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This comparison simply includes all savings accounts.

first direct
1st Account first direct
Open With £1
Account Type Current Account
Features £175 welcome bonus when you switch

SPECIAL OFFER - Switch to a 1st Account and get £175*. Requires credit check. New customers only and T&Cs apply.

Why we like it

Get access to a Regular Saver Account - Put away between £25 and £300 for a fixed 12 month term. If you save £300 every month for 12 months and qualify for the 7.00% AER/gross p.a. interest rate, you'll earn approximately £136.50 interest (gross). Interest is calculated daily and paid 12 months after you opened the account. AER stands for Annual Equivalent Rate. This shows you what the rate would be if interest were paid and compounded each year. Gross is the rate of interest if interest were paid and not compounded each year. No partial withdrawals allowed. Early closure will result in interest being paid at the standard account variable rate. £250 interest-free overdraft (subject to status). No minimum monthly funding and no monthly account fee. No first direct fees for when spending abroad, withdrawing cash from the UK or when making a debit card payment in a foreign currency in the UK. Mobile banking app. UK based contact centre. Representative Example: How does our overdraft compare? The representative APR shows the cost of borrowing over a year, so you can use it to compare the cost of our overdraft against other overdrafts and ways of borrowing. 0% EAR variable on the first £250, 39.9% EAR variable thereafter, giving a representative rate of 30.5% APR variable (assumed arranged overdraft £1,200). For customers with an offset mortgage linked to a 1st Account, the interest-free limit will not apply. *Within 45 days of your account opening you need to: switch to first direct using the Current Account Switch Service (including at least 2 Direct Debits or standing orders), deposit £1,000, make 5+ debit card payments, and log on to digital banking. New customers only, who haven’t previously held a first direct product. first direct also can’t offer this to people who have opened an HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Subject to status. UK residents only

Details

Type of Account Interest Paying
Minimum Age 18
UK Resident Yes
Santander
Everyday Current Account Santander
Open With £1
Account Type Current Account
Features Fee FREE Account every day banking needs

Why we like it

No minimum monthly funding or monthly fee to maintain the account. Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other offers personalised to you when you use Santander Boosts (you must have a personal Santander debit or credit card, be 18 years or over and be registered for Online and Mobile Banking). Stress-free account switching in 7 days with the Current Account Switch Service. £300 ATM withdrawal per day, Arranged Overdraft facility (subject to status). Online and Mobile Banking with text and email alerts. 39.94% EAR overdraft charge. *Switch incentive available when you use Current Account Switch Service. For £180 cash you'll have to complete the full switch, set up 2 active household Direct Debits and pay in £1,500 within 60 days. T&Cs apply

Details

Type of Account Everyday
Minimum Age 18
UK Resident Yes
Santander
Edge Current Account Santander
Open With £500
Account Type Current Account
Features Get 1% Cashback on selected houshold bills when you switch to an Edge Current Account*

Why we like it

Earn 1% cashback every month on selected household bills paid by Direct Debit, capped at up to £10 each month and 1% cashback every month on supermarket and travel spend when you use your debit card, capped at £10 each month. Access to Santander Edge Saver with 6.00% AER / 5.84% gross (variable) interest up to £4,000 with 2.00% AER /1.98% gross (variable) bonus rate for the 12 months from opening. Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other personalised offers when you use Santander Boosts (must have a personal Santander debit or credit card, be 18 years or over and be registered for Online and Mobile Banking). No fees or charges for international payments or CHAPS payments. Arranged overdraft interest rate of 39.94% APR/EAR (variable). For cashback offer you must pay a minimum of £500 into your account each month, have 2 active Direct Debits, be over 18 and live in the UK permanently. Paper-free account. £3 monthly fee. *Switch incentive available when you use Current Account Switch Service. For £180 cash you'll have to complete the full switch, set up 2 active household Direct Debits and pay in £1,500 within 60 days. T&Cs apply

Details

Type of Account Interest Paying
Minimum Age 18
UK Resident Yes
Santander
Edge Up Current Account Santander
Open With £1500
Account Type Current Account
Features 2.50% AER Interest on balances up to £25,000 when you switch to an Edge Up Current Account*

Why we like it

2.50% AER/2.47% gross (variable) on balances up to £25,000. 1% cashback (up to £15 a month) on selected household bills when you pay by Direct Debit. 1% cashback (up to £15 a month) at supermarkets and on travel costs when you use your debit card (exclusions apply). Make international payments with no extra fees (the bank receiving the payment may still apply charges). There's also no charge for making CHAPS payments from this account. No fees for using Santander Edge Up debit card to withdraw cash and make payments outside the UK in the local currency. Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and personalised offers with Santander Boosts , free rewards service. Online and Mobile Banking available with text and email alerts. £5 monthly fee for maintaining the account that will automatically be taken from the account each month. Must pay a minimum of £1,500 into the account each month. Must have 2 active Direct Debits. Arranged overdraft facility (subject to status). If you use an arranged overdraft you’ll be charged an interest rate of 39.94% APR / EAR (variable). Online and Mobile Banking available with text and email alerts. *Switch incentive available when you use Current Account Switch Service. For £180 cash you'll have to complete the full switch, set up 2 active household Direct Debits and pay in £1,500 within 60 days. T&Cs apply

