
Switch incentive available when you use Current Account Switch Service. For £200 cash you'll have to complete the full switch, set up 2 active household Direct Debits and pay in £1,500 within 60 days. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs apply. £17 monthly fee. You must be 18-73 and a permanent UK resident. If it's a joint account, you must both live at the same UK address.
£17/month + annual Railcard + weekly Greggs treat + Instant Access Savings Pots 3.50% AER variable
Monzo Max
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Interest Rate
0% AER
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
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Account fees
£17 /month
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Rewards and other perks
Claim an annual Railcard
Important information & opening criteria
Account details:
Overdraft: Arranged overdraft available up to £3k, subject to status
Rewards: Claim an annual Railcard and a weekly Greggs treat. See Monzo for futher details.
Other Perks: Instant Access Savings Pots 3.50% AER (variable)
Important information:
You must have a Monzo Current Account to sign up to Monzo Max. UK residents, aged 18-69 only. Monzo Max costs £17 per month. 3 month minimum commitment. Travel Insurance provided by Zurich, powered by Qover (£50 Excess). Phone insurance provided by Assurant (£75 excess), for phones worth up to £2k. Breakdown cover provided by the RAC. Limits & exclusions apply
5% interest on balances up to £500
Student Account
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Interest Rate
5% AER
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
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Account fees
None
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Rewards and other perks
Receive 5% AER/4.89% gross variable
Important information & opening criteria
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+
High interest for under 18s
1|2|3 Mini Current Account
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Interest Rate
3% AER
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Arranged overdraft
-
Account fees
None
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Rewards and other perks
3% interest on balances from £1,500-£2,000
Important information & opening criteria
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.
£200 when you complete a full switch, set up 2 household Direct Debits and pay in £1.5k within 60 days + £25 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card if you switch or do 5 debit card transactions by 31/12/25. Offers can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs/eligibility apply
£200 to switch + £25 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card + no debit card fees abroad
Edge® Up Current Account
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Interest Rate
2.5% AER
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
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Account fees
£5 /month
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Rewards and other perks
£200 when you switch to a Santander Edge Up current account (T&Cs apply)
Important information & opening criteria
Account details:
Interest rate: 2.5% AER interest on in-credit balances up to £25000
Overdraft: 0% arranged overdraft for first four months for switchers
Rewards: £200 when you switch to a Santander Edge Up current account (T&Cs apply)
Other Perks: Access to Santander Regular Saver. 5.00% AER/Gross (fixed) for 12 months. Save up to £200 per month
Important information:
For £200 cash you'll need to use Current Account Switch Service, complete the full switch, set up 2 active household Direct Debits and pay in £1,500 within 60 days. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs apply. £5 monthly fee. You must be 18 or over and live in the UK permanently to open the account. To earn cashback, you must pay in £1,500 each month and set up 2 active Direct Debits.
£200 when you complete a full switch, set up 2 household Direct Debits and pay in £1.5k within 60 days + £25 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card if you switch or do 5 debit card transactions by 31/12/25. Offers can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs/eligibility apply
£200 to switch + £25 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card + no debit card fees abroad
Edge® Current Account
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Switch Incentive
£200 to switch
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
-
Account fees
£3 /month
-
Rewards and other perks
1% cashback (up to £10 a month)
Important information & opening criteria
Account details:
Switch Incentive: £200 when you switch to a Santander Edge current account (T&Cs apply)
Overdraft: 0% arranged overdraft for first 4 months for switchers
Rewards: 1% cashback (up to £10 a month) on selected household bills when you pay by Direct Debit.
Other Perks: Santander Edge saver 6.00% AER/5.84% gross (variable) on balances up to £4,000. No transaction fees outside the UK. T&Cs apply
Important information:
For £200 cash you'll need to use Current Account Switch Service, complete the full switch, set up 2 active household Direct Debits and pay in £1,500 within 60 days. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs apply. £3 monthly fee. You must be 18 or over and live in the UK permanently to open the account. To earn cashback, you must pay in £500 each month and set up 2 active Direct Debits.
Free 4-year 16-25 Railcard to save 1/3 on rail travel in Great Britain + interest free overdraft
Santander Edge Student current account
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Interest Rate
0% AER
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
-
Account fees
None
-
Rewards and other perks
Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other personalised offers
Important information & opening criteria
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
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Interest Rate
5% AER
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
-
Account fees
None
-
Rewards and other perks
Receive 5% AER/4.89% gross variable
Important information & opening criteria
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+
High interest for under 18s
1|2|3 Mini Current Account
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Interest Rate
3% AER
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Opening restrictions
You must be aged between 13 and 17 years old to apply online
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Account fees
None
-
Rewards and other perks
3% interest on balances from £1,500-£2,000
Important information & opening criteria
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.
