CURRENT ACCOUNTS

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Current accounts are offered by most banks and building societies and are the most standard bank account they offer. Customers can generally access their bank account money via a Debit card – this allows for ATM withdrawals and for making purchases in high street and online retailers. Most current accounts have online banking; can be managed via telephone and by visiting your nearest branch. Many bank accounts carry an overdraft facility though this may not come automatically with all current accounts. The amount of interest varies according to individual bank accounts and will be deducted automatically from your balance on a regular basis. Apply for online banking if you bank offers this, as it will help you to manage your bank account more efficiently. Please note that current accounts can widely vary according to the account provider. Use the table below to find the current account that best suits you and your finances.

Search Report: All Accounts  Current Accounts  Offshore Accounts  Business Accounts  Student Accounts  Bad Credit Accounts

If you wish to speak to someone: Contact Us or Enquiry Line: +44 (0) 207 386 5300

PROVIDERACCOUNT

ACCOUNT

Account name

TYPE

TYPE

Account type

INTEREST AER

INTEREST AER

Interest Annual Equivalent Rate

INTEREST GROSS

INTEREST GROSS

Gross interest is the annual rate of interest which is paid without the deduction of lower rate tax to eligible individuals and certain organisations

PAID

PAID

How often interest is paid on account

ACCESS

ACCESS

How account can be accessed

O/D RATE

O/D RATE

Cost of Overdraft

BANKING CHARGES

BANKING CHARGES

Additional banking charges

SERVICES CHARGES

SERVICES CHARGES

Charges for extra services

FEATURES

FEATURES

Bank account features

MORE INFO

Barclays Business Current Account
Barclays Business Current Account

Business start-up accountBusiness Account0%0%MonthlyOnline, Tel, BranchAvailableAdditional services have charges£5.50Features

Features

Free Banking: Yes
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: Yes

You must be a Sole trader, Partnership (up to two partners) or Limited company (up to two directors)

Barclays Business Current Account
Barclays Start-up business current accounts offer you free banking for up to two years (terms and conditions apply). You also benefit from free day to day support from the Barclays Business Team by phone 24/7 and your own Local Business Manager. You can easily apply online in 5 – 10 minutes and benefit from this award winning service.Customers who open a Barclays Business Current Account online, over the phone, or in branch before 30 June 2012 will be automatically entered into the prize draw to win £50,000. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services

1. Your own Local Business Manager who will listen to your needs
2. Day-to-day support through the Barclays Business Team available by phone 24/7
3. Full counter service in over 1,600 branches
4. Manage your money day and night with online and telephone banking
5. Business debit card
6. Business overdraft facilities available


Advantages

Advantages

1. Free business banking for up to two years (terms and conditions apply).
2.  Free automated transactions when your free business banking period ends
3. Your own Local Business Manager
4. Free day-to-day support from the Barclays Business Team by phone 24/7
5. Free CREDITFOCUS - our award-winning service to help you recover and reduce late payments and bad debts
6. Free consultations with an accountant, marketing professional and solicitor for expert advice in your crucial first months
7. Free business seminars on topics such as how to make more profit and attract more customers
8. Free i-sure business data backup - automatically backs up 2GB of your data in a secure location
9. Free business skills training
10. Access to unique packages of business management software to help you save time and money
11. Manage your business account in Online Banking or by phone and in branch
 


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1. Manage your basic payroll for up to five employees for just £50 + VAT for the first year. Prices will then revert to £50 + VAT per employee per annum.
2. See website for additional service fees.
3. At the end of your free business banking period, they will automatically set your account to the Free Automated Transactions Tariff

Santander Business Current Account
Santander Business Current Account

Santander Business Current AccountBusiness Account0,25%ask on applikationMonthlyOnline, Branch, Post, Telsee websiteTransactions that exceed the free limits£0.00Features

Features

Free Banking: Yes
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: Yes

1. Unlimited debit card payments
2. Unlimited automated BACS credit
3. Unlimited transfers between linked Santander accounts

Santander Business Current Account
Apply for a Santander Business Current Account online and receive free day-to-day banking. Arranged Overdrafts are available to help with cash flow and short-term financing, and if you’re switching to us from another bank, we will guarantee to match your existing overdraft limit, subject to status. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services

Cheque book, paying in book, debit card and regular statements


Advantages

Advantages

1. Free day-to-day banking. All we ask is that you keep to the transaction limits of 100 cheque deposits and £3,000 in cash deposits per month, and 100 cash and cheque withdrawals per month
2. Unlimited direct debits, standing orders and bill payments
3. Unlimited debit card payments
4. Unlimited automated BACS credit
5. Unlimited transfers between linked Santander accounts
6. Free access to Relationship Managers as your business grows
7. Cheque book, paying in book, debit card and regular statements
8. Authorise others to operate the account on your behalf
9. Arranged Overdrafts are available to help with cash flow and short-term financing, and if you’re switching to us from another bank, we will guarantee to match your existing overdraft limit, subject to status


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1. 50p per cheque deposited
2. 50p per £100 cash deposited
3. 50p per cash and cheque withdrawal

123 Current Account
123 Current Account

123 Current AccountCurrent Account0 - 3% p.a.0%MonthlyOnline, branch£0 (4 months) £1 each day capped at 20 days a month thereafterAsk on application£2Features

Features

Free Banking: No
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: No
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: No

Additional features
1. A free Arranged Overdraft for 4 months when you switch to us using our dedicated switcher service (depending on circumstances) see representative example.
2. Visa debit card* a quick & secure method of purchasing goods & services at home and abroad.

123 Current Account
The123 Current Account, pays in-credit interest on a customers total balance of up to 3% once they have more than £1,000 in their account, up to a maximum balance of £20,000. This is makes life easier for customers, by making the need to continually move money between savings and current accounts less important. The 123 account also puts real money back in customers pockets by paying cashback on gas, electricity, water, council tax and communications direct debits set up on a customers account all for a monthly fee of just £2. DETAIL INFORMATION >>
Services

Services

123 Current Account pays cashback on household direct debits
 
1. 1% cashback on water and council tax
2. 2% cashback on electricity and gas
3. 3% cashback on mobile, home phone, broadband and paid for TV packages
 
New 123 Current Account also pays in-credit interest
 
1. 1% AER on the entire balance, once the customer’s balance is £1,000 or over
2. 2% AER on the entire balance, once the customer’s balance is £2,000 or over
3. 3% AER on the entire balance, once the customer’s balance is £3,000 or over (up to £20,000)


Advantages

Advantages

1. 1.00% AER/gross (variable) on your entire balance, once your balance is £1,000 or over.
2. 2.00% AER/1.98% gross (variable) on your entire balance, once your balance is £2,000 or over.
3. 3.00% AER/2.96% gross (variable) on your entire balance, once your balance is £3,000 or over (up to a maximum of £20,000).


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1. A minimum balance of £1,000 is required to receive interest.
2. You must set up a minimum of two Direct Debits. To benefit from cashback, household bills must be paid by Direct Debit.
3. No Daily Arranged Overdraft Fee for the first four months. Then £1 each day capped at 20 days in each monthly statement period

RBS Royalties Gold Current Account
RBS Royalties Gold Current Account

RBS Royalties Gold Current AccountCurrent Account0%0%MonthlyOnline, Branch, ATM, Tel19%When you use your debit card abroad.£12.95.Features

Features

Free Banking: No
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: No

From just £12.95 a month our Royalties Gold Account could be a good choice if you're looking for an account packed with benefits to help you get the most out of life.

RBS Royalties Gold Current Account
RBS Royalties Gold Current Account - get travel insurance, breakdown cover from Green Flag, as well as tailored rates on loans, mortgages and credit cards. All for £12.95 per month. Savings Worth up to £933 per year. Before applying for a current account please make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully. Current accounts do vary and it is important for you to work out which one is best for you and your financial circumstances. If you have any doubts it is wise to seek expert financial advice. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services

Savings Worth up to £933 per year


Advantages

Advantages

1. Benefits that could save you money and hassle including...
2. Worldwide annual family travel insurance
3. Mobile phone insurance (including iphones)
4. Home emergency cover
5. Breakdown cover
6. Extended warranty
7. Benefits are worth up to £896 per year, for just £12.95 per month
8. Plus get tailored rates on RBS mortgages, loans and credit cards.


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1. There is a monthly fee of £12.95

NatWest Select Platinum Current Account
NatWest Select Platinum Current Account

NatWest Select Platinum Current AccountCurrent Account6.9%0%DailyOnline, Branch, ATM, Tel19%When you use your debit card abroad.£12.95Features

Features

Free Banking: No
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: No

From just £12.95 a month our NatWest Select Platinum Current Account could be a good choice if you're looking for an account packed with benefits to help you get the most out of life.

NatWest Select Platinum Current Account
NatWest Select Platinum Current Account - get travel insurance, breakdown cover from Green Flag and mobile phone insurance (including smartphones). Monthly account fee - £12.95 Before applying for a current account please make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully. Current accounts do vary and it is important for you to work out which one is best for you and your financial circumstances. If you have any doubts it is wise to seek expert financial advice. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services

Savings Worth up to £933 per year


Advantages

Advantages

NatWest Select Platinum Current Account - Bringing a host of great benefits together for you 

 1. Mobile phone insurance - includes smartphones 
2. Green Flag car breakdown cover - even on your driveway 
3. Annual world wide travel insurance - includes winter sports (members and joint policy holders aged 70 years and over must pay an additional annual premium of £50)


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1. There is a monthly fee of £12.95

Nationwide FlexAccount
Nationwide FlexAccount

Nationwide FlexAccountCurrent Account0%0%DailyOnline, branch18.9% EARYou must pay charges for specialist services£0Features

Features

Free Banking: Yes
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: No

Access to a range of exclusive offers

Nationwide FlexAccount
This current bank account from Nationwide comes with a whole bunch of benefits. From free travel insurance to online banking and an account transfer service, the FlexAccount caters for all your needs. Before applying for a current account please make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully. Current accounts do vary and it is important for you to work out which one is best for you and your financial circumstances. If you have any doubts it is wise to seek expert financial advice. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services

Make use of the great Internet banking service.


Advantages

Advantages

1.You get free travel insurance.
2.No need to pay a monthly fee!
3.Make use of the online account transfer service.
4.This current account has been independently rated
5 5 star by Defaqto for the fifth consecutive year.
6.It offers a great Internet banking service.
7.Using a FlexAccount entitles you to a range of offers and discounts.


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1.You need to pay in £750 per month or more for three months
2.Young persons cannot apply for an interest free overdraft.

RBS Standard Current Account
RBS Standard Current Account

RBS Standard Current AccountCurrent Account0%0%MonthlyOnline, Branch, Post, Tel18%You must pay charges for specialist services£0Features

Features

Free Banking: Yes
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: No

1. Free everyday banking - no monthly subscription charge.
2. Overdraft – pay no interest on agreed overdrafts of up to £100 and there is no arrangement or renewal fees on overdrafts up to £15,000.
3. Visa debit card – worldwide acceptance with added online security protection.
4. Standing orders and direct debits – to help you manage your money

RBS Standard Current Account
RBS Standard Current Account - straightforward access to your money plus the option to have an overdraft (subject to eligibility). Apply online for an instant decision. Before applying for a current account please make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully. Current accounts do vary and it is important for you to work out which one is best for you and your financial circumstances. If you have any doubts it is wise to seek expert financial advice. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services

Free everyday banking


Advantages

Advantages

1. Straightforward access to your money with no monthly subscription charges
2. Pay no interest on agreed overdrafts of up to £100
3. Use your Current account balance to save money on your mortgage with our Offset Service
4. Apply online
5. Credit facilities available to over 18s only.


