{"id":17073,"date":"2017-05-03T11:26:40","date_gmt":"2017-05-03T10:26:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?page_id=17073"},"modified":"2026-03-12T15:01:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T15:01:08","slug":"current-accounts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/current-accounts","title":{"rendered":"Compare current accounts"},"content":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s a current account?<\/h3>

A current account is a bank account that gives you instant access to your money and that you can use for your day-to-day financial life. It lets you receive your salary, pay your bills, make purchases, and send and receive payments; many accounts offer all this for free<\/a>. You\u2019ll get an account number, a sort code, a debit card and usually an internet banking service, mobile app<\/a> or both. Typically, you won\u2019t get a great interest rate on money you\u2019ve deposited in a current account, but most offer an overdraft<\/a> (which will cost you in interest charges).<\/p>

While accounts\u2019 basic functions are similar, there are some key differences when it comes to interest rates, customer service, online and app features and, of course, switching incentives like free money<\/a>. One major difference is that some accounts are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)<\/a>, and some aren\u2019t. The FSCS protects deposits up to \u00a3120,000 in your account if you bank goes bust.<\/p>

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