Looking for a current bank account with a better overdraft rate, higher interest, cashback or other benefits? We compare different factors, which will help you decide on the best current account for your needs, from 8 banks, including high street banks and new challenger banks.
What type of current account are you looking for?
A current account is a type of everyday bank account.
It's usually the bank account you use for most of your transactions and comes with a debit card. Think of the word 'current' as being the account you most currently use:
Salary
Pension
Benefits
Direct debits
Some accounts pay interest on positive balances, although this is far rarer than it used to be. You can get unlimited access to your money without paying a penalty. Withdrawing cash will not stop you from getting any benefits associated with the account.
Standard accounts also come with a flexible borrowing facility attached known as an 'overdraft' - although these are expensive. Providers now charge rates of about 40% a year to borrow money this way.
A UK address and proof of address. You may need at least two bills or letters from the past three months
If you’ve been at your current address less than three years, you may need proof of address for your previous properties
Photo ID, like a passport or driving licence
Enough money to reach the bank’s minimum deposit amount, if it has one
Income and employment details, such as a payslip
You should not need to pass a credit check to get a current account.
There are a number of different bank accounts. These include:
Current accounts aren't all the same, although they share basic functions, that means the best account will depend on how you use it.
In the red?
You could save significant amounts by moving to an account with a 0% interest overdraft.
Large positive balance?
Those who carry a large positive balance would be better off looking for an account that pays good interest.
Spending overseas?
There are also accounts that let you spend overseas without charges, offer cashback on bills and a host of other linked benefits.
You can use a comparison tool like the one above to compare current accounts.
You can start your application with our comparison table
If you’ve already chosen the bank you want, you could go in person to a branch, apply by post or over the phone
Most banks allow you to apply online
You need to be at least 18 and living in the UK to apply for a current account. If you’re not yet 18, you could get an easy access children’s savings account
Uswitch Limited is a credit broker, not a lender, for consumer credit.
Our services are provided at no cost to you. We may receive a commission from the companies we refer you to, but this does not affect what you will pay for the product you choose.