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1. There is an overdraft rate of 18.28%

Natwest Select
Natwest Select

Natwest Current PlusCurrent Account0%0%MonthlyOnline, Branch, Post, Tel18%You must pay charges for specialist services£0Features

Features

Free Banking: Yes
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: No

An iPhone app and an award winning Online Banking service

Natwest Select
The NatWest Select Account offers you flexible everyday banking with no monthly fees. Receive a Visa debit card accepted worldwide with added online security protection. Get the iPhone app and an award winning Online Banking Service. Before applying for a current account please make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully. Current accounts do vary and it is important for you to work out which one is best for you and your financial circumstances. If you have any doubts it is wise to seek expert financial advise. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services

UK only call centres and more than 1500 branches


Advantages

Advantages

1. Flexible account for your day-to-day banking needs
2. No subscription charges
3. Overdraft available, subject to eligibility
4. Plus, get top ups for your mobile at NatWest cash machines
5 Apply online


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1. There is an overdraft rate of 18.28%

Santander Everyday Current Account
Santander Everyday Current Account

Everyday AccountCurrent Account0%0%NoneOnline, Branch, Post, Tel0% (4 months)Varies£0Features

Features

Free Banking: Yes
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: No

If you plan to use your Santander account as your main current account and pay in at least £1,000 each month, othe Sandatander Preferred Current Account may be a better option for you.

Santander Everyday Current Account
The Santander Everyday Current Account is a simple and straightforward current account that helps make managing your money easy and convenient. Receive a free Arrange Overdraft for 4 months when you switch to Santander (depending on circumstances). Before applying for a current account please make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully. Current accounts do vary and it is important for you to work out which one is best for you and your financial circumstances. If you have any doubts seek expert financial advice. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services

1. Simple and straightforward current account
2. A free Arrange Overdraft for 4 months
3. A hassle free dedicated Switching Service


Advantages

Advantages

1. A simple and straightforward current account that helps make managing your money easy and convenient.
2. A free Arranged Overdraft for 4 months when you switch to us (depending on circumstances). See representative example.
3. Overdraft matching service: When you switch we'll also match your previous overdraft up to £5,000 (depending on your circumstances).
4. Dedicated Switcher Service. It's important you feel confident in moving your main current account to us. Our Switcher team will do most of the switch for you, making the process really easy, and we'll keep you informed along the way.
5. Easy access to your account 24 hours a day with our internet and phone banking service. Plus you have access to over 1,400 Santander branches.


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1. This account does not pay any interest on your in-credit balance.

Lloyds Premier International Account
Lloyds Premier International Account

Premier International AccountOffshore Account0% - 0%0% - 0%DailyOnline, phone, postOver £200 (AER* 15%)£20 per payment£20/€20/$30 per month (under £2,500)Features

Features

Free Banking: Yes
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: No
Direct Debit: No
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: No

Accounts available in £,$ or €. All-access withdrawals. Family Travel Insurance.4%(1%AER†) interest rate — on balances between £10,000 and £24,999 for 3 months only.

Lloyds Premier International Account
This current account is perfect for those of you with international needs but who want the security of a name you can trust. The Premier International Account from LLoyds caters for all your needs-you can even make use of the complimentary travel insurance, online banking and concierge service. Apply online and you will receive £100 cashback Before applying for a current account please make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully. Current accounts do vary so work out which one is best for you. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services

Visa debit cards in all 3 currencies for easy worldwide access to your money


Advantages

Advantages

1.You can get this account in £,€ or $.
2.If you need flexible access to your money-this account will allow you to do exactly this. 3.A great account to make international transfers with.
4.You will get a Visa debit card in all three currencies.
5.If your balance is above £2,500, there will be no monthly fee.
6.There will only be one monthly fee for multi-currency accounts.
7.If your account has over £10,000 you will start to recieve a 4% interest rate.
8.Worldwide family travel insurance included.


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1.If your balance is below £2,500 you will have to pay a monthly fee of £20/€20/$30.
2.You must have a minimum gross income of £50,000
3.You cannot apply unless you are over the age of 18.

