Our Best selection of personal bank accounts

Most current accounts use the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), which moves your balance, Direct Debits and standing orders and redirects incoming payments automatically within seven working days — it's free and backed by a guarantee. Opening an account can leave a hard search that may briefly affect your score, but switching itself doesn't damage it, and cash incentives are generally not taxable. Always check the bonus conditions (Direct Debits, minimum pay-in, time limits).

Yes. Basic bank accounts are designed for people with poor or no credit history and don't include an overdraft or a credit check on the account itself. Many app-based accounts are also easy to open. You'll still need to pass identity and anti-fraud checks, but being declined for a standard account doesn't stop you getting a basic account.

It can be harder, but it's possible. Many digital banks verify you using your phone, a selfie and ID rather than paper utility bills, and some accept alternative documents. Basic bank accounts also tend to have more flexible requirements. If you're new to the UK, look for providers that explicitly accept overseas ID or digital address verification.

Yes. Each holder is protected up to £120,000, so a joint account with two holders is covered up to £240,000 (since 1 December 2025), provided the bank holds a UK banking licence. There's no limit on how many current accounts you can hold — many people keep a second for budgeting or switch bonuses. As cover is per person per licence, other balances at the same bank count towards your individual £120,000.

Possibly. Interest from a current account counts towards your Personal Savings Allowance — £1,000 tax-free for basic-rate taxpayers, £500 for higher-rate and £0 for additional-rate. Interest above that is taxable. Most current accounts pay little interest, so many people stay within the allowance, but high in-credit balances or linked savers can change that. This isn't tax advice.