Compare Current Accounts

Compare the latest current accounts available from the major high street banks and internet providers with our handy comparison table.
Compare up-to-date information on account features and benefits to find the best current account for your needs.

What type of current account are you looking for?

8 products found

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Barclays Bank Account
Monthly Fee
Free

Interest Rate
0%

Arranged Overdraft Rate
35.0%

Minimum Monthly Credit
None
See Deal More info
Product Features
- Contactless debit card to make payments easier
- Stay in control of your account with free text alerts
- Track your spending and manage your accounts and payments easily using the Barclays app
Eligibility / Restrictions
- Apply online for an account if you are 18 or older, not in full-time education and are a UK resident with a regular income or salary that you pay into your account
- You need to be 16 or over to use the app. T&Cs apply.
- Overdrafts are subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history.
Representative Example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged the equivalent annual rate of 35.0% EAR (variable). Representative APR 35.0% (variable).
TSB Spend & Save Account
Monthly Fee
Free

Interest Rate
0%

Arranged Overdraft Rate
39.9%

Minimum Monthly Credit
None
See Deal More info
Product Features
- Earn up to £30 cashback: £5 per month for 6 months, with 30 debit card payments per calendar month*
- Saving Pots, Save the Pennies and Auto Balancer features
Eligibility / Restrictions
- *Eligible for Cashback if you open a new Spend & Save account, including changing from an existing TSB current account, other than from a Classic. Direct debits and withdrawals not included.
- UK residents only, 18+
- Assumed arranged overdraft of £1200: 39.9% APR representative variable. Subject to application, approval & repayable on demand
Representative Example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged the equivalent annual rate of 39.9% EAR (variable). Representative APR 39.9% (variable).
Nationwide FlexAccount
Monthly Fee
Free

Interest Rate
0%

Arranged Overdraft Rate
39.9%

Minimum Monthly Credit
None
See Deal More info
Product Features
- In-credit interest
- Freedom to bank how you want; online, in branch or over the phone
- No monthly account fee for maintaining the account
Eligibility / Restrictions
- Must be a UK resident
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Representative Example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you’ll be charged the equivalent annual rate of 39.9% EAR (variable). Representative APR 39.9% (Variable)
Nationwide FlexDirect
Monthly Fee
Free

Interest Rate
2%

Arranged Overdraft Rate
39.9%

Minimum Monthly Credit
None
See Deal More info
Product Features
- In-credit interest
- Interest free arranged overdraft for 12 months
- No monthly account fee for maintaining the account
Eligibility / Restrictions
- Must be a UK resident
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- To earn 2% AER (1.98% gross p.a.) interest on balances up to £1,500 you’ll need to pay in £1,000 a month, not counting transfers from other Nationwide accounts or Visa credits.
Representative Example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you’ll be charged the equivalent annual rate of 39.9% EAR (variable). Representative APR 39.9% (Variable)
Nationwide FlexPlus
Monthly Fee
£13

Interest Rate
0%

Arranged Overdraft Rate
39.9%

Minimum Monthly Credit
None
See Deal More info
Product Features
- UK & European Breakdown and Recovery Assistance
- Worldwide family travel and mobile phone insurance
- Arranged overdraft available
Eligibility / Restrictions
- Must be a UK resident
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Representative Example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you’ll be charged the equivalent annual rate of 39.9% EAR (variable). Representative APR 39.9% (Variable)
Santander 1|2|3 Current Account
Monthly Fee
£5

Interest Rate
0.60%

Arranged Overdraft Rate
39.94%

Minimum Monthly Credit
£500
See Deal More info
Product Features
- Earn up to 3% cashback every month on selected Household bills paid by Direct Debit, capped at £5 for each cashback tier each month
- Manage your account online or via mobile app
- Get access to a range of 123 offers
Eligibility / Restrictions
- To be eligible you must pay a minimum of £500 into your account each month; have 2 active Direct Debits and be over 18 years and live in the UK permanently
- There is a £5 monthly fee for maintaining the account that will automatically be taken from your account each month
Representative Example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged the equivalent annual rate of 39.94% EAR (variable). Representative APR 39.94% (variable).
Santander 1|2|3 Lite Current Account
Monthly Fee
£2

Interest Rate
0%

Arranged Overdraft Rate
39.94%

Minimum Monthly Credit
£500
See Deal More info
Product Features
- Earn up to 3% cashback every month on selected Household bills paid by Direct Debit, capped at £5 for each cashback tier each month
- Manage your account online or via mobile app
- Get access to a range of 123 offers
Eligibility / Restrictions
- To be eligible you must pay a minimum of £500 into your account each month; have 2 active Direct Debits and be over 18 years and live in the UK permanently
- There is a £2 monthly fee for maintaining the account that will automatically be taken from your account each month
- Log onto Online or Mobile Banking at least once every 3 months. You accept that this is a paper-free account, so documents, statements and some letters will be sent to your secure inbox in Online Banking
Representative Example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged the equivalent annual rate of 39.94% EAR (variable). Representative APR 39.94% (variable).
Starling Bank Personal Current Account
Monthly Fee
Free

