Basic Current Accounts
Compare the best basic current accounts available from the major high street banks and internet providers. These accounts are straight forward with no monthly charges making them easy to compare and easy to apply online.
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Compare basic current accounts
| Account | Interest (AER)
The account's Annual Equivalent Rate: the interest rate that is paid on in-credit balances over a year. Hover over the red asterisks for more details. |
Overdraft Rate
The interest or fee that is charged for using the account's overdraft facility.Hover over the red asterisks for more details. |
Max Overdraft
The maximum authorised overdraft amount permitted on the account. |
Min Monthly Payment
Some accounts require customers to pay in a certain amount each month. Failure to pay in the agreed amount can result in penalties or loss of account benefits. |
Monthly Fee
The amount that the bank charges customers each month to use the account – usually deducted from the account balance every month. |
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 | Barclays Basic Bank Account Straightforward account with access to telephone and online banking | 0% | 19.3% Representative Example: Up to £5,000 19.3% interest p.a (variable) Subject to status and application. | £5,000 | None | Free | MORE INFO Read this before you proceed. To qualify for this product you need to meet the following criteria.
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| Representative Example: If you use an overdraft limit of £5,000 a 19.3% EAR (variable) charge will apply | |||||||||||||
 | NatWest Select Account Includes free app for your iPhone and overdraft (subject to eligibility) | 0.00% | 19.89% | Not stated | None | Free | MORE INFO Read this before you proceed. To qualify for this product you need to meet the following criteria.
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| Representative Example: If you use an overdraft limit of £100 a 19.89% EAR (variable) charge will apply | |||||||||||||
 | Nationwide Flex Account Free European travel insurance, discounted personal loans and special mortgage deals - all with no monthly account fee. | 0% | 18.90% | Not stated | None | Free | MORE INFO Read this before you proceed. To qualify for this product you need to meet the following criteria.
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| Representative Example: If you use an overdraft limit of £1,200 a 18.9% EAR (variable) charge will apply | |||||||||||||
 | Halifax Current Account | 0% | £1 per day Tiered overdraft fee system: arranged overdraft up to and including £2,500 - £1 per day; Arranged overdraft over £2,500 - £2 per day; unarranged overdraft - £5 per day. | Not stated | None | Free | MORE INFO Read this before you proceed. To qualify for this product you need to meet the following criteria.
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| Representative Example: If you use an overdraft limit of £2,500 a 0% EAR (variable) charge will apply but you will pay £1 a day | |||||||||||||
 | First Direct 1st Account £100 cashback when you switch to a First Direct Current Account today! | 0% | 0% 0% EAR up to £250; 15.9% EAR over £250 | No Limit | £1,500 | Free | MORE INFO Read this before you proceed. To qualify for this product you need to meet the following criteria.
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| Representative Example: If you use an overdraft limit of £250 a 15.9% EAR (variable) charge will apply | |||||||||||||
 | HSBC Bank Account Get 6% AER for the first 12 months when you switch to HSBC. | 6% For new and existing eligible customers, switch to HSBC and get a fixed 6% AER (5.84% gross) credit interest on balances of up to £2,500 for a period of 12 months (after 12 months, no further interest will be paid). | 19.90% | Not stated | £500 | Free | MORE INFO Read this before you proceed. To qualify for this product you need to meet the following criteria.
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| Representative Example: If you use an overdraft limit of £1,200 a 19.9% EAR (variable) charge will apply | |||||||||||||
 | CardOneBanking Bank Account | 0% | 0% | N/A | N/A | £12.50 | MORE INFO Read this before you proceed. To qualify for this product you need to meet the following criteria.
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 | Secure Trust Prepaid Bank Account | 0% | 0% | Not stated | £1 | £12.50 | MORE INFO Read this before you proceed. To qualify for this product you need to meet the following criteria.
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 | thinkbanking Account An innovative way to manage your finances with a two-account system - never miss a payment again. | 0% | n/a | n/a | None | £14.50 single / £19.50 joint | MORE INFO | ||||||
 | Tuxedo eccount Prepaid card account available to people that cannot get a traditional bank account. | n/a | n/a | n/a | None | £10 | MORE INFO | ||||||
Accounts with an asterisk next to the AER interest have a bonus applied to the interest rate, place your mouse cursor over the asterisk to view the bonus.
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Current Accounts Guides
- Choosing a current account
- Switching current accounts
- Student and graduate accounts guide
- Do you need a business bank account?
- Personal overdrafts: what you need to know
- Internet banking and security guide
- Should you get a packaged current account?
- How to complain about financial services
- International and offshore bank accounts guide
- Current accounts: considerations and warnings
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