Barclays Wealth International Current Account
Barclays Wealth International Current Account

Barclays Wealth International Bank AccountOffshore Account0%0%NoneOnline, TelAsk on applicationN/A£10.00Features

Features

Free Banking: No
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: No

International telephone and online banking, seven days a week2

Barclays Wealth International Current Account
Barclays Wealth International offers a choice of offshore current accounts in US dollar, euro or sterling, with discounted international payments online and currency exchange services. Before applying for a current account please make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully. Current accounts do vary and it is important for you to work out which one is best for you and your financial circumstances. If you have any doubts it is wise to seek expert financial advice. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services

Which international bank account is right for you?
There are four levels of service from which you can choose:
Personal service tailored to your exact needs with our Relationship Manager Service account The iBank Plus account provides you with access to all of the services above and caters for clients who would benefit from discounted international online payments
The iBank Saver account is designed to provide you with access to investments and savings and not day-to-day transactional services
Standard international banking services with the iBank account.


Advantages

Advantages

1. Online and telephone banking
2. Debit and deferred debit cards available
3. Open an account in Jersey, Isle of Man or London
4. Discounted international payments available
5. Additional current accounts in other currencies available
6. Savings and deposit accounts available


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1. New customers are required to have a mimimum deposit of £5,000 (or currency equivalent).

Barclays Wealth Relationship Manager Service
Barclays Wealth Relationship Manager Service

Relationship Manager Service accountOffshore Account0%0%NoneOnline, Tel, BranchAsk on applicationSee website£0Features

Features

Free Banking: Yes
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: Yes

Currencies GBP, EUR, USD and more

Barclays Wealth Relationship Manager Service
If you would like a dedicated relationship manager to take care of your banking need then the Barclays Wealth Relationship Manager Service Account is worth considering. This is an international bank account in a range of currencies. Apply online if you are over the age of 18 years old. Before applying for a current account please make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully. Current accounts do vary and it is important for you to work out which one is best for you and your financial circumstances. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services


Advantages

Advantages

1. Dedicated Relationship Manager taking care of your banking needs
2. International bank accounts in a range of currencies
3. Debit and credit cards available (subject to application)
4. Currency exchange services
5. Introduction to tax services
6. Free financial review
7. Savings and deposit accounts
8. International mortgage advice for property purchases in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man and Gibraltar
9. Borrowing in a range of currencies
10. Advice from international investment experts
11. Structured notes and deposits
12. A range of actively and passively managed investment funds
13. Trusts administration
14. Managing inheritance strategies


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1. Minimum age 18 years
2. Mimimum deposit of £50,000 (or currency equivalent) or mandate a salary of at least £100,000 (or currency equivalent) if you are living in or moving to the UK.

NatWest Current Plus
NatWest Current Plus

Current PlusStudent Account0.10%0.10%DailyOnline, Branch, Post, Tel19.24%£20£0.00Features

Features

Free Banking: Yes
Debit Card: Yes
Cheque Guarantee Card: Yes
Standing Orders: Yes
Direct Debit: Yes
Overdraft Facility: Yes
Account Manager: No

1. Customers receive a £100 interest-free buffer if they go overdrawn.

NatWest Current Plus
The NatWest Current Plus is available for over 18’s and offers free everyday banking for no monthly subscription charges. You can receive a £100 interest free overdraft incase you go overdrawn. If you need to borrow more than that, the over draft rate is 19.24%. Before applying for a current account please make sure that you read the terms and conditions carefully. Current accounts do vary and it is important for you to work out which one is best for you and your financial circumstances. If you have any doubts it is wise to seek expert financial advice. DETAIL INFORMATION >>Services

Services

1. Upgrade to Advantage Blue for £6.95 per month.


Advantages

Advantages

1. Minimum investment is £1.00.
2. Instant withdrawal access.
3. Free day-to-day banking without subscription charges.
4. Apply online.
5. Chequebook available.
6. Manage your account online.


Disadvantages

Disadvantages

1. Cash withdrawals made abroad are subject to an Exchange Rate Transaction Fee of 2.75% as well as a 2.00% of the Sterling transaction amount (minimum £2.00, maximum £5.00).
2. If your account becomes overdrawn without prior arrangement or any arranged overdraft limit is exceeded, you will be liable for a monthly Maintenance Charge.

If you wish to speak to someone: Contact Us or Enquiry Line: +44 (0) 207 386 5300

Compare Current Accounts

Current Accounts

A current account is also known as an everyday bank account and almost everyone in the UK has one. It is best used to hold the money that you spend on a regular basis for things like day to day living costs, household bills and they are usually the place where your salary gets paid into. The way current accounts work is you pay your money in and out through a variety of methods, through branches, over the phone, online or at your local Post Office. You will then receive a monthly statements either through the post or online which shows all your transactions and what money has come in and gone out.

Reasons to open a current account

With a current account you can obtain free everyday banking and you can pay people from this account. Current accounts provide you with a debit card which you can use at cash machines and in the shops. Most current accounts will also come with a chequebook that you can use to make payments easily. Online banking is a great feature of many current accounts. Internet banking is fast, safe and convenient. You do not have to travel to your nearest bank for many basic services and you can access your account 24 hours a day. You can also access your statements instantly, make transfers quickly and schedule monthly payments to be made out of your account automatically. Some current accounts offer interest on the money you have on the account, although the rates are often lower than on a savings account. You can set up standing orders and direct debits from a current account for regular payments you have to make like bills meaning you do not have to worry about missing payment deadlines.

How to choose the right bank account

The right account will depend on you and your requirements. Recently the UK current account market has diversified to offer a wide range of products covering everything from basic accounts to packaged accounts and others aimed at particular target markets. For example there are special accounts designed for students with exclusive offers geared specifically towards students such as interest free overdraft facilities and free railcards Packaged current accounts can have a wide range of additional offers and benefits including features such as higher credit interest, free home, car, travel, mobile phone, breakdown insurance, protection from identity theft, you can earn airmiles, travel benefits and discounts and also commission free foreign currency. Bear in mind that while many current accounts are free and won’t cost you anything as long as you do not go overdrawn, other more advanced accounts, for example those offers additional benefits like travel insurance, may charge a small monthly fee. Many accounts offer incentives with their accounts such as free gifts and vouchers but do not just be drawn in by these. Without these does the account still offer everything you are looking for?

Considering current accounts

There is a wide range of different accounts and benefits available so you should shop around to find the best one for you. With so many vying for your business you should research thoroughly to find the best deal for you. There are hundreds of accounts to choose from. You should think about the things you’ll be using the account for and always watch out for any hidden charges that may apply. You may want to choose an account that can be managed online or via the phone and whether it has a 24 customer service line. Age restrictions may apply, you can usually open an account quite young but you may not have full access to all the benefits. Please note that you will have to provide some identification to open a current account which can include a passport, and proof of your address such as a bill. You may also find that you need to pay in a minimum amount each month to qualify for certain features such as particular interest rates.

Overdraft facilities

With some providers you will be offered an overdraft facility which is in essence borrowing money from the account provider. If you exceed the available balance in your account and go into a negative balance, then you enter your overdraft. Some accounts may offer overdrafts on an interest free basis. However, you should watch out for charges as some banks may charge you for this facility and rates can vary. If you do not have an overdraft facility and you go into a negative balance you should expect these fees to be much more expensive.

CURRENT ACCOUNTS - LATEST NEWS News and Charts

Barclays Current Account

13 June 2012 10:30am
Which Way to Pay

Now available for you to compare with the Barclays Current Account you can customise your account with a range of Packs that cover gadgets, home appliances, travel and more. Simply add the Features that you want and leave out the ones that you don't.

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123 Current Account

27 March 2012 12:00pm
Which Way to Pay

The 123 Current Account is a new current account now available at Which Way To Pay for you to compare. This Current Account, pays in-credit interest on a customer’s total balance of up to 3% once they have more than £1,000 in their account.

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The Dangers Of Debit Cards

07 July 2011
ICE

There are alternative ways to buy your foreign currency to avoid incurring unnecessary debit card bank charges.

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FSA Chief Warns Against Free Banking

24 November 2010
Which Way To Pay

Lord Turner, the chairman of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), has warned that free banking is damaging to the financial services sector and leads to more mis-selling of products.

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Would You Consider Switching?

23 August 2010
Which Way To Pay

As the summer slowly sees an end in sight, many people look to a season of fresh starts. While kids and students head to school and college or uni, those in full-time professions often review their finances.

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