Best Current Accounts UK 2025: Expert Comparison

A current account is a type of bank account used to manage daily finances. It offers essential features like debit cards, overdrafts, and online banking and is ideal for handling regular transactions such as receiving salary, paying bills, and making purchases.

But which—from the countless options available in the UK market—is the right one for you?

To help you decide, we’ve compared dozens of current accounts from the UK’s top providers and handpicked five of the best for 2025. Our guide breaks down each account’s standout features, pros, and cons so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.

Let's compare the 5 best current accounts in the UK to help you make the best choice.

Our expert score: 4.8/5

Pros

Cons

First Direct is a telephone and web-based bank that offers a wide range of financial products, including current accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and loans.

The bank’s flagship current account, the 1st Account, lives up to its name by putting customers first with competitive features and excellent service. For example, the account offers an impressive £175 switching bonus, no monthly fees, and 24/7 support.

Thanks to First Direct’s intuitive mobile app and online banking platform, managing your account and finances is simple and convenient. Moreover, the account comes with a £250 interest-free overdraft, a linked regular saver account paying 7% AER (up to £300 per month), and zero foreign transaction fees.

Why buy? Expert verdict

First Direct’s £175 switching bonus is one of the most competitive switching offers on the market. It makes this provider one of the best options for those seeking a financial boost when moving accounts.

Beyond the bonus, the £250 interest-free overdraft is valuable for those who occasionally need extra flexibility.

First Direct is also known as one of the best banks for customer service, consistently ranking highly in customer satisfaction surveys and online reviews.

✍️ Have you used this bank? Share a rating and review for First Direct on Review Centre.

Our expert score: 4.8/5

Pros

Cons

Founded in 2014, Starling Bank is a digital-first, app-based bank that has quickly gained popularity among UK consumers for its innovative approach to banking. It offers various personal and business banking services, all accessible through its highly rated mobile app.

The Starling Current Account is designed for flexibility and convenience. It offers features like mobile check deposits, contactless payments, and no fees for spending abroad. Customers also benefit from 24/7 human support and access to innovative money tools, such as a budget planner and bill manager, to help them manage their finances more effectively.

Why buy? Expert verdict

Starling offers tiered overdraft fees that are significantly cheaper than most other banks. More specifically, it provides variable interest rates of 15%, 25%, and 35% EAR for arranged overdrafts, with a representative 15% variable rate on a £1,200 credit limit. The actual rate you’ll get depends on several factors, such as your credit history, but overall, it will most likely be better than what you can get with other banks.

Beyond affordability, Starling provides exceptional transparency and control over overdrafts. You can easily manage your overdraft through the app, set a cap to prevent overspending, and even view how much interest you’ve accrued in real time. Plus, the application process is straightforward, and you can see exactly how much your overdraft will cost before proceeding.

✍️ Have you used this bank? Share a rating and review for Starling Bank on Review Centre.

Our expert score: 4.7/5

Pros

Cons

Launched in 2015, Monzo is a digital-first bank with over 11 million customers. It’s built for those who prefer to manage their finances entirely through their smartphones. Monzo offers an innovative, feature-packed app that puts control of your finances at your fingertips.

Some notable app features include real-time spending notifications, budgeting tools, and a unique ‘savings pots’ feature. The latter helps you save for specific goals (e.g., a holiday or a new gadget) by setting money aside in separate ‘pots.’

Monzo’s app also allows for bill splitting with friends and a chance to earn 3.35-3.85% AER variable interest on your balance in Monzo’s Instant Access Savings Pot or Cash ISA.

As a digital-only bank, Monzo doesn’t offer traditional in-branch services. However, the convenience of managing everything through the app, along with 24/7 customer support with no waiting times, certainly makes up for that.

Why buy? Expert verdict

Monzo consistently ranks as one of the best digital banks in the UK. For instance, according to an independent survey conducted by IPOS and published in February 2025, Monzo was the best bank for online and mobile banking services.

The bank’s mobile app has an impressive 4.8-star rating on the App Store and 4.2 stars on Google Play Store. And in a poll by Money Saving Expert, Monzo’s app topped the charts for features and ease of use, further proving its status as the go-to choice for tech-savvy customers who want to manage their finances digitally.

Overall, Monzo is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a smart, digital-first bank with excellent features and round-the-clock customer service.

✍️ Have you used this bank? Share a rating and review for Monzo on Review Centre.

Our expert score: 4.6/5

Pros

Cons

Founded in 1884, Nationwide is the world’s largest building society, serving over 16 million customers as of 2025. It’s one of the most trusted names in the UK financial services industry, with a diverse product portfolio that includes current and savings accounts, credit cards, loans and insurance products.

The Nationwide FlexDirect Current Account offers a generous introductory interest rate of 5% AER on balances up to £1,500 for the first 12 months, provided you deposit a minimum of £1,000 each month. After this period, the rate reverts to a 1% AER variable.

In addition to high interest, FlexDirect offers 1% cashback (up to £5 per month) when using your debit card for in-store, online, or phone purchases. For customers who need and are eligible for an overdraft, the first £50 is interest-free, but be careful: Any amount beyond this incurs a 39.9% EAR variable rate.

Why buy? Expert verdict

The Nationwide FlexDirect Current Account is an excellent choice for those looking to maximise their savings with a high interest rate during the first year. If you can afford to deposit the required minimum amount of £1,000 each month, the 5% AER on balances up to £1,500 is a fantastic offer you won’t find with many other providers.

In addition to the impressive interest, the account has no monthly fee. The 1% cashback on debit card spending adds further value, especially for frequent spenders.

What’s more, the account provides access to Nationwide’s exclusive savings products, such as the Flex Regular Saver and Flex Instant Saver, giving you even more opportunities to grow your money.

✍️ Have you used this bank? Share a rating and review for Nationwide on Review Centre.

Our expert score: 4.5/5

Pros

Cons

Santander is a high-street bank in the UK that currently serves over 14 million customers. Its primary products include current and savings accounts, loans, mortgages, and credit cards.

The Santander Edge Current Account is designed to reward everyday spending with cashback. With this account, you can earn 1% cashback on selected household bills (paid via direct debit) and 1% cashback on debit card spending at supermarkets and on travel-related expenses, such as fuel, train/bus tickets, and electric vehicle charging. However, you must deposit at least £500 monthly to qualify for cashback.

The account also provides access to a linked savings account, which has an attractive 6% AER interest rate on balances up to £4,000.

Why Buy? Expert verdict

The Santander Edge Current Account is a great option for people who want a low-cost account that rewards them for their daily spending.

Although the £3 monthly fee might seem like a drawback, frequent users can easily offset this cost through cashback earnings and a competitive interest rate of 6% AER on balances up to £4,000 in the linked savings account (if they choose to take advantage of it).

✍️ Have you used this bank? Share a rating and review for Santander on Review Centre.

Current accounts come in various forms. Here’s an overview of the most common types:

Standard current accounts

Standard current accounts are perhaps the most common type of current account. They offer essential banking features like debit cards, chequebooks, online banking, direct debit, and overdraft facilities.

These accounts are ideal for everyday banking needs, such as bill payments and salary deposits, but typically don’t include perks like interest or cashback.

Basic current account

Basic current accounts offer more or less the same services as standard current accounts, with a few exceptions. For instance, they might not provide an overdraft or a chequebook, and some may limit the number of daily ATM withdrawals.

These accounts are best suited to individuals who might not qualify for a standard account due to a poor credit history or who simply need a no-frills banking option.

Packaged accounts

Packaged accounts offer added perks—such as travel insurance, breakdown cover, or mobile phone insurance—but they usually charge a monthly fee.

They’re ideal for those who can justify the monthly fee by taking advantage of the bundled benefits.

Joint current accounts

Joint accounts are designed for 2 or more people, such as spouses, relatives, friends, or business partners. They offer the same features as standard accounts, the main difference being that multiple people can access and manage them.

However, all account holders are equally responsible for overdrafts or debts, which can lead to complications if relationships sour.

High-interest current accounts

High-interest current accounts offer attractive interest rates on your balance. That makes them ideal for savers who keep a lot of money in their current accounts.

That said, these accounts often have specific requirements, like keeping a minimum balance each month.

Student and graduate accounts

Student and graduate accounts are tailored to help young adults manage their finances during and after university. They often include features like interest-free overdrafts, travel discounts, and cashback.

To qualify, you must provide proof of student status or recent graduation from university.

The best current account for you depends on your financial habits, goals and lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider.

New to current accounts? Here are a few must-know facts about them, including how they function, who can open one, and the benefits they offer:

Anyone 18 or older is eligible to open a current account in the UK. Some banks also offer accounts for 16- and 17-year-olds, but they may have limited features.

Most banks allow you to open an account online, though you can also do it by phone or in person at the nearest branch. As part of the application process, you’ll need to provide details about your personal and financial circumstances, along with the following documents:

Some banks may also perform a credit check, particularly if you apply for an overdraft facility.

Current accounts offer a range of features to help you manage your money effectively. These include:

Some accounts also offer perks like interest on your balance or cashback on purchases.

If you’re unhappy with your current provider, the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) makes switching easy. Here’s how it works:

The switching process is backed by the Current Account Switch Guarantee, which ensures reimbursement for issues like missed payments. Some banks also offer cash incentives for switching, making it a hassle-free way to upgrade your banking experience.

The UK is home to several major banks and financial institutions that offer various current accounts. Some of the largest and most trusted providers are:

To select the best current account provider for your needs, consider the following factors.

Reputation and trustworthiness

Look for providers with positive customer reviews, high satisfaction ratings, and a good reputation in the UK banking sector. These are good indicators of reliability and trustworthiness.

Account features and perks

Different providers offer varying features and perks, such as cashback on spending, interest on balances, or fee-free overseas transactions. Consider the benefits most important to you, and compare offerings to ensure they match your financial habits and priorities.

Fees and charges

Some current accounts come with monthly fees, while others may charge for specific services like overdrafts or international transactions. Review the fee structure carefully to avoid unexpected costs and ensure that any charges are reasonable for the features provided.

Customer service

Consider the quality of customer support. Look for providers that offer multiple ways to access it (such as phone, email, and chat) and have positive reviews for responsiveness and helpfulness.

Branch and ATM access

If you value access to cash and in-person services, consider the provider’s branch and ATM network. Check how many branches and ATMs they have and whether they’re located near you.

Online and mobile banking

A user-friendly app and secure online portal can make managing your account more convenient. Look for providers with excellent digital and mobile platforms that offer features like real-time notifications, budgeting tools, and easy money transfers.

Switching incentives

Some providers offer cash incentives to attract new customers. Compare the amounts and terms of these offers, such as whether they require a minimum deposit or the setup of direct debits.

Financial stability

Opt for well-established providers with a strong financial history and solid backing. This will ensure your money is secure and reduce the risk of disruptions or instability.

Additional services

Finally, consider providers that offer additional financial products, such as savings accounts, credit cards, or personal loans. Bundling products with one provider can simplify your finances and may offer added perks.

Our list of the best current accounts in the UK is based on comprehensive research and analysis of each provider’s offerings. Our goal was to identify accounts that offer genuine value, whether through interest rates, low fees, or standout features.

Here are some of the factors we considered:

Account features

We evaluated each account’s key features, including overdraft facilities, interest rates, cashback offers, and additional perks. Our goal was to highlight options that offer practical and valuable perks.

Fees and charges

We compared monthly fees, overdraft charges, and foreign transaction costs to ensure the accounts we recommend are cost-effective.

Customer reviews

We analysed customer feedback and ratings from trusted sources to measure customer satisfaction. This helped us identify recurring issues or red flags, ensuring we only recommended accounts with a strong track record of customer satisfaction.

Industry reputation

We considered each provider’s reputation, including its financial stability, innovation, and commitment to customer support. We highlighted only banks and financial institutions with a strong track record and a reputation for reliability.

A current account is designed for everyday transactions and offers features like debit cards and direct debits. A savings account, on the other hand, is used to store money in the long term. It offers higher interest rates but limited access to funds.

Yes, some banks perform a credit check when you apply, especially for overdrafts. This can temporarily adversely impact your score. Regularly using an overdraft or missing payments can also negatively impact your credit score.

Yes, you can have multiple current accounts with different banks. This can be useful for separating finances, such as managing personal and business expenses, or taking advantage of perks like interest rates and cashback offers.

The right current account can help streamline your finances, reduce unnecessary fees, and even offer rewards like cashback or interest on balances. Our comprehensive guide has broken down the main types of current accounts, the top providers in the UK and some key factors to consider when choosing an option. Use this information to make an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals.