Everyday fees
Check monthly account fees, cash use, foreign spending, replacement cards and other common charges.
Updated 4 July 2026 - Current accounts
Compare UK Current AccountsWhat to compare in 2026
A current account is usually the account people use for income, bills, card spending and everyday payments. The right fit depends on whether you value app tools, branch access, fee-free travel, rewards, overdrafts, cash services or a simple no-monthly-fee account.
Quick answer
Monzo, Starling, Chase, Kroo and Zopa are useful digital current-account options to compare, while Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC, Nationwide, Santander, Halifax, TSB and other high street banks may suit people who want branches, phone support or a wider product range. Compare the account features, fees and limitations before choosing.
What this page is
- Helps readers compare banks for current accounts 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.
Account access
Compare app banking, branch access, phone support, Post Office services and payment reliability.
Overdraft and rewards
Look at overdraft costs, cashback rules, packaged benefits and whether rewards outweigh fees.
Protection and fit
Confirm protection status and decide whether the account can be your main bank or a helper account.
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 current account with broad app tools
Barclays is worth comparing if you want a large branch-backed bank with mobile banking, card controls, optional rewards and a broad product range.
High streetApp toolsBranches
Watch
Reward features, fees and overdraft costs depend on the account and eligibility.
Chase UK
Simple app-based spending and cashback
Chase is useful if you want a clean current account app, debit card spending, eligible cashback and linked savings features.
Digital bankCashbackSavings
Watch
It has a narrower UK product range than a full high street bank and does not suit people who need branches.
Co-operative Bank
Ethical high street current account
Co-operative Bank can suit people who value ethical positioning, standard current accounts, savings options and branch-backed banking.
High streetEthicalBranches
Watch
Check branch access, packaged account fees and current account terms before choosing.
First Direct
Phone-led current account support
First Direct is worth comparing if you want app banking with strong telephone support from a branchless high street banking brand.
Phone supportAppCurrent account
Watch
It does not offer the same physical branch experience as traditional HSBC-branded banking.
Halifax
Straightforward high street banking
Halifax can suit people who want a familiar current account, app access, reward account options and Lloyds Group backing.
High streetRewardsApp
Watch
Check reward terms, monthly fees and overdraft costs if you use credit.
HSBC
Broad banking relationship
HSBC is useful if you want a large high street bank with current accounts, international banking links and wider financial products.
High streetGlobal bankBranches
Watch
Premium or specialist benefits can have eligibility rules and fees.
Kroo
Simple digital current account with ethical positioning
Kroo is worth comparing for a straightforward current account, app-first banking and ethical positioning.
Digital bankCurrent accountEthical
Watch
Its product range is narrower than Monzo, Starling or high street banks.
Lloyds Bank
Established main bank account
Lloyds is a useful comparison point for people who want a broad current account range, branch access, app tools and wider banking products.
High streetBranchesMain bank
Watch
Club Lloyds-style features and overdraft costs depend on account conditions.
Metro Bank
Branch-led current account access
Metro Bank is worth comparing if you value branch access and want a high street current account with in-person support.
BranchesCurrent accountHigh street
Watch
Check local branch availability, account fees and digital feature depth.
Monzo
App-led budgeting current account
Monzo can suit people who want pots, spending categories, instant notifications and app-first money management.
Digital bankBudgetingPots
Watch
Some advanced features require paid plans, and branch services are not available.
Nationwide
Building society-style current account
Nationwide is worth comparing if you want a member-owned provider with current accounts, branches and savings products.
Building societyBranchesCurrent account
Watch
Account benefits and travel features vary by product.
NatWest
High street banking with strong app support
NatWest is relevant if you want branch-backed banking, reward-style account options and mobile banking tools.
High streetRewardsApp
Watch
Check reward rules, account fees and overdraft pricing.
Santander
Bills and cashback-style current accounts
Santander is worth comparing if household bill rewards, current accounts and savings links matter to you.
High streetBillsCashback
Watch
Monthly fees, cashback caps and qualifying payments can affect value.
Starling Bank
Free current account with travel and business depth
Starling is useful if you want a full app-based current account with card controls, Spaces, fee-free travel use and business account options.
Digital bankTravelSpaces
Watch
It has no branch network, so cash and face-to-face support needs should be checked.
TSB
Simple high street current account
TSB is worth comparing if you want a straightforward current account, app banking, branches and a low-cost paid account option.
High streetCurrent accountApp
Watch
Cashback, travel and overdraft benefits depend on the account type and eligibility.
Virgin Money
Current account with linked savings and packaged options
Virgin Money is useful to compare if you want current accounts, linked savings and packaged-account options from one brand.
High streetLinked savingsPackaged
Watch
Check fees, packaged account terms and product availability before choosing.
Zopa
Current account with savings and credit products
Zopa is relevant for people comparing the Biscuit current account alongside savings, cashback-style bill features and credit products.
Digital bankSavingsCredit
Watch
It is app-based and does not provide branch services.
What to check before choosing
- Check monthly account fees, overdraft costs, cash withdrawal rules and foreign spending charges.
- Compare app tools, card controls, notifications, budgeting features and payment reliability.
- Decide whether branch, phone or Post Office access matters to you.
- Check whether rewards or cashback are worth more than any account fees.
- Confirm FSCS status or safeguarding arrangements before holding larger balances.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you compare banks.
How should I use this current accounts guide?
Monzo, Starling, Chase, Kroo and Zopa are useful digital current-account options to compare, while Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC, Nationwide, Santander, Halifax, TSB and other high street banks may suit people who want branches, phone support or a wider product range. Compare the account features, fees and limitations before choosing.
Compare UK banksWhat should I check before choosing?
Check monthly account fees, overdraft costs, cash withdrawal rules and foreign spending charges. Compare app tools, card controls, notifications, budgeting features and payment reliability. Decide whether branch, phone or Post Office access matters to you.
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.
Compare the full list →Continue researching
Related reviews and guides
Compare banks side-by-side
Use the full comparison table to compare fees, protection, savings, travel and everyday features.