What is the best current account in the UK?

The best current account depends on your priorities. For switching bonuses, First Direct and NatWest often offer £175+. For in-credit interest, Chase pays 1% cashback on spending. For overdrafts, Starling and Monzo offer competitive rates. For packaged accounts with travel insurance, Nationwide FlexPlus is popular.

Can I have multiple current accounts?

Yes. There is no limit to how many current accounts you can have. Many people use multiple accounts for budgeting (bills account, spending account, savings) or to collect switching bonuses. Having multiple accounts does not harm your credit score unless you make lots of applications in a short period.

Do current accounts affect my credit score?

Opening a current account involves a credit check, which leaves a small footprint on your credit file. This has minimal impact. Managing your account well (not going into an unarranged overdraft) can help your credit score. Some banks report positive account management to credit agencies.

Best Current Accounts UK 2026 — Top Picks Compared | PocketWise

Your current account is the hub of your financial life — where your salary lands and your bills leave. Choosing the right one can earn you hundreds of pounds through switching bonuses, cashback, or interest.

Best Current Accounts by Category

Best for Switching Bonuses

Bank	Bonus	Requirements	Link
First Direct	£175	Switch via CASS, pay in £1,000+, stay 6 months	1st Account
NatWest/RBS	£175	Switch via CASS, pay in £1,250+/month	Reward Account
Nationwide	£200	Switch via CASS (existing members get more)	FlexDirect
Lloyds	£175	Switch via CASS, pay in £2,000+, 2 Direct Debits	Club Lloyds
HSBC	£150	Switch via CASS, pay in £1,500+/month	Advance Account

Bonuses change frequently — check current offers before switching.

Best for In-Credit Interest

Bank	Interest Rate	Maximum Balance	Details
Nationwide FlexDirect	5% AER	£1,500	First year only, then drops
Lloyds Club Lloyds	3% AER	£5,000	Tiered; requires £2,000+/month in
TSB Spend & Save	5% AER	£1,500	On savings attached to account
Santander Edge	4% AER	£4,000	£3/month fee

Best for Cashback

Bank	Cashback	Details
Chase	1%	On all debit card spending (uncapped first year)
Santander Edge	Up to 1%	On household bills, transport, groceries
NatWest Reward	£5/month	If you pay in £1,250+, have 2 Direct Debits
Virgin Money	Points	Redeemable for rewards

Best Digital/Online Banks

Bank	Standout Features
Starling	Free spending abroad, budgeting spaces, joint accounts
Monzo	Salary sorting, pots, instant notifications
Chase	1% cashback, 3.5%+ savings, no fees abroad
Revolut	Multi-currency, crypto, trading, premium tiers

Best for Overdrafts

Bank	Overdraft Rate (EAR)	Details
Starling	15–35%	Based on credit profile
Monzo	39.9%	Simple flat rate
First Direct	39.9%	£250 interest-free buffer
Nationwide FlexDirect	39.9%	£0 fee, interest only

How to Choose

Your Priority	Best Choice
Maximum free cash	Chase switching bonus + stay for cashback
Best interest on balance	Nationwide FlexDirect (5% for year 1)
Overseas use	Starling or Chase (no fees)
Budgeting features	Monzo or Starling
Branch access	High street bank (NatWest, Lloyds, etc.)
Student	Santander 123 Student, HSBC Student
Low/no credit score	Basic bank account (see basic accounts guide)

Current Account Switching Service (CASS)

Feature	Detail
What it does	Moves all payments and balance to new account
Time to switch	7 working days
Cost	Free
Redirect	Payments to old account redirected for 3 years
Safety	Guaranteed — any losses are covered
Closes old account	Automatically (or you can keep it open)

How to Switch

Apply for your new account
Select “switch using CASS” and provide old account details
Choose your switch date
Old Direct Debits, standing orders, and salary auto-transfer
Receive switching bonus (if applicable)

Maximising Switching Bonuses

Strategy	Detail
Switch every 6–12 months	Most bonuses only require 6 months minimum
Keep track of requirements	Pay-in amounts, Direct Debits, CASS use
Check eligibility	Some exclude previous customers
Multiple accounts	You can switch one account and open another separately
Joint accounts	Sometimes earn separate bonuses

Over 5 years, switching regularly could earn you £500–£1,000+ in bonuses alone.

Fees to Watch

Fee	What to Check
Monthly account fee	£0–£18/month (packaged accounts)
Overdraft interest	19.9%–39.9% EAR typical
Overseas card use	0%–3% (digital banks usually free)
Cash withdrawals abroad	Often fee + poor exchange rate
Bounced payment fees	£5–£15 typically

Best Accounts for Specific Needs

Need	Recommendation
First account / 16-17	Nationwide FlexOne, Barclays Barclays Account
Student	Santander 123 Student, HSBC Student
Graduate	Many offer 0% overdraft runway
Self-employed	Starling Business, Tide, Mettle
Building credit	Look for accounts that report to credit agencies

For saving money on everyday spending, see our cashback and rewards guide and money saving tips.