Details

Type of Account Interest Paying
Minimum Age 18
UK Resident Yes
Nationwide
FlexDirect Current Account Nationwide
Open With £1000
Account Type Current Account
Features 5% Interest AER on balances up to £1,500 Up to £60 cashback on debit card purchases for 12 months

£200 current account switch offer for Nationwide members

Why we like it

5.00% AER fixed (4.89% gross pa) in-credit interest on balances up to £1,500 for the first 12 months. Up to £60 cashback on debit card purchases for 12 months- Earn 1% monthly cashback (up to £5 a month) when you spend on your debit card - whether online, over the phone or in store. No monthly account fee. Interest-free arranged overdraft for 12 months. Access to mobile banking secure app. Manage all your Nationwide accounts in one place. View and search your transactions. Freeze and unfreeze your Visa Debit card. Report your card lost or stolen and order a new card. Manage your account online and by app. Access to other Nationwide products by becoming a member of Nationwide. Current account members get access to exclusive savings accounts. Must pay a minimum of £1,000 into the account each month, from an external source (i.e. not another Nationwide account). After the first 12 months, interest rate drops to 1% AER (0.99% gross a year) variable. After 12 months, an interest rate of 39.9% a year compounded (variable) will apply to your arranged overdraft on balances over £50

Details

Type of Account Interest Paying
Minimum Age 18
UK Resident Yes
Nationwide
FlexAccount Current Account Nationwide
Open With £1
Account Type Current Account
Features Everyday current account with no monthly fee

Why we like it

Everyday current account. No monthly account fee. Access to mobile banking secure app. Manage all your Nationwide accounts in one place. View and search your transactions. Freeze and unfreeze your Visa Debit card. Report your card lost or stolen and order a new card. Access to other Nationwide products by becoming a member of Nationwide. Current account members get access to exclusive savings accounts. 0% interest on any balance. £50 interest-free on an arranged overdraft. 39.9% EAR overdraft charge on balances over £50

Details

Type of Account Everyday
Minimum Age 18
UK Resident Yes
Nationwide
FlexPlus Current Account Nationwide
Open With £1
Account Type Current Account
Features Breakdown, Travel and Mobile Phone Insurance Included

Why we like it

Vehicle breakdown cover in the UK and the rest of Europe. Whether you re driving or a passenger in a vehicle, you're covered by the AA. With no excess to pay and unlimited callouts. Travel insurance for your family, worldwide for trips up to 31 days. Worldwide family travel insurance, including winter sports, travel disruptions and more from Aviva Insurance. Mobile phone insurance for the whole family. Your phone and those belonging to your partner and dependent children are covered for loss, theft, damage and faults by Assurant. Access to mobile banking secure app. Manage all your Nationwide accounts in one place. View and search your transactions Freeze and unfreeze your Visa Debit card. Report your card lost or stolen and order a new card. Access to other Nationwide products by becoming a member of Nationwide. Current account members get access to exclusive savings accounts. £18 monthly account fee. £50 interest-free on an arranged overdraft. 39.9% EAR overdraft charge on balances over £50

Details

Type of Account Reward
Minimum Age 18
UK Resident Yes
Suits Me
Personal Account Suits Me
Open With £0
Account Type Current Account
Features Apply without a credit check or proof of address

Why we like it

An alternative banking solution, offering banking services to people who find it hard to open a regular bank account because of their low credit score. Open an account in 10 minutes without a credit check or proof of address. Get your contactless Mastercard® debit card in 3-5 working days. Choose from three account options: ‘Essential’, ‘Premium’ and ‘Premium Plus'. You can manage your account on the go using the online banking app. Make transfer payments from your e-money account whenever, wherever. You can also set up and manage your Direct Debits and Standing Orders. Get access to exclusive partner deals. Shop and earn with your Suits Me card in-store, online or over the phone you can earn cashback rewards, with no limit. Access to a dedicated Customer Account Manager so you have someone who understands your account and your needs. Your money is protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS. Monthly account fee ranges from free to £9.97 depending on account chosen. Refer your friends to apply and use their Suits Me card, and earn £50 per friend. No limit on the number of friends you refer

Details

Type of Account Adverse Credit
Minimum Age 18
UK Resident Yes
Santander
123 Mini Current Account Santander
Open With £0
Account Type Childrens Current Account
Features Children 17 or under 3% AER Interest (T&Cs)

Claim a £15 Love2shop voucher when you apply for a 123 Mini Current Account and gain access to over 80 different retailers. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. T&Cs apply

Why we like it

Children's current account. Can be opened by or on behalf of any child up to the age of 17. 1% interest on the entire balance once the balance up to £999.99. 2.00% AER/1.98% gross (variable) on the entire balance once the balance is £1,000 to £1,499.99. 3.00% AER/2.96% gross (variable) on the entire balance once the balance is £1,500 to £2,000. Debit or cash card available for those aged between 13 and 17. Monthly interest. No monthly fee. For children under age 13, the account must be opened in trust and managed by an adult (trustee) T&C's apply. If you’re aged between 13 and 17 years old and live permanently in the UK you can apply online by telephone or in branch. No overdraft facility

