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Compare current accounts
Compare current accounts features to find one which works for you.
Lots of us are lazy with our current accounts. We open one when we’re young and coast with it for years. Let’s face it, current accounts aren’t much fun, but you’re here so you let’s find the best current account for you.
With interest rates still low and slow, lots of people are turning to the current account for perks, cash incentives and sometimes decent interest rates. Equally, if you’re finding yourself in the red then you might want an account with cheap overdraft borrowing.
Which is the best current account?
To answer this question you need to know what you need from your account.
Which of the following suits you?
- Current accounts with rewards, benefits and perks. Some accounts might charge a joining fee (this is becoming more and more rare. You’re probably more likely to be offered a joining reward for your custom. Vouchers, cash, exclusive deals – either way, keep an eye out!)
- Current accounts with high interest. You want to make sure your money is working as hard as possible. Comparing interest rates to find the most competitive deals is really important when choosing current accounts.
- Current accounts with an overdraft. These vary from bank to bank. It’s important to know how much you’ll be charged for dipping into your overdraft, or exceeding your overdraft limit.
- Current accounts with a great app. You may have heard of Monzo, Starling, N26, Revolut, and others. This wave of digital banking apps and challenger banks has emerged in the UK over the past few years.
Who can get a current account?
To be eligible to open a current account, you must be a legal UK resident, and at least sixteen years old. Some banks may stipulate that you must be eighteen if you don’t have parental approval. You may also need to be credit checked – this is because many current accounts will come with an overdraft that may be reduced if you have a poor credit history.
How to switch your current account online
The process is simple thanks to the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). Any banks signed up to CASS will switch over your account for you in seven-working-days.
All you have to do is open a new account, use your new banks switching service, and your old account will be closed. Your money, direct debits, standing orders and anything else will be switched over for you too. You can even switch if you’re overdrawn.
Ask an Expert
Can a non-UK resident who works in the UK open a current account online with you?
Hello Ewen,
Thank you for your comment.
Upon checking, yes, you can open a personal UK bank account as a non-resident, but normally you’ll be asked for proof of ID and residential address in the UK.
To open a personal UK bank account you need something to verify your current address and your identity:
-For ID, your passport will do, and any national ID card may help as well;
-For proof of ID and proof of address, a UK driving license (if applicable);
-For proof of address at least two documents no more than three months’ old showing your name and address, e.g. a utility bill and council tax bill, in your name, and sent to your residential address will suffice.
Furthermore, you may get in touch with the bank first to verify.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Hi. I am due to get married soon and I am looking for a current account that pays a better rate of interest while we save in the short term.
Hello,
Thank you for your comment.
You may compare bank accounts on this page. Based on the table found on the page, Clydesdale B Current Account has a higher interest rate compared to the other three. However, you would want to compare other features too.
Before submitting an application, please ensure that eligibility criteria are met. Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of this account to help consider whether the product is right for you.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn