A current account is great for managing your day-to-day money. You can receive regular payments like wages, benefits, tax credits or pensions into your account. You can also set up payments out of your account in whatever way you find convenient.
What you can do with a current account
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Account dashboard
Do you have more than one account? New services mean you can now see all your accounts in a single banking app. Find out more here.
With a current account you can:
- pay for things with a debit card
- write cheques to pay bills and people
- receive payments directly into your account
- set up Direct Debits and standing orders to pay your bills
- transfer money via a telephone or online banking.
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Tax-free savings
Basic rate tax payers can earn up to £1,000 interest on their savings without having to pay tax and higher rate tax payers can earn up to £500 worth of interest tax-free. Find out more on Tax on savings accounts.
- withdraw cash over the counter or from a cashpoint machine
- check your balance using telephone or internet banking, at a cash machine or over the counter
- apply for an overdraft. This will allow you to spend more than you have in your account – but you’ll be charged for it.
- pay cheques into your account. The money usually clears on the next working day (Monday to Friday, not including public holidays) but can take longer if the cheque is paid in after any advertised cut-off time. Find out more on our Payments into your bank account page.
You can access most current accounts through a high street branch, online, using mobile banking or over the phone.
Who can get a current account?
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Over 16 - you need to be over 16 to open a current account, although for some banks the minimum age is 18. If your child is under 18 it might be possible to open a current account with a parent’s help. If your child can’t open a current account you might want to look at savings accounts for children. Some banks offer accounts you can access from the age of seven.
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Minimum monthly payment – some banks might ask you to pay a minimum amount into your account every month. This could be your wages, benefits or a pension.
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Good credit history - because many current accounts allow you to have an overdraft, you might need to pass a credit check when you open the account.
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Proof of identity and address - all banks or building societies will ask for proof of your identity and address before you can open a bank account.
How much does a current account cost?
As long as you have money in your account, you don’t usually have to pay for current account services. Some current accounts do charge a monthly fee for additional features.
Overdrafts and current accounts
An overdraft is a way of borrowing money from the bank through your current account. This means you can spend more than you have in your account.
Banks will usually charge you interest for lending you this money.
The interest is often at a higher rate than a personal loan. However, some offer interest-free overdrafts. But this depends on your agreement with the bank – you should contact your bank to find out.
Charges for refused Direct Debits and standing orders
If there’s not enough money in your account to cover a standing order or Direct Debit, it might be refused. If this happens, you’ll usually have to pay a charge.
It can be as much as £25 for each refused payment.
Monthly Maximum Charges
Current accounts now have a Monthly Maximum Charge (MMC) in place, which is the maximum amount you’d pay each month in fees, charges and interest. The amount varies depending on the bank or building society, and which current account you have.
Make sure you check what the MMC is with your current account so you know how much your overdraft is costing you.
Cash machines (ATMs)
In the UK, taking money out of a cash machine with your debit card is usually free.
There are some exceptions:
- Some cash machines – especially ones inside small shops, on garage forecourts and in nightclubs, but other places as well – can charge up to £5 each time you withdraw money. They’ll tell you about the charges on screen before you take out the cash so you can decide if you want to go ahead or not.
- Using a credit card to take out cash comes with a charge, and you pay interest from the moment you withdraw the money. If you have a card with an interest-free period, it will only apply to purchases. You’ll still pay a fee if you take out cash.
- Some prepaid cards charge you a fee to withdraw money from cashpoint machines.
How to get a current account
How to choose a current account
Comparison websites are a good starting point for anyone trying to find a current account tailored to their needs.
Use our Bank account fees and charges comparison tool to see all the fees and charges that apply to bank accounts – it shows everything from overdraft fees to foreign cash withdrawal charges.
We also recommend the following websites for comparing current accounts:
In Northern Ireland, you can also try the Consumer Council Comparison Tool.
Remember:
- Comparison websites won’t all give you the same results, so make sure you use more than one before making a decision.
- It is also important to do some research on the type of product and features you need before making a purchase or changing supplier.
How to open a current account
You can usually apply in person, by post, over the phone or online.
If your application is turned down, don’t be afraid to ask why.
Watch our video - How to open a bank account
Read a transcript of this video
How to switch current account
Banks and building societies all offer a free seven-day Current Account Switch Service.
It’s backed by a guarantee that means you’ll be refunded any interest and charges on your old and new accounts if anything goes wrong.
Managing your current account
Watch our video - How to make payments using your bank account
Checking your balance regularly will help you to make sure there’s enough money in your account to cover any standing orders or Direct Debits, so you won’t have to pay charges for having them rejected.
What to do if things go wrong with your current account
If you’re unhappy with anything to do with your bank or building society, speak to them first.
They have to investigate your complaint and give you a clear answer within eight weeks.
If they don’t send you a response within eight weeks, or you’re still unhappy after they do, you may be able to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