Interest Rate
0.05%

Arranged Overdraft Rate
15.0%

Minimum Monthly Credit
None
See Deal More info
Product Features
- Speedy set up in minutes. No paperwork, monthly fees or branch visits
- 24/7 support via phone, email or in-app chat
- Save smarter with Goals, the digital change jar to put money away for the stuff you need
Eligibility / Restrictions
- Must be a UK resident
- Cash deposit facilities via Post Office branches
- Cheque deposit facilities via app or post
Representative Example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged the equivalent annual rate of 15 % EAR (variable). Representative APR 15% (variable).

Please note: Our comparison service features a selection of providers from whom we receive commission. This table is initially ordered according to our commercial arrangements. You can use the options above the table to order it according to various criteria.

Other comparisons

How to Choose a Current Account

Although many people still opt for traditional high street bank current accounts, most of us are aware that there is more choice than ever for consumers looking for their first account or to switch to a new current account provider.

The vast majority of people require a current account in order to perform basic financial tasks such as receiving a salary, paying bills and buying items online. Therefore, choosing the right account is an important decision and one that deserves some careful consideration.

As well as standard current accounts, there are other options such as bad credit accounts (often known as basic accounts) and online-only accounts to consider. We’ll take you through your options with our current account comparison table and straightforward guide to current accounts below.

What to look for in a current account

There are certain features that current account providers usually offer. When choosing a current account, you’ll need to consider which of these is most important for your lifestyle and circumstances; ensuring you select an account that offers you the services you need.

Common current account services

Receiving payments
Access to cash via ATMs
Debit cards
Direct debits
Standing orders
Overdrafts
Online banking apps
Bank transfers
Budgeting tools
Cashback and rewards

As well as the features offered by various providers you may want to consider the following:

Current account fees

Some current accounts, especially those that offer extras such as cashback, reward points and additional services will charge either a monthly or a per-transaction fee. Accounts that offer extras such as travel insurance cover, mobile phone cover and breakdown cover, in exchange for a fee, are known as packaged accounts.

Choosing packaged accounts may not be a good deal if you don’t need all the extras offered and purchase them more cheaply separately. It’s also possible to open a current account with access to preferential rates, for a fee.

Account transfer incentives

Some banks and current account providers offer cash incentives to switch your account to them. These bonuses may only be payable to customers who deposit a minimum amount or who open a certain type of account, so make sure you are happy with the account and any associated fees before applying for an account paying a transfer incentive.

High street or challenger bank?

High street banks are still the preferred option for current account holders, but challenger banks and online-only account providers are quickly gaining traction in the market.

Online-only account providers often offer more insight for consumers into their financial situation through apps and other tech-based tools. They sometimes pay favourable interest rates and can be more easily obtained by people with poor credit ratings. Setting up an online account can also be quicker and easier than setting up a traditional bank account. However, some online-only current accounts may not offer all the same features and services as a high street bank account. High street banks still offer people the chance to do banking in person, at a branch; although even traditional banks are increasingly offering online banking and app-based mobile banking to customers.

Choosing a current account FAQs

Is it easy to transfer current accounts?

Yes. Most current accounts are covered by the Current Account Switch Guarantee scheme, which means that the entire switching process will be taken care of on your behalf within seven working days of a request being issued. Providing you give your new bank all the details they need swiftly, a dedicated team will make the process quick and easy for you.

Will I be paid interest on my balance?

This differs from provider to provider. Some current accounts do pay interest on balances, while others do not, so it is important to do your research if this is something that you value.

Can I get a current account if I have a poor credit rating?

Basic accounts are available with most providers and can offer people with poor credit histories access to many of the standard features of a bank account. Some offer access to basic debit cards or prepay cards that allow you to withdraw cash and buy items online.

Prepay cards are those that enable people with poor credit or those under 16 to load up cash onto a card for use in stores or online. Cards can be loaded up in different ways, including in branches, in Post Offices, over the phone and by bank transfer, depending on the account.

Can I get an overdraft with a current account?

Overdrafts are usually offered with current accounts to consumers who meet the minimum credit check requirements. They are often offered as standard on bank accounts, but you are able to opt out of having an overdraft if you prefer not to get into debt.

Overdraft limits are set by banks and cash is available immediately to consumers with arranged overdrafts on their bank accounts. Interest is charged on the balance and some banks also charge a flat monthly fee for using the overdraft facility.

If you go over your authorised overdraft amount, you may incur further charges and fees.

Are there bank accounts for children?

Yes, many providers offer dedicated accounts for children. Often they will have minimum and maximum age limits on the account and features and services will be limited, although most will include access to a prepay or debit card of some sort.