Details

Type of Account Child Bank AccountAccount
Minimum Age 17
UK Resident Yes
Santander
Edge Student Current Account Santander
Funding required (each academic term) £500
Account Type Student Bank Account
Features Free 4-year Railcard worth £100

Why we like it

A free 4-year Santander 16-25 Railcard worth £100 plus a total average saving of £768 (average saving of £192 per year). An interest-free and fee-free Arranged Overdraft, up to £1,500 in years 1-3, then up to £2,000 if you stay on to year 5 (Subject to status). Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other offers personalised to you when you use Santander Boosts (you must have a personal Santander debit or credit card, be 18 years or over and be registered for Online and Mobile Banking). No monthly account fee. Must be over 18 and live in the UK permanently Must be studying or are about to begin an undergraduate course that is at least 2 years in length, or level 4 to 7 apprenticeship. If you’re about to begin your course, you must have an ‘unconditional’ or ‘confirmed conditional’ offer (i.e. you have your exam results) before you apply. You must pay in at least £500 every 4 months and must not already have an existing Santander current account. If you do, you’ll need to transfer it

Details

Type of Account Student
Minimum Age 18
UK Resident Yes
Emma
Money Management App Emma
Monthly Fee £0
Account Type Money Management App
Features Take back ‍control of your money: Track all your accounts in one place and budget in the 21st century

Why we like it

All in One Money Management App for Banking, Budgeting, Saving, Borrowing, Investing and more. Track all your bank accounts in one place: Connect more than 30+ banks in the UK to see where your money goes. Start saving with Emma Pots: Earn up to 3.98% AER when opening an Easy Access Pot (FSCS protected). Get cashback at more than 500+ retailers across the UK. Pay anyone instantly: Send and request money by sending payment links or QR codes. Move money across multiple banks, split a purchase, or top up your investment account in seconds. Invest in over 1,000 US stocks (low minimum investment £1), Capital at risk. Personal loan available: Emma Borrow can help you improve your credit history or find credit from a panel of over 60 lenders. Credit cards comparison service: Find the best credit card deals without affecting your credit score. Get a standard Emma Plan for free: Join 1.6 million people working towards a better financial life. Other plans available with enhanced features with extra associated costs

Details

Type of Account Money Management
Minimum Age 18
UK Resident Yes
Currensea
Mobile App Bank Account Currensea
Monthly Account Fee £0
Account Type Mobile Bank Account
Features Spend abroad without hidden costs

Why we like it

Mobile App Bank Account. Spend abroad without worrying about expensive rates and hidden costs. All currencies supported. An easy to set up debit card. Link directly with your existing bank account. Spend from your bank account, just with a different card. No need for separate accounts and inconvenient top-ups. Automatically save over 85% on bank charges anywhere in the world. Off-set your carbon footprint with our One Tree Planted partnership. Every $100 spent through Currensea could plant three trees. Get your card in minutes. Latest bank security and encryption technology. Mastercard chargeback protection for all your purchases. Automatically save over 85% on bank charges anywhere in the world. Off-set your carbon footprint with our One Tree Planted partnership. Every $100 spent through Currensea could plant three trees. Get your card in minutes. Latest bank security and encryption technology. Mastercard chargeback protection for all your purchases. Currensea is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority

Details

Type of Account Foreign Spending
Minimum Age 18
UK Resident Yes
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Santander current account review

Santander have a number of different current accounts aimed at different types of customers, designed to help you manage your everyday banking whatever your needs.

First Direct 1st Account - £175 cash switching bonus

First Direct 1st Account offer a £175 incentive for switching to their 1st Account. You will need to switch your everyday banking to First Direct using the Current Account Switch Service including at least two Direct Debits or Standing Orders, deposit a minimum of £1,000 (in single or multiple deposits) and register and log onto digital banking within 45 days of opening your first direct 1st Account.

What to look for when switching current accounts

To ensure you get a current account that is well matched to your everyday banking needs, make sure to consider how important each of the following factors is to you:

Interest rates – You will generally be offered different interest rates on your savings and overdraft (if you need one) so which of these is most important to you will tend to rely on how you normally use your account.  If you are more of a saver, the rate you earn on your credit will be more important; whereas if you are more of a spender, your overdraft rate will be more significant.

Switching incentives – Several of the top current accounts across the market offer switching incentives to help entice you into transferring your banking to them. These often include cash upfront as well as introductory interest rates and other bonuses.

Compare current accounts

When choosing a new current account, make sure to spend some time researching the various options and what they offer before making a final decision. The more research you can do, the more chance there is of you ending up with an account that fits your needs long term.

Take a look at the range of bank accounts presently on offer from all the leading providers across the market right now to see which offers the best deal for you.

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Simplysavingsaccounts.co.uk is a trading style of Fair Investment Company Ltd.

We've been comparing savings and current accounts for many years so you can trust you're in good hands.