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Compare current accounts from the high street banks
We currently don't have a partnership with that provider but we have other similar offers to choose from:
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
Pros
Large range of banking products
Well established
Physical branches
Typically offer free banking services
Cons
Not as many digital features available
Can be slow
Less innovative products
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.
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.
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.
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.
Banking scores
★★★★★ — Excellent
★★★★★ — Good
★★★★★ — Average
★★★★★ — Subpar
★★★★★ — Poor
Finder scores, in blue, are based on our expert analysis. We also show reviews from users, where we've received more than 10, with a score in yellow. We gather more reviews from customers every year in Finder's customer satisfaction survey.
We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables has the source: Moneyfacts Group PLC. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
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finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which finder.com receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. finder.com compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.