Compare Bank Accounts in United Kingdom

Live offers

1. Spend & Save account · TSB · £0 /month
2. Student bank account · TSB · £0 /month
3. FlexDirect current account · Nationwide · £0 /month
4. FlexStudent bank account · Nationwide · £0 /month
5. Premier Bank Account · HSBC UK · £0 /month

Compare the best UK current accounts in 2026

Finding the right current account can save you hundreds of pounds a year through better interest rates, lower fees, and valuable perks. Whether you are looking for a free everyday account, a premium packaged account with travel insurance, or a digital-first bank with instant spending notifications, we compare current accounts from every major UK high-street bank and leading digital challengers so you can make an informed choice.

Our comparison includes accounts from Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, NatWest, Santander, Halifax, Nationwide, TSB, Virgin Money, and the latest offerings from digital banks like Monzo, Starling, Chase, Revolut, first direct, and Triodos. We cover monthly fees, in-credit interest rates, overdraft charges, switching bonuses, international fees, and the additional extras that come with each account.

Types of current accounts available in the UK

Standard current accounts are the most popular option, offering fee-free everyday banking with no monthly charge. These accounts provide a Visa or Mastercard debit card, online and mobile banking, contactless payments, and access to the Faster Payments network for instant bank transfers. Most standard accounts also include the option to apply for an arranged overdraft, though interest rates vary significantly between providers.

Packaged or premium current accounts charge a monthly fee — typically between £5 and £20 per month — in exchange for bundled benefits. Common perks include worldwide travel insurance, mobile phone insurance, breakdown cover, airport lounge access, and enhanced cashback or rewards programmes. These accounts can offer excellent value if you would otherwise pay for these services separately, but it is worth checking that you actually need and qualify for the included benefits before committing.

Student current accounts are tailored for full-time university students and typically include a generous interest-free overdraft that increases each year of study. After graduation, these accounts usually convert to a graduate account with a gradually reducing interest-free overdraft over several years. Some student accounts also offer additional incentives such as cashback, railcard discounts, or subscription services.

Basic bank accounts are available to anyone regardless of credit history, making them an important option for people who may have been refused a standard account. These accounts offer essential banking features — a debit card, direct debits, standing orders, and online banking — but typically do not include overdraft facilities or cheque books.

Digital-only accounts from challenger banks such as Monzo, Starling, Chase, and Revolut offer a mobile-first banking experience with features like real-time spending notifications, automatic budgeting categories, fee-free spending abroad, and instant money transfers. Some digital banks offer tiered subscription plans with additional perks at higher monthly fees.

Key features to compare when choosing a current account

Monthly fees: Many UK current accounts are completely free, but packaged accounts and premium digital banking plans charge between £3 and £55 per month. Always check whether the included benefits justify the cost for your personal circumstances.

In-credit interest: Some accounts pay interest on positive balances, ranging from around 1% to 5% AER. This can be a meaningful return if you keep a regular balance in your account, though rates are variable and subject to caps on qualifying balances.

Overdraft rates: If you occasionally need to dip into an overdraft, comparing the Equivalent Annual Rate (EAR) is essential. UK overdraft rates typically range from 19.9% to 39.9% EAR for arranged overdrafts. Some accounts offer a fee-free overdraft buffer — often between £250 and £500 — where no interest is charged.

Switching bonuses: Many banks offer cash incentives to switch, typically ranging from £100 to £200. These bonuses usually require you to use the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) and meet certain conditions such as setting up a minimum number of direct debits or paying in a qualifying amount each month.

International fees: If you travel or shop online in foreign currencies, comparing international transaction fees and overseas ATM charges can save you a significant amount. Traditional high-street banks typically charge 2.75% to 2.99% on foreign transactions, while digital banks like Monzo, Starling, and Chase offer fee-free spending abroad within fair usage limits.

Linked savings: Some current accounts come with access to linked savings accounts offering preferential interest rates, savings pots, or round-up features that automatically set aside spare change from everyday spending.

How to switch your UK current account

The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) makes switching banks straightforward and stress-free. When you open a new current account and request a switch, your new bank handles the entire process within 7 working days. All your incoming payments, direct debits, and standing orders are automatically transferred, and any payments sent to your old account are redirected for 36 months. The service is free, and the switch guarantee means you will be refunded for any interest or charges caused by a switching error.

To switch, simply open your new account and tell the bank you want to use CASS. You will choose a switch date, and on that date your old account will be closed and all payments moved over. There is no need to contact individual billers or employers — the switch service takes care of everything.

FSCS protection and your money

Most UK current accounts are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which covers eligible deposits up to £85,000 per person, per banking licence (or £170,000 for joint accounts). This means that if your bank were to fail, the FSCS would compensate you up to the protected limit. It is worth checking which banking licence your account falls under, as some banking groups share a single licence across multiple brands — for example, Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland all operate under the same licence.

Digital banks authorised as e-money institutions rather than full banks may protect your funds through safeguarding arrangements instead of FSCS. While safeguarding keeps your money ring-fenced from the company's own funds, it does not provide the same statutory guarantee as FSCS. Always check whether your chosen account is FSCS-protected before depositing large sums.

Current accounts for specific needs

Best for travel: Digital banks like Monzo, Starling, Chase, and Revolut offer fee-free or low-cost spending abroad, making them popular choices for frequent travellers. Packaged accounts from NatWest, Nationwide, and Halifax include bundled travel insurance.

Best for interest: Accounts from Chase, Nationwide FlexDirect, and some Virgin Money accounts offer competitive in-credit interest, helping your balance grow while remaining instantly accessible.

Best for students: NatWest, Santander, HSBC, and Barclays all offer student accounts with generous interest-free overdrafts and additional perks like Tastecard memberships, railcard discounts, or cashback rewards.

Best for switching bonuses: NatWest, Lloyds, Halifax, and Nationwide frequently offer cash switching incentives. These change regularly, so check our current comparison for the latest offers.

Best for ethical banking: Triodos Bank offers a current account focused on sustainable and ethical finance, using deposits to fund positive social and environmental projects.

Bank Accounts in United Kingdom — FAQ