Compare high street banks in the UK

Promoted for cashback

Go to site

Get cashback & vouchers

Easy to apply
No overeas fees for using Santander cash machines
No monthly fees

Promoted for cashback

Finder Award

Go to site

Earn £5 cashback a month

Earn cashback
Put money aside in Savings Pots
Open an account in 15 minutes

Compare current accounts from the high street banks

1 - 5 of 5

Updated daily

Name	Product UKFSA-CUR	Finder Score	Account fees	Funding requirement	Interest (AER)	Arranged overdraft	Incentive	Representative example	Link
CASHBACK TSB Spend & Save Account TSB Spend & Save Account Finder Award	CASHBACK	4.3 ★★★★★	£0	No minimum funding requirement	0% AER	39.9% EAR variable	Earn £5 cashback a month for 6 months when making 20 or more debit card payments each month. T&Cs apply.	If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged interest at 39.9% EAR variable/APR representative.	Go to site View details	loading Fetching your data...
OFFER Everyday Current Account Everyday Current Account	OFFER	4.1 ★★★★★	£0	No minimum funding requirement	0% AER	39.94% EAR variable	A simple and straightforward current account, with no monthly fee.	Representative example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged interest at 39.94% EAR variable.	Go to site View details	loading Fetching your data...
Barclays Bank Account Barclays Bank Account		4.1 ★★★★★	£0	No minimum funding requirement	0% AER	N/A	Eligible for Barclays Blue Rewards.		View details	loading Fetching your data...
CASHBACK Santander Edge Current Account Santander Edge Current Account	CASHBACK	4.4 ★★★★★	£3 per month	Min. £500 Per Month (Minimum two direct debit mandates on account per month)	0% AER	39.94% EAR variable	Cashback of 1% on communication, council tax, water bills, gas & electric bills paid via direct debit, capped at £10 per month.	Representative example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged interest at 39.94% EAR variable. Account fee of £3 per month.	Go to site View details	loading Fetching your data...
CASHBACK TSB Spend & Save Plus Account TSB Spend & Save Plus Account Finder Award	CASHBACK	4.5 ★★★★★	£3 per month	No minimum funding requirement	0% AER	N/A	Earn £5 cashback every month when you make 20 debit card payments each calendar month. T&Cs apply.	Account fee of £3 per month.	Go to site View details	loading Fetching your data...

loading

How to choose the right high street bank?

The key thing to consider when choosing a high street bank is what are you going to be using it for. Here are some things to consider:

• Branches. If you want to use a high street bank’s branch services, it’s best to check if it has a branch in your area. You’ll also want to find out what services its branches offer and the opening hours.
• Payment features. Look at what payment features come with the account. For example, are you able to make cash or cheque deposits? Or do you need the ability to make and receive international payments?
• Account management and app. How you use your account is also really important. Consider whether or not the bank has a good mobile banking app or online banking service. Also, look at what kind of customer support it offers and whether it has telephone banking.
• Fees. Most high street banks won’t charge you any transaction fees. However, some have charges for using your debit card abroad. If you’re a keen traveller, it could be a good idea to look for a bank that has no fees for overseas spending.
• Extra features. Each bank has its own way of rewarding customers. Are you looking for exclusive access to different products? Or are you in the market for some rewards or cashback?

The main thing to do is work out what you need before comparing the options.

Types of current accounts available

There’s a range of different current accounts to choose from. Some cater to your everyday banking needs, while others offer a little bit extra for a small monthly fee.

• Standard. This is your typical, everyday banking account. You’ll be able to do most things with this type of account, including making debit card payments and accessing online banking.
• Basic. These are a stripped back version of a standard account. They usually offer the same services but without the option of an overdraft or chequebook.
• Packaged. Sometimes called premium or premier accounts, these accounts come with extra benefits like travel insurance, breakdown cover or mobile phone insurance in return for a monthly fee.
• Joint. This is an account you share with another person. Much like a standard account, it allows both parties to access the funds and pay for things like shared bills.
• Student. Designed specifically for university students, this type of account usually offers interest-free overdrafts and other lifestyle benefits.

Pros and cons of a high street bank

Bottom line

High street banks are a mainstay of the banking sector. They tend to offer a large suite of different banking products and services. They are also some of the biggest and most well-known brands in the industry. So as a customer, you’ll benefit from their years of experience.

However, you may find them less innovative than some digital banks in terms of budgeting tools or app features. Just make sure to consider what you need from a bank before choosing one.

Frequently asked questions

• What is a high street bank?

  A high street bank typically refers to a large retail bank which has lots of branch locations. They tend to offer everyday banking services such as current accounts, savings products, mortgages and credit cards.

• What is the difference between digital banks and high street banks?

  Digital banks have no physical presence and are digital-first. This means you’ll need to apply and manage your account through the app or online. High street banks tend to have physical branches as well as online banking services.

• Which is the safest bank?

  You want to know that your money is safe. If you’re keen to know more about which banks offer the best safety precautions, check out our guide to the safest banks.