Best Current Accounts UK 2026: Chase, Starling, First Direct Compared
Published 6th November 2026·Updated 6 November 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy November 2026
The best current accounts in the UK in November 2026 are Chase (1% cashback on everyday spending), Starling (interest on balances, no fees abroad), and First Direct (consistently rated number one for customer service). The right account for you depends on whether you value cashback, interest on your balance, a switching bonus, or low fees when travelling.
The short answer
Best current accounts at a glance:
- Chase: 1% cashback on debit card spending (up to £15/month), no monthly fee.
- Starling: Interest on balances, no foreign transaction fees, strong app.
- First Direct: No monthly fee, switching bonus available, excellent customer service.
- Santander Edge: 1% cashback on bills and selected spending, £3/month fee.
- Nationwide FlexDirect: 5% AER on balances up to £1,500 for first 12 months.
- You can hold multiple accounts - many people pair a cashback account with a savings-linked account.
Best for cashback: Chase
Chase Bank UK (owned by JPMorgan) pays 1% cashback on everyday debit card spending, capped at £15 per month. There is no monthly fee and no minimum income requirement. Cashback is credited monthly and you can transfer it to your Chase saver account, which also pays a competitive interest rate.
The cashback applies to most everyday spending: food shopping, fuel, subscriptions, clothing. Gambling, cash withdrawals and transfers are excluded. For someone spending £800-£1,500 per month on the card, Chase returns £8-£15 every month with no effort.
Chase also offers no foreign transaction fees and free cash withdrawals abroad (up to £500 per month), making it one of the best accounts for travel.
Best for interest on balance: Nationwide FlexDirect
Nationwide FlexDirect pays 5% AER on balances up to £1,500 for the first 12 months. After 12 months, the rate drops significantly. It requires at least £1,000 per month to be paid in and has a 1% fee on debit card spending outside the UK.
If you can keep £1,500 in the account, 5% AER earns £75 over the 12-month introductory period. After that, consider switching the account or moving the money to a cash ISA.
Best for customer service: First Direct
First Direct has topped UK customer service rankings for over a decade. It is part of HSBC and has a 24/7 UK-based phone service, which makes it stand out in an era of chatbot-only support.
First Direct offers a switching bonus (the amount varies - check the current offer on their website). There is no monthly fee if you pay in £1,000+ per month or hold a qualifying product; otherwise a £10/month fee applies. It does not pay cashback or interest on balances, so it is best chosen for reliability and service rather than financial returns.
Best all-round (no fee): Starling
Starling Bank is a fully regulated bank with a strong app, interest on current account balances, and no fees for spending or withdrawing cash abroad. It does not currently offer a cashback product or switching bonus.
Starling's interest rate on current account balances is typically competitive with the base rate. It is an excellent main account for people who want a clean, low-maintenance account with good app features and no surprises.
Full comparison table
| Account | Cashback | Monthly fee | Switching bonus | Interest on balance | Foreign fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | 1% (up to £15/mo) | None | None | Yes (saver, variable) | None |
| Starling | None | None | None | Yes (variable) | None |
| First Direct | None | None (with conditions) | Yes (varies) | None | Standard |
| Santander Edge | 1% on bills | £3/month | None | None | Standard |
| Nationwide FlexDirect | None | None | Yes (varies) | 5% AER (12 months) | 1% fee |
| Monzo Plus | 1% on selected | £5/month | None | Yes (variable) | None |
Always check the current terms on each bank's website. Rates, bonuses and fees change regularly.
Are current account switching bonuses taxable?
Yes. HMRC considers cash switching bonuses to be taxable income. However, switching bonuses are typically £100-£200, which falls well within your Personal Savings Allowance (£1,000 for basic rate taxpayers). Unless you are receiving large amounts of interest and bonuses combined, you are unlikely to have a tax liability. If you are a higher rate taxpayer (PSA is £500), account for any switching bonuses in your self-assessment.
How to switch current accounts
The Current Account Switch Service (CASS) guarantees a seven-working-day switch, with all direct debits and standing orders moved automatically. All major UK banks participate. You choose a switch date, and CASS handles everything. If anything goes wrong - a payment is missed because of the switch - your new and old bank are both liable to fix it and cover any costs.
FAQ
Can I have more than one current account?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of current accounts you can hold. Many people use a Chase account for cashback on everyday spending and a Starling or First Direct account as their main bill-pay account. Having multiple accounts does not in itself harm your credit score, though each application involves a credit check.
Is it worth switching for a £200 bonus?
Usually yes, as long as you meet the conditions. Most switching bonuses require you to pay in a minimum monthly amount (typically £1,000-£1,500), set up a minimum number of direct debits, and use the account for a qualifying period. If you meet these conditions anyway, the bonus is free money. Check the full conditions before switching.
Which current account pays the best interest?
Nationwide FlexDirect pays 5% AER for the first 12 months on balances up to £1,500. After 12 months, the rate is much lower. For longer-term interest on balances, a cash ISA or easy access savings account will typically outperform a current account after the introductory period.
Does a current account affect my credit score?
Opening a current account involves a credit check, which causes a small, temporary dip in your score. The account itself does not appear on your credit file as a debt. However, an overdraft does appear if you use it - an authorised overdraft is a form of credit and will show on your credit report.
What is the best current account for someone with bad credit?
If you have poor credit and cannot open a standard current account, look for a basic bank account. All major UK banks are required to offer these - they have no overdraft, no credit check, and are free. Monzo, Starling and other app-based banks also tend to have more lenient approval criteria. Once your credit score improves, you can upgrade to a full current account.