Compare high street banks in the UK

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£200 when you switch, T&C's apply

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Finder Award

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Earn cashback as you spend
Competitive monthly saver
Save the Pennies feature

Compare current accounts from the high street banks

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Finder Score	Account fees	Funding requirement	Interest (AER)	Arranged overdraft	Incentive	Representative example
Finder score 7.1Great TSB Spend & Save Plus Finder Award	Finder score 7.1Great	£3 per month	No minimum funding requirement	0% AER	0% EAR variable on the first £100 and then 39.9% EAR variable	Earn up to £60 cashback annually - ongoing £5 cashback every month with 20 debit card payments per calendar month (excludes cash withdrawals).	18+ and UK residents only. Other T&Cs apply. Representative example: Assumed arranged overdraft of £1,200. 0% EAR variable on the first £100. Annual interest rate 39.9% EAR variable, 40.1% APR representative (variable). How does this overdraft compare? Representative Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) help you compare the cost of using your overdraft.	Go to site More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder score 8.5Great Santander Everyday Current Account Cashback	Finder score 8.5Great	£0	No minimum funding requirement	0% AER	39.94% EAR variable	Earn £200 cash when you switch to an Everyday Current Account. To receive the £200, complete a full switch, set up 2 active household Direct Debits and pay in £1,500 within 60 days. Switch incentive available when you use Current Account Switch Service. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs and eligibility apply.	Representative example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged interest at 39.94% EAR variable.	Go to site More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder score 9.8Excellent Santander Edge Cashback	Finder score 9.8Excellent	£3 per month	£500 per month	0% AER	39.94% EAR variable	Earn £200 cash when you switch to a Santander Edge current account. To receive the £200, complete a full switch, set up 2 active household Direct Debits and pay in £1,500 within 60 days. Switch incentive available when you use Current Account Switch Service. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs and eligibility apply.	Representative example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged interest at 39.94% EAR variable. Account fee of £3 per month.	Go to site More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder score 9.3Excellent TSB Spend & Save Finder Award	Finder score 9.3Excellent	£0	No minimum funding requirement	0% AER	39.9% EAR variable	Earn up to £30 cashback - £5 per month for 6 months, making 20 debit card payments per calendar month (excludes cash withdrawals).	18+ and UK residents only. Other T&Cs apply. Representative example: Assumed arranged overdraft of £1,200. Annual interest rate 39.9% APR representative (variable). How does this overdraft compare? Representative Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) help you compare the cost of using your overdraft.	Go to site More info Compare product selection Compare	loading

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Finder Score for bank accounts

To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Fees, features and customer service across 20+ of the most popular banks are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the account – simple.

Read the full methodology

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

• What is a high street bank?

  A high street bank typically refers to a large retail bank which has lots of branch locations. They tend to offer everyday banking services such as current accounts, savings products, mortgages and credit cards.

• What is the difference between digital banks and high street banks?

  Digital banks have no physical presence and are digital-first. This means you’ll need to apply and manage your account through the app or online. High street banks tend to have physical branches as well as online banking services.

• Which is the safest bank?

  You want to know that your money is safe. If you’re keen to know more about which banks offer the best safety precautions, check out our guide to the safest banks.