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Updated 4 July 2026 - Overdrafts
Compare Banks for OverdraftsWhat to compare in 2026
Overdrafts are short-term borrowing attached to a current account. They can be useful as a backup, but they are not always cheap and availability depends on eligibility, affordability and account type.
Quick answer
High street banks such as Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest, HSBC, Nationwide, Santander, Halifax and TSB are relevant overdraft comparison points, while Monzo, Starling and Kroo may suit people comparing app-based overdraft controls. Always check the current EAR, interest-free buffer, eligibility and repayment rules before relying on an overdraft.
What this page is
- Helps readers compare banks for overdrafts using features, fees, protection and practical fit.
- Highlights watch-outs and links to wider comparison pages before readers choose a provider.
What this page is not
- Does not provide personalised financial advice or guarantee eligibility for any account or product.
- Does not replace checking live provider rates, fees, terms and protection wording before applying.
What to compare first
Before looking at individual banks, check the features, fees and limitations that matter most for this type of account.
Access rules
Compare easy-access, notice and fixed-term rules before assuming money is flexible.
Protection
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Deposit and withdrawal limits
Check minimum balances, maximum deposits, withdrawal penalties and transfer timing.
Banks to Compare
Review each bank's strengths, limitations and key checks for this guide. The order does not imply an overall ranking.
Barclays
High street overdraft comparison
Barclays is worth comparing if you want an arranged overdraft route from a broad high street current account provider.
High streetOverdraftCurrent account
Watch
Check EAR, fees, buffers and whether overdraft availability depends on the account held.
Halifax
Lloyds Group overdraft route
Halifax is relevant for current accounts where arranged overdrafts may be available subject to approval.
High streetOverdraftApp
Watch
Check the daily cost or interest rate, account eligibility and any interest-free amount.
HSBC
Large bank overdraft checks
HSBC is worth comparing if you want a high street current account with potential arranged overdraft access.
High streetOverdraftGlobal bank
Watch
Eligibility, limits and pricing depend on circumstances and account type.
Kroo
App-based current account with invitation-based overdraft
Kroo is relevant because the project data notes an arranged overdraft route by invitation and subject to eligibility.
Digital bankOverdraftEligibility
Watch
Check whether you are eligible and review the representative EAR before using it.
Lloyds Bank
Main bank overdraft comparison
Lloyds is useful to compare if you want a familiar high street current account with arranged overdraft availability.
High streetOverdraftMain bank
Watch
Costs and limits can depend on the account and your credit assessment.
Monzo
In-app overdraft controls
Monzo can suit people who want app-based overdraft controls, notifications and borrowing visibility.
Digital bankOverdraftApp controls
Watch
Eligibility and pricing are personal, and overdrafts are not suitable for long-term borrowing.
Nationwide
Building society-style current account borrowing
Nationwide is worth comparing for arranged overdrafts attached to current accounts, especially if you value branches and app access.
Building societyOverdraftBranches
Watch
Check account-specific buffers, eligibility and current pricing.
NatWest
High street overdraft with app support
NatWest is relevant if you want a branch-backed current account with digital overdraft management.
High streetOverdraftApp
Watch
Check account type, arranged limit, EAR and whether any buffer applies.
Santander
Current account plus overdraft route
Santander is worth comparing if you want a high street current account where arranged overdrafts may be available.
High streetOverdraftCurrent account
Watch
Reward accounts and overdraft pricing should be checked separately.
Starling Bank
App-based current account borrowing checks
Starling is relevant if you want a digital current account with clear app controls and potential overdraft access.
Digital bankOverdraftApp
Watch
Eligibility, limit and cost depend on assessment and can change.
TSB
Low-cost account route with possible buffer
TSB is worth comparing because some account routes may include an interest-free arranged overdraft buffer if approved.
High streetOverdraftBuffer
Watch
Check current account terms, approval rules and pricing beyond any buffer.
What to check before choosing
- Check the representative EAR and whether the bank charges any additional overdraft fees.
- Check whether an interest-free buffer applies and what happens above that amount.
- Confirm eligibility, affordability checks and whether the limit can be changed or withdrawn.
- Avoid using an overdraft as long-term borrowing without comparing cheaper alternatives.
- Check alerts and app controls so you know before you enter or exceed an overdraft.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you compare banks.
How should I use this overdrafts guide?
High street banks such as Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest, HSBC, Nationwide, Santander, Halifax and TSB are relevant overdraft comparison points, while Monzo, Starling and Kroo may suit people comparing app-based overdraft controls. Always check the current EAR, interest-free buffer, eligibility and repayment rules before relying on an overdraft.
Compare UK banksWhat should I check before choosing?
Check the representative EAR and whether the bank charges any additional overdraft fees. Check whether an interest-free buffer applies and what happens above that amount. Confirm eligibility, affordability checks and whether the limit can be changed or withdrawn.
Continue researching →How does BankAdvisor compare banks?
We compare banks using provider information, review criteria and practical checks such as fees, features, protection, eligibility and limitations.
Read how we review banks →Are the banks listed fairly?
Yes. The cards are intended to help readers compare strengths, limitations and key checks. The order does not imply an overall ranking.
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