Current accounts

Current accounts are the most common type of bank account and are designed for everyday use. They are normally used to pay bills by direct debit or standing order and are also used for receiving salary payments.

Current accounts do not usually pay much interest on the money you have in the account. There is a huge range of different accounts so it pays to shop around and compare the benefits such as overdraft facilities, charges and interest rates to find the right account for your own circumstances. Overdraft bank accounts are available from some banks.

Current accounts can be presented as packaged bank accounts. These normally come with benefits such as money-off vouchers, free travel insurance, concierge services and other benefits. These benefits are not free because packaged bank accounts charge a monthly fee typically between £5 and £25 depending on the level of benefits.

	Six current accounts that offer the best switching deals The current account market has opened 2012 with some fierce competition and the opportunity to take advantage of some great deals. Kate Saines selects six of the best.
	Santander raises overdraft charges on current accounts A new fee-free overdraft buffer has been introduced by Santander but only after the bank doubled charges on daily arranged overdraft fees on most current accounts.
	Banking: Why are Brits so reluctant to switch current accounts? Many people have not switched bank accounts, even though it could provide them with a better deal.
	Five top current accounts offering cash and benefits for switching Most of us have never switched current accounts but the banking sector is offering us incentives to change. we take a look at five of the best reasons to switch.
	Santander launches two new current accounts Two new current accounts have been launched by Santander today (February 28th) - the Preferred Current Account and the Everyday Current Account.