The Best UK Bank Accounts for 2024

If you're looking to move to a better bank, or add a few more accounts in your name, then this is my rundown of the best ones for 2024.
It includes the best banks for managing your money, the best for app banking, the best bank for overdrafts, the best for rewards, best for bank switching and the most ethical current accounts.
W A T C H N E X T
Get monthly current account updates • New £175 & 25% cashbac...
Dummy current accounts for switching • Dummy accounts for ban...
How many current accounts should I have? • How many current accou...
#Bankaccounts #currentaccounts #bestbanks
MORE
S U B S C R I B E / @becleverwithyourcash
N E W S L E T T E R - becleverwithyourcash.com/news...
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T W I T T E R - / beclevercash
I N S T A G R A M - / becleverwithyourcash
F A C E B O O K C O M M U N I T Y - / 2661970707423383
B L O G - becleverwithyourcash.com
00:00 Switching or opening new accounts
01:10 Best current account for switching
02:12 Best banking app
04:42 Best current account for spending
07:36 Best current account for bills
10:56 Best current accounts for rewards
13:02 Best current account for savings
16:32 Best 0% overdraft current account
18:06 Best ethical current accounts
20:00 Best "I only want one" current accounts
A B O U T A N D Y
Andy Webb is a money blogger and journalist. He runs the award-winning website Be Clever With Your Cash, hosts the Cash Chats podcast, presented Channel 5’s Shop Smart Save Money and writes every week for Metro and each month for Reader's Digest. Andy also founded the community ukmoneybloggers.com.
DISCLAIMER
Content in these videos does not constitute regulated financial advice. Any offers mentioned were correct at the time of filming.

[@2007sssss]

Thanks to Andy and the team. Happy new year.

[@user-ei2di4jc7p]

Keep up the great work Andy and team! Really grateful for these video's. Happy New Year 🎉

[@adriela-sainasandulache1691]

Thank you so much! Happy New Year!

[@wendyoke7872]

Really helpful and informative vlog - Thank You

[@IntrovertMaxxing]

Great advice, thanks

[@Tiffers963Hz]

Thank you. I really appreciate your recommendations for the most ethical banks that aren't funding harmful activities such as munitions. What a peaceful, balanced world it would be if this was the default first consideration people made when searching for a bank. Gratitude and good vibes sent to you. 🙏

[@ben.farrar]

Thanks for the info. Some graphics on the screen would be really useful to follow along with for any future videos 😊

[@BlindKornel]

Definitely agree, always been a visual learner 👍

[@adrianl5899]

Anyone not wanting to set-up DDs for cashback at Santander Edge can still open Santander Edge to then open the Edge Saver (£4k @ 7%). No fees at all on either account doing that.

[@hayleycottrell3425]

Happy New Year Andy, if you wanted to build a side business/ side income what would be the best bank account for that? To go along side my normal 9 to 5 job. Love your videos.

[@KellieatLarge]

Thanks Andy! You're turning me into a money nerd too 😂 Will you be doing an updated video on the best business accounts? I'm shopping for one for a new freelance venture.

[@poetry-and-protest]

I appreciated the reference to banks & arms manufacturing. Too often ethical banking discussions focus only on climate issues.

[@mgtowchampion7961]

What exactly is wrong with arms manufacturing? It creates jobs.

[@TheDandonian]

What's the best if you're chronically unemployed, maxed out on what was your student over draft, with a horrendous credit score? Asking for a friend.

[@egapins2101]

Great summary, as always! And it's great Starling makes to top 3 ethical banking!

[@notwkrail]

Wtf is ethical banking lol

[@egapins2101]

@@notwkrail perhaps do a bit of research, if you're unsure?

[@acmramon]

@@notwkrail😅nothing important. No one cares about such a scam to attract customers

[@pitbull-ws8ge]

Keep away from starling, freeze money all the time read reviews

[@acmramon]

@@pitbull-ws8ge 🤣🤣🤣

[@yungtomzzy8108]

Chase, Starling, Barclays, Amex or NatWest

[@WakeUpSidd143]

Hi Andy which is the best bank account or credit card or bank card for purchasing flight tickets can you please make a video on this also please

[@xx_ars_enic_xx2831]

Meaning the best interest rate capital guaranteed and access to your money at all times

[@hissenguinho]

I'm currently with HSBC UK both on current and savings account. I wonder if i should switch both. The thing is that in 2 months I'll be travelling abroad, and was planning on getting a credit card for safety and spending. I wonder if switching will affect my credit score

[@leighinibiza]

I like to have my banking apps on my phone and iPad and that’s the only 1 thing that I find negative about chase is that you can only have it on one device

[@macsidia]

I waiting for Santander for a switch offer, done the others last year.

[@kaxar6954]

I would love to know the Best Monthly Interest Accounts.

[@olivermarinov9372]

Hi Andy, great video! Could you make a video on the best credit cards to get, I have had a starter credit card for a couple of years now and want to get a better one hopefully with some rewards and I wouldn't mind paying a fee. Thank you!

[@lupin8750]

What starter credit cards would you recommend

[@e8478e]

The 7% First Direct Regular Saver account will earn you more in interest than the Nationwide 8% regular saver in 12 months if you can give the maximum monthly contribution of £300pcm. You also get the switching bonus plus a far better banking app.

[@sara9saysyo]

I have both and contribute the max for them, I always put interest rate as my priority then put the remaining into a lower rate

[@MylesHSG]

Also worth noting Chase give you 1% interest on the main account as well, though it is easy enough just to put everything in a savings account and instantly transfer over before spending on the card

[@vladvld3433]

1%? monzo gives me 4% ...

[@Skelton1111]

@@vladvld3433 chase 4.1

[@derrollbartram5200]

Yeah, Starling is 3%

[@coachsoappill]

I put my spare cash into lightyear investing app and get 4.5% and there is no limits unlike dinosaur banks like nationwide

[@priyafabwani4301]

​@@vladvld3433 On saving bank account?

[@AnEmperor-TheKingofTheKings]

🎉Bank Man is Good Man🎉

[@lynncoles8918]

Would you recommend Starling then for budgeting? What is the maximum number of digital cards for the various categories? Great video. Very helpful thank you. 🙂

[@gordon767]

I’ve had Starling for about 5 years now and wouldn’t ever go back to a high street bank. You can have unlimited saving spaces for different things, and the maximum number of virtual cards is 5 at any one time - and those are mapped to 5 of your saving spaces. They can be added to websites for paying bills etc, and also to Apple Pay/Google Pay so that you can use them instore via your phone too.

[@3rdtwirl494]

As a fitness studio owner what direction should I go

[@jimbojimbo6873]

I wanted to use the lloyds rewards accounts but concerned they’ll have a good switch offer in the future

[@ladymallowyt]

I have that account. They send you a reminder before your lifestyle benefit expires each year. You can choose which benefit you would like online. I've had an annual magazine subscription, free cinema tickets and a one year disney plus membership

[@RS-py6vm]

Defo Chase!

[@coachsoappill]

Best for reliability overseas? My starling contactless wouldn’t work sometimes

[@Zupez]

So I only have 1 bank account and that's a Lloyds Bank current account which gives 0% interest. I'm really trying to find the best savers account to convert either a lump sum or monthly amount into for the best interest rates possible

[@scottjock]

Hi Andy. Im looking for a second saver account, but I'm looking for one that also offers travel insurance.

[@sirinath]

What are banks a non resident / foreigner open account in US without visiting?

[@SK-oc5qb]

Which is the best bank for a business account?

[@samikazbe]

nice video, could you do same for business account?

[@nico-ek7tx]

Do you know any bank or financial entity that have the product of pledge credt?

[@pozzobonpaulo]

When using interest-free overdraft up to the allowance, don’t you have a deadline to pay it back? Thanks!

[@KarinaForte-qh2qt]

Hi ..what is the difference opening an account with a bank in the city of London and another in greater London...

[@MENSA.lady2]

I only have 1 account and only because I need somewhere for my pension suppliers to park my money. As soon as the money arrives I withdraw it. I pay my bills in cash. After I have paid my essential bills anything left I convert into gold.

[@davidpascoe5842]

Starling seems accept people if you are 83, her credit rating was very good

[@juliamaitland7160]

My Barclays branch is closing and I need to find a new current account with a branch as I have some foreign income which needs verifying annually physically in branch. I don't bank online and have no desire to which I know is prehistoric

[@klawlor3659]

I've been with a fair few banks and building societies. The one that I've been most happy with, and whom seem to be keeping their branches open, are Nationwide.

[@arqhiz]

Are you telling me paying direct debit ( like water, gas, etc ) using Chase will also give me 1% cashback?????

[@josefschiltz2192]

What has really annoyed me - having dyscalculia - is Barclays removing the 'Money In' and 'Money Out' columnar layout, just having that for 'Recent Transactions'. The layout that they have replaced it with makes me lose track. I suspect it is a 'suit all' response to people who bank using their phones. Well, I don't bank using a phone! There ought to be a choice of format.

[@rgkh1503]

Thanks but you didn't cover some very important subjects, compared to the ones you addressed (examples : loans, ability to deposit money on the bank account, etc..)

[@richardskerritt3481]

Not Chase.. Their announcement today....is very troubling..... The interest rate we’ll pay on the Chase saver account will automatically change five business days after the Bank of England announces a change to its base rate. For example, if the Bank of England announces that they are decreasing the base rate by 1%, the interest rate on the Chase saver account will decrease by 1% five business days later. The interest rate will never be less than 0%. Just think.... They are implying...theres an opportunity that the interest rate 'has the opportunity '...to. be below 0%!!!! Thanks Chase..for your extreme generosity Lol!!!!

[@likhan.ghosh.]

HSBC has the worst online/app banking experience

[@philpots3216]

I hate the way they ask what you are spending money on,, its none of their business

[@sgilley2632]

They are rubbish

[@zakapholiac9377]

Honestly you are so right. The overbearing security is a nightmare and nothing is obvious at all. I spent 40 minutes trying to find out how to request an overdraft on the damn thing. I have a second bank account with Barclays and it’s soooo much easier and simpler. I am considering making that my primary account

[@carlosgravil3325]

what about first direct? they are pretty good

[@akaski777]

I want a human bank that i can call into even though i bank online

[@MrCayden21]

What's his problem with KROO???🤔

[@charlesjones7404]

I've been with RBS/NatWest for 20 odd years. I chose them as there were a couple of local NatWest branches nearby. The sub-branch literally up the road closed a while back & the other, about 2 miles away, closed earlier this year. I've recently been semi disabled & limited to public transport &/or taxis, so need someone fairly close by ( & on a bus route ). Halifax & Santander have also recently closed their local branches, which leaves Lloyds & Nationwide on the high street. What would you advise?

[@JayAT]

As a branch is most important to you then nationwide because they're less likely to also close

[@montyyy08]

Similar. My local Natwest closed forcing me to use my city-centre branch which was always crowded and I always got such poor customer service that I closed my account of 15 years, and moved to Nationwide. So much happier 😁.

[@deniscoupe194]

Nationwide will not let you put money in using a post office .I have Kroo 4.35% on all in account., Chase to pay with, and Chip 4.84% easy access savings .

[@deniscoupe194]

I've made over £1200 by changing banks this year waiting for next victim.

[@NS-pt9rr]

Hi Andy, is one able to switch a bank current account even if there is a loan &/or mortgage with existing bank ? I have a small loan at 2.5% which is a very low rate and keen to hang onto but the current account service is very poor & keen to switch if poss to just switch the current account but keep the loan in place

[@disneyindisguise8268]

Hi, the switch will only switch the bank account, any savings, loans or mortgage will remain with the bank you are moving from. Hope this helps!

[@xx_ars_enic_xx2831]

Listen here boedie sound like you know what you are talking about what is the best bank for money market accounts

[@jaketaylor321]

Hey does anyone know if this is still the case…. I opened a chase account when it very first started (before it supported direct debits ect) I sadly closed the account because of this and it has been over 2 years id say now and it still won’t let me open a new chase account. Does anyone know if they have sorted this so that if you have closed a chase account previously you can open another one ? Thanks :)

[@davidpascoe5842]

I've moved from First Direct after 20yrs after very bad customer service

[@yokai_G]

why do scammers always prefer CHACE bank accounts? 🤔 i’ve always wondered about this, they’re all using CHASE

[@gt5552]

Doesn't natwest give 5% back on direct debits?

[@notknownguy]

Loving Starling since switching from Lloyd's

[@wakaflockaproject]

Why

[@MSecYT]

04:42 You said that Chase cashback only lasts for 12 months but it becomes a rolling offer after that as long as you pay in £500/month the offer repeats.

[@BeCleverWithYourCash]

There’s no guarantee it’ll be extended- though I’d hope it will be

[@billmccreath9930]

Hi Andy, sadly I have suffered a TBI. This is casing me lots issues. I'm hoping things improve. Not sure if they will. Fingers crossed 😢

[@stevemahoney5209]

What's TBI 🤔🤔

[@billmccreath9930]

@@stevemahoney5209 TRUMATIK BRAIN INJURY.

[@icouldbewrongicouldberight]

​@@stevemahoney5209traumatic brain injury

[@jayjaynuga6354]

Traumatic Brain Injury is my best guess

[@3xAudio]

Santander is my main bank but gonna use monzo for switching ? Is this a good idea

[@Justgirlmustache]

That is also my plan what do you in terms of switching as in keep santander as the primary account and transfering to Monzo or making Monzo the primary account?

[@3xAudio]

@@Justgirlmustache I still have Santander account. I made the monzo account waited to receive my card. Then started the transfer from Monzo to FD. Actually just received my £175 yesterday! Not sure if the offer is still available though! My monzo was just a burner account. I might use FD from now on for any first switches.

[@vladvld3433]

i have Monzo and Revolut and Wise. i dont think ill ever go for a high street bank account ever.

[@sophiamiststream875]

How do you pay cash in to Revolut? I’m an under 18 looking to open up my first bank account, wondering if it’s any good

[@xJustinDrewBieberFan]

if ive got money sat in chase savings, is it worth moving slowly over to nationwide or would it not make a difference cos it only £200 a month?

[@georgeyboy8186]

You can have multiple savings accounts and take advantage of both banks interest rates if you can put enough away

[@coachsoappill]

Starling is good

[@rosiestewart4273]

I’m in my 20s. Parents and school have never helped educate me on money at ALL. I have an hsbc account and that’s it. Any advice welcome lol I want to save for a house . Money box is it a scam? Didn’t even know I could open multiple accounts

[@adrianl5899]

First-time buyers might consider using a Lifetime ISA as the government tops up contributions by 25%, up to £1000 bonus each year (pay in £4k, get £1k bonus). There are stipulations you need to understand but worth investigating. Good luck.

[@BrummyKRO]

what one can i open with bad credit ?

[@dc7279]

Chase drawback not compatible with android only apple

[@nish6488]

Hello, Andy. What would you suggest? My savings and ISA accounts will mature next month, and I intend to buy a house in the coming months. Where should I put the money so I may earn money while I wait to buy a house?

[@IAmebAdger]

Andy doesn't really talk about Money Market Funds, but they are one of the main ways people currently park their money before a big purchase... Of course if it's your first house nothing can beat the Lifetime ISA where the government tops up 25% on your money each tax year towards your first home purchase provided you're not buying a super expensive home.

[@adrianl5899]

Numerous places currently offer >5% instant access ISAs and standard savings accounts. Personally, I would stick to cash rather than 'cash-like' alternatives if I was home-buying in a matter of months.

[@megamusicmessenger]

​@@IAmebAdger I think you have to have it open for 12months though

[@kadambini_]

opened up another additional current account with Chase, but while switching it asks for a debit card which is linked to my main Chase current account along with direct debits. How do I go about this?

[@ele7z]

You can just say you don’t have a debit card. I’ve done this with 3 of my switches

[@notwkrail]

Any chance of inviting Jimmy Carr for a q&a%#@

[@connorcameronjaggs]

Natwest has the worst customer service and they have virtually no branches either, such a bad suggestion

[@MVG7]

I know innit, just closed my credit card account, worst bank ever lol

[@Bereal711]

Hi I had a terrible experience with revolut. As in it was impossible to get in touch with them. They also stole 6k from me aswell. Now I need a new bank to bank with but it needs to uk owned so I don’t have the same problem with contacting them. Can you suggest one please

[@GurmitGill-bk5jv]

4:46

[@binay9499]

Been trying to open an account with natwest 😂they keep asking me to upload documents which i have sent 7 times and still the same requirements

[@andrewstorm8240]

Disney with adverts is fine

[@notwkrail]

Omg I've got 24 cards and the national grid shut.

[@adamnewbery9074]

I'm hoping for a santandar switch early next year. I need to get rid of my barclays account! Got my plum and moneybox direct debits still running ready to say goodbye to barclays, the worst bank I have ever used !

[@jxeyu]

Would not recommend Santander. Make sure you check other options! I would choose NatWest.

[@MarkN67]

We have two Santander accounts and really happy with them. Our joint account is an Edge Up account and we normally get about £20-£30 a month back, I have an Edge account with the saver. I get about £15 back each month from the account and £21.55 in interest on the saver. I can’t say anything bad about either account.

