# Current Accounts

> What a current account is, the features to look for, the different types available and your rights when things go wrong.

Canonical page: [/banking-savings/current-accounts](/banking-savings/current-accounts/) · Last reviewed: 2026-08-22

A current account is the everyday bank account most people use to receive their income, pay bills and spend day to day. Here is how they work and what to look for.

## Key information

- Used for everyday spending, wages and bills
- Usually comes with a debit card and online banking
- Deposits are normally protected up to £120,000 by the FSCS
- You can switch accounts free in 7 working days

## What is a current account?

A current account is a bank or building society account designed for day-to-day money management. You can pay money in, spend using a debit card, set up Direct Debits and standing orders for regular bills, and withdraw cash.

Unlike a savings account, a current account is built for frequent transactions rather than earning interest. Some accounts do pay a small amount of interest or offer rewards, but the main purpose is convenient access to your money.

## Common features

Most current accounts offer a similar core set of features:

- A debit card for spending in shops and online and for cash withdrawals
- Online and mobile banking to manage your money at any time
- Direct Debits and standing orders to pay regular bills automatically
- Faster Payments to send and receive money, usually within seconds
- An [arranged overdraft](/credit-borrowing/overdrafts) on some accounts (this is borrowing and has a cost)

## Types of current account

There are several types of current account designed for different needs:

- Standard accounts — no monthly fee and the essential everyday features
- [Packaged accounts](/banking-savings/bank-charges#packaged-accounts) — a monthly fee in return for extras such as insurance; only worth it if you will use the benefits
- Basic bank accounts — a fee-free option with no overdraft, designed for people who cannot open a standard account
- Student and youth accounts — often with an interest-free overdraft or incentives

## Choosing the right account

The best account depends on how you actually use your money. Look at any monthly fee and whether the benefits are worth it, the cost of any overdraft you might use, the quality of the banking app, and how easy the provider makes it to get help when you need it. Remember that [switching is free](/banking-savings/switching-bank-accounts) if an account does not work out, and whichever provider you choose your money has [FSCS protection](/banking-savings/fscs-protection) up to £120,000.

## Your rights

- Your money in a current account is normally protected up to £120,000 per person, per authorised firm, by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
- If you are treated unfairly you can complain to your bank first; if you are not satisfied with its final response you can take the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service free of charge.
- Banks must communicate with you in a way you can understand and provide appropriate support — expectations set out under the FCA’s Consumer Duty.

## Official sources

- [Check your money is protected (FSCS)](https://www.fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/)
- [Financial Ombudsman Service](https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk)
- [Check a firm on the FCA Register](https://register.fca.org.uk)

## Related

- [Joint Accounts](/banking-savings/joint-accounts/)
- [Switching Bank Accounts](/banking-savings/switching-bank-accounts/)
- [FSCS Protection](/banking-savings/fscs-protection/)
- [Overdrafts](/credit-borrowing/overdrafts/)

## Sources

- MoneyHelper — [How to choose a current account](https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk) (accessed 2026-08-22)
- FSCS — [What we cover](https://www.fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/) (accessed 2026-08-22)
- Current Account Switch Service — [How switching works](https://www.currentaccountswitch.co.uk) (accessed 2026-08-22)