What are the benefits of a current account?

Here are some of the key benefits you’ll find.

Almost all employers will want to pay your wages directly into a current account. You can also use it to access cash and to make payments.

You can set up Direct Debits or standing orders from your account to make regular payments. Plus, your current account will usually include a debit card, which you can use to make payments in person, online or over the phone.

If you have an app like the HSBC UK Mobile Banking app, you can see your balance at anytime from anywhere, as well as make payments and transfers.

Banks have a network of ATMs (or cash machines) that you can use to withdraw cash from your current account up to a specified limit every day. Some will also allow you to make other transactions, such as paying bills and paying in cheques. Most ATMs are free to use, but always double check before using one.

Many banks offer features like apps and mobile alerts that will tell you what your balance is. They’ll also warn you if:

This is to help you monitor your usage and let you know what action you can take to avoid interest and fees.

Current accounts with banks and building societies in the UK have the protection of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This means that if anything happens to your bank, you'll be covered under the scheme for up to £85,000 per financial institution, or £170,000 for joint accounts.

Find out more about the FSCS.

Provided you use it responsibly, having a current account will help you build a credit history – something you'll need if you want to borrow. If you make payments on time and don't go overdrawn without an arranged overdraft in place (or don't exceed your arranged overdraft limit), it will show lenders that you can manage your money.

You can usually apply to open a current account if you're 18 or over and a resident in the UK. Before applying make sure you read through all the terms and conditions to be certain that it's the right current account for you.