How to compare current accounts
Compare monthly fees, switching incentives, credit interest, cashback, overdraft costs, overseas charges and everyday features such as branches, apps and joint accounts. Rankings on this page are editorial and feature-led — not ordered by commission.
How switching bank accounts works
Most UK personal current-account switches use the Current Account Switch Service. Payments and Direct Debits can move automatically, but you still need to meet the new provider's offer conditions if you want a switching bonus.
Current Account Switch Service
CASS is designed to move your balance, incoming payments and most regular payments to the new account, usually within seven working days. Providers can still set extra conditions for a cash incentive, such as a minimum pay-in or a number of Direct Debits.
Switching bonuses
Cash switch offers are time-sensitive and can be withdrawn. Always check the official terms, exclusions, pay-in, Direct Debit, spend and Regular Saver conditions before you apply. An expired offer is never shown here as a current switching offer.
Current accounts that pay interest
Some accounts pay credit interest on a limited balance, sometimes only for an introductory period or if you meet monthly conditions. Compare the AER, the balance cap and whether the rate is temporary.
Cashback and rewards accounts
Cashback, retailer rewards and monthly credits usually need qualifying spend, Direct Debits or app logins. A headline reward can be reduced by a monthly fee.
Packaged current accounts
Packaged accounts charge a monthly fee for bundled extras such as travel, breakdown or mobile insurance. Insurance is subject to eligibility, exclusions and limits — check whether the cover is useful before paying the fee.
High street vs digital banks
High street banks and building societies usually offer branches plus apps. Digital and telephone banks are typically app-first and may have no traditional branch network. Compare access, fees and overdraft terms rather than brand type alone.
Overdrafts
An arranged overdraft is borrowing and is subject to status. Where a representative APR or EAR is published we show it. Using an overdraft can be more expensive than a personal loan for longer-term borrowing.
Using your debit card abroad
Some accounts charge no provider fee on overseas card spending. Local ATM operators and card schemes can still apply their own charges. We only mark fee-free overseas spending when official text confirms there is no provider FX fee.
Joint current accounts
A joint account is shared by two people. Both account holders are usually responsible for any arranged overdraft. Availability depends on the provider and eligibility checks.
FSCS protection
Eligible deposits may be protected up to £120,000 per eligible person, per authorised firm. Brands can share one banking licence — Nationwide with Virgin Money, and HSBC UK with first direct and related brands — so deposits may share one limit.
Does switching affect your credit score?
Opening a new current account can leave a footprint on your credit file. Using CASS itself is not the same as applying for a loan, but overdrafts and missed payments can affect your credit profile. This is general information, not personal advice.