[@danir17]

Santander is OK. I still have 123 lite. Keep it as get better mortgage rates at renewal. Saving accounts on offer at moment are not any good. Best bank I ever had was first direct. 247 customer service on phone. Everything on app, where one of first deposit cheques on app. £250 free overdraft. If first time £175 switch. I would go back to them. Halifax was alright as well when I did switching offer. Great app and Internet banking and savings accounts and credit card I still have

[@jasonericf]

​@@jxeyu I wouldn't choose NatWest either

[@times7171]

Mind if i ask why you are not a fan of Barclays?

[@dukexsi666]

I'm pretty sure, Revolut isn't banking account, still in the UK.

[@Sussex_Seagull]

Cash is king. How about banks that will keep branches open and ATMs functioning. Once all the branches are closed all the lovely loss leader deals will disappear.

[@hexa7114]

Cash is king? What is this, 2006?

[@kapesh344]

Can one use a digital bank as a salary account or is it too risky?

[@dowele2431]

Unless you’re getting over 85k in your account your safe if they are regulated by FSC

[@kapesh344]

@dowele2431 thank you so much, very helpful.

[@motorhomers-r-us]

Revolut was a nightmare I could never find anything !

[@2ru2pacFan]

Yeah it's crazy to find anything in that app. Monzo has to be the best.

[@zakiakhtar7447]

Revolut is useless

[@Bereal711]

Hi I had a terrible experience with revolut. As in it was impossible to get in touch with them. They also stole 6k from me aswell. Now I need a new bank to bank with but it needs to uk owned so I don’t have the same problem with contacting them. Can you suggest one please

[@motorhomers-r-us]

@@Bereal711 I wouldn’t know or want to advise but you can look it up on line.

[@paulcool10]

Can I be in 2 banks

[@wecamefrommarsirl9654]

80k sitting in current account from bereavement. Suggestions welcome haven't got a clue what to do ?

[@danmeck5978]

Vanguard index funds

[@serkany5905]

S&P 500 or FTSE All World.

[@LloydRandall]

re purchase offers, why wont anyone auto active the offers then spam me about them to make me use them? I don't want a job looking and clicking before I shop, and getting annoyed when I missed a chance to earn. Its too much effort. I'm lazy

[@martinmowbray4304]

Disney+ is crap. Not an incentive to go to Lloyds.

[@comfortzone5618]

Agree! But it’s the best out of the out of the options to choose from.

[@stevemahoney5209]

Don't really go to the cinema so the disney+ is a good option 😁😁

[@ExamTricksTips2023]

Is it already 2024 ? Happy New year everyone ! 😅

[@happychappy7115]

HSBC are godawful for online access, service 😢

[@user-qd2pc5gz4n]

Carpet Bagger alert!

[@user-cg5ft9eb6d]

Revolut service is annoying and shit

[@Bereal711]

Hi I had a terrible experience with revolut. As in it was impossible to get in touch with them. They also stole 6k from me aswell. Now I need a new bank to bank with but it needs to uk owned so I don’t have the same problem with contacting them. Can you suggest one please

[@Goady1000]

First

[@happychappy7115]

Not interested in gimmicks and freebies. Want great service and access😮

[@robertco]

paid by Monzo and Starling . not worth to watch.

[@Chris-zx1ez]

I have a question, I haven't switched accounts ever. My parents opened a Halifax bank account for me when I was 16, I'm now 30 so this is new territory for me. I want to switch to first direct for the £175 welcome bonus as well as their 7% regular savings account, then.. Switch to the chase bank account for the 1% cashback. 1. Is it possible to switch over to the chase bank account and keep the first direct savings account? As the 7% is too good to miss. 2. Will it affect my credit score switching current account twice in a year? 3. How much of a hassle is it switching over all direct debits/ standing orders etc?

[@klawlor3659]

I can answer all of that. 1. You can only have the FD savings account as a FD current account customer. The Savings Account is basically tied to the current account. 2. Credit score isn't affected in the slightest. 3. Direct debits/ SOs are seamlessly transferred from one account to another. I've moved current accounts several times (including twice to Irish banks) and have had zero issues. You'll be fine pal!

[@martinguy7609]

I've done everything possible and my wife is just waiting for a Santander switch and the next Barclays one as we weren't quick enough this time. Made over £2k from switching thanks to these videos 😎🤌