What is a current account?
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.
How do they work?
1) Apply to open the account: You can open a current account online or in-branch, using the switch guarantee 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.
What is bank switching?
Bank switching is when you change your current account provider to a new one, where generally you will need to be a new customer.
Switching your bank account is straightforward as most banks and building societies are part of the Current Account Switch Service. When you switch, your incoming payments will move to your new bank account. You could even benefit from extra money in your new account, if the bank you’re moving to offers an account switching bonus.
What's required when I switch my bank?
If you want to switch, it’s essential that you meet the eligibility requirements. If you’re looking to benefit from a switch incentive, it’s also important that you meet the eligibility criteria. Eligibility requirements across banks will vary but here’s what’s usually needed:
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: You’ll usually have to be a first-time customer to qualify for the switch bonus. Some banks will require you to have not had an account with them since a certain date or never at all
What can I use a current account for?
Everyday spending: Think of a current account as the money you currently have. So, it’s ideal to use this bank account for your day-to-day spending, and you can use your debit card to do so
Salary: Your wages will always be paid into it
Pension: When you’ve retired, your pension will be deposited into your account
Cash withdrawals: It’s best to use your connected debit card for ATM withdrawals, as you will not be charged for doing so when you’re in the UK. Using a credit card for cash withdrawals will come with fees and interest rates, as this is money you’re borrowing from the lender
What are the different types of bank accounts?
Some providers offer perks like cashback and rewards, free railcards for students, and more.
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Business accounts
If you’re looking to receive payments and pay out money in your company name, a business current account may suit you best.
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Children’s accounts
A children’s bank account can help your child understand the value of money and become more financially independent.
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Student accounts
Off to college or university soon? Student bank accounts can offer good overdraft facilities and include perks like free railcards or cinema tickets.
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App-based bank accounts
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.
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Packaged accounts
Accounts which offer extra benefits as standard, such as travel insurance, car breakdown cover and gadget insurance, for example. They tend to charge a monthly or annual fee. But they can be good value if you know you’ll make use of the benefits
How to choose the best current account for you
When it comes to choosing the best current account for you this all depends on what you need it to do. Each one will have features designed for different types of customers.
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Consider cheapest overdraft
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.
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Match an account to your lifestyle
You may want to consider an online or app-based bank where you can see your balance and manage your transactions at any time 24/7. Banking and access to cash is free and convenient.
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Look for high interest deals
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.
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Improve your credit score
If you have a low credit score then a basic bank account can help you rebuild your rating. You won’t have access to an overdraft, but setting up direct debits to pay bills on time through your account can improve your credit score.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of current accounts?
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The Pros
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.
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The Cons
Most current accounts offer little or no interest on your balance, meaning your money may not grow over time.
Some current accounts charge monthly fees or impose fees for services like overdrafts, international payments, or going overdrawn.
Easy access to funds and overdrafts may lead to overspending, potentially resulting in debt if you don’t manage your account responsibly.
Our expert says…
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 £200
^ 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
Trusted Service Awards Winners
MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
How to compare current accounts with MoneySuperMarket
We can make it easy to find an account that suits you by comparing a range of options all in one place.
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Browse our providers
Click through to search the market to find the best current account for your needs, including any cash incentives to switch
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Filter and sort
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
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Click through to provider
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
Who can open a bank account?
Most providers will only need you to be over 18 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.
How do I close a current account?
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.
Can I add someone to my bank account?
Many banks will let you add another name to your account – you’ll normally both have to go into a branch and show ID to do this, as well as fill out some forms.
However, some accounts might only be limited to one account holder, and others could say the additional person needs to be a certain age. They may even need to make a payment into the account to be added – read more with our guide to joint bank accounts.
What if my bank goes out of business?
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.
Can I have more than one bank account?
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.
What financial protection do I get with a current account?
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.
Can I get a current account with bad credit?
You can get a bank account even if you’ve had debt problems in the past or if you have a low credit score.
Basic bank accounts offer most of the functionality of a standard account, but typically you won’t have access to an overdraft.
What is the difference between a current account and a savings account?
A current account is for daily use, such as paying bills and shopping, and doesn’t earn interest. A savings account helps you save money and earns interest, but often has limits on how often you can use it.
What are the benefits of online banking?
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.
Check your bank statements
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.
Customer service
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.
How to keep your PIN safe
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.
Mobile banking apps
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.
How to transfer money
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.
Do you really need paid benefits?
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 9 Dec 2025 by
Accurate as of 08 December 2025.
Selected providers. SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. 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=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).