Get £175 to switch
Get £175 to switch
- No overseas fees
- Exclusive savings account access
- 24/7 customer support
Compare high street banks in the UK
Learn more about what is the top bank on the high street in the UK.
Promoted for switching offer
£125 refer-a-friend switching offer
Monthly rewards
Available as a joint account
Easy to open and manage
Available as a joint account
Easy to open and manage
Best for cashback
Promoted for cashback
Earn up to £5 a month
Earn cashback as you spend
Competitive Monthly Saver
Save the Pennies feature
Competitive Monthly Saver
Save the Pennies feature
Compare current accounts from the high street banks
Table: sorted by promoted deals first
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How to choose the right high street bank?
The key thing to consider when choosing a high street bank is what are you going to be using it for. Here are some things to consider:
- Branches. If you want to use a high street bank’s branch services, it’s best to check if it has a branch in your area. You’ll also want to find out what services its branches offer and the opening hours.
- Payment features. Look at what payment features come with the account. For example, are you able to make cash or cheque deposits? Or do you need the ability to make and receive international payments?
- Account management and app. How you use your account is also really important. Consider whether or not the bank has a good mobile banking app or online banking service. Also, look at what kind of customer support it offers and whether it has telephone banking.
- Fees. Most high street banks won’t charge you any transaction fees. However, some have charges for using your debit card abroad. If you’re a keen traveller, it could be a good idea to look for a bank that has no fees for overseas spending.
- Extra features. Each bank has its own way of rewarding customers. Are you looking for exclusive access to different products? Or are you in the market for some rewards or cashback?
The main thing to do is work out what you need before comparing the options.
Types of current accounts available
There’s a range of different current accounts to choose from. Some cater to your everyday banking needs, while others offer a little bit extra for a small monthly fee.
- Standard. This is your typical, everyday banking account. You’ll be able to do most things with this type of account, including making debit card payments and accessing online banking.
- Basic. These are a stripped back version of a standard account. They usually offer the same services but without the option of an overdraft or chequebook.
- Packaged. Sometimes called premium or premier accounts, these accounts come with extra benefits like travel insurance, breakdown cover or mobile phone insurance in return for a monthly fee.
- Joint. This is an account you share with another person. Much like a standard account, it allows both parties to access the funds and pay for things like shared bills.
- Student. Designed specifically for university students, this type of account usually offers interest-free overdrafts and other lifestyle benefits.
Pros and cons of a high street bank
Pros
- Large range of banking products
- Well established
- Physical branches
- Typically offer free banking services
Cons
- Not as many digital features available
- Can be slow
- Less innovative products
Bottom line
High street banks are a mainstay of the banking sector. They tend to offer a large suite of different banking products and services. They are also some of the biggest and most well-known brands in the industry. So as a customer, you’ll benefit from their years of experience.
However, you may find them less innovative than some digital banks in terms of budgeting tools or app features. Just make sure to consider what you need from a bank before choosing one.
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Frequently asked questions
We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.
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