What is an everyday current account?

An everyday current account is all about giving you the essential tools you need, with no monthly fee or extras you’ll never use. You’ll still get features like a debit card and an overdraft facility (subject to status). But you won’t be paying a fee for unnecessary perks.

Importantly, having a basic current account doesn’t mean you miss out on 24/7 online banking. You’ll still have an online account and app to manage your money. You may also benefit from features like budgeting tools, spending insights and free alerts when you’re about to go into an unarranged overdraft.

It’s worth checking out other options, but for many people an everyday current account is all they need. And with some banks, you may even get extras like cashback with an everyday account - without the monthly fee rewards accounts usually charge.

I already have an everyday current account, should I consider switching?

If you have a basic current account that does the job and you’re not having any issues, it might feel like there’s no reason to change. But even though everyday current accounts are focused on essential features, they are not all the same.

Maybe you are unhappy with the service you’ve been getting from your bank. Or perhaps there’s an everyday current account with a feature you like the sound of. Whatever the reason, you aren’t locked into your existing account and switching could make sense. You may even get a cash incentive to switch.

So, if you’ve had the same account for years, it might be time for a little bank account spring clean. These days, switching bank accounts is quicker and easier than you might think. That’s one reason why the Current Account Switch Service (CASS) saw a whopping 1.4 million switches in a single year.

What to consider when finding the right everyday current account for you

With so many current accounts out there, picking the right one can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry – it’s all about figuring out what matters most to you and how you manage your money day to day. Here are a few things to think about when choosing an everyday current account:

Switching incentive:

Some banks will pay you a cash bonus to switch your account for them. Look out for offers - but always check the terms and conditions before switching.

Overdraft options

If you sometimes dip into your overdraft, check whether the account offers an arranged one, and what interest you'd pay. Good to know: you may be able to switch accounts even when overdrawn, providing your credit history is in decent shape.

Cashback and rewards

Everyday current accounts aren’t known for cashback or other rewards, but some do come with this feature - even if they don’t charge a monthly fee.

Mobile banking features

Love managing your money on the go? See what the bank’s app offers. Handy features like instant spend alerts or built-in budgeting tools can really make a difference.

Everyday doesn’t have to mean basic. Compare everyday accounts from different banks and you should find one that fits the bill.

Can I have more than one current account?

Yes, you can usually have more than one current account, even with different banks. But some banks require you to only have one current account, so it’s worth checking the fine print before signing up.

Having two current accounts can be very handy. For instance, you might have an everyday account for your salary to come in and your personal bills to go out. Then you could have a joint current account with your partner for shared costs like rent or the mortgage, plus household bills and food shopping.

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Page updated on 10th September 2025, Reviewed by Richard Groom