Bank accounts
Most of us have at least one bank account these days it makes paying bills a lot easier and is a safer place to keep our cash, rather than putting it under the mattress. There are different types of account depending on what you want it for. And there are more and more ways to access and manage your account these days too with some current and savings accounts offering the convenience of being able to bank by phone or over the internet.
The most common type is a current account. Here we'll guide you through the main types of bank account, what they offer and what they're best used for.
Current account
A current account is an everyday option designed for making day-to-day money matters easy. You will be able to have money paid in and set up direct debits and standing orders for money that needs to go out to pay bills. You will usually get a chequebook and a card, which can be used to withdraw cash from a hole in the wall, or to pay using chip and pin in shops and restaurants and there may be an overdraft facility that lets you go to an agreed level overdrawn, with no, or minimal charges. This type of card is called a debit card, and will usually have a Visa or Maestro symbol on it, meaning you can pay for goods anywhere you see that symbol the world over providing you have the money in your account.
With some current accounts you will get interest on your money, but the rate is usually relatively low. If you're looking for somewhere to put your savings, this is probably not the best option for you.
At a glance:
- Convenient banking in branch, hole in the wall, phone or online
- Set up bills to be paid directly
- Usually comes with a debit card for cash withdrawals and payments
Basic account
A basic account is similar to a current account without the overdraft credit facility or chequebook. They are simple to run and allow you to pay money in, and you may still be given a debit card to pay for things. It's a very simple account to run and may suit you if you just need somewhere safe to keep you cash, and access it when you need to.
At a glance:
- Similar to current account but without a credit facility
- May come with a debit card
Savings account
A savings account is somewhere to put your spare cash money that you're putting aside for emergencies or towards something specific. A savings account offers interest on your deposits as it assumes you will not be withdrawing money on a regular basis, unlike a current account. There are many different types of saving accounts, some that offer higher rates of interest for regular savers, or some that require you to give advanced notice to withdraw your money. These are covered in detail in our savings and investments section.
If you're a UK taxpayer, you will be taxed on the interest you receive, which will usually be deducted automatically before you receive it. An ISA may be a better option for you if you're looking for a tax-efficient home for your money.
At a glance:
- You earn interest on your deposits
- Best used for money that you won't need frequent access to
- The more you save, the more interest you'll earn
Deposit account
A deposit account is similar to a savings account, in that it has fewer features than a current account. For example, you may not get a card. You may have a passbook, which you'll need to take into the bank, building society or Post Office that holds your account, each time you want to pay in or withdraw money. A deposit account is very simple to use but will only allow you to pay money in and withdraw it as cash. You won't be able to pay bills or use it as a method of payment as you would with a current account that comes with a debit card.
At a glance:
- Limited features designed for putting money in and basic withdrawals only
- Usually comes with a passbook rather than a card
- Banking has to be done in branch or sometimes by post
Student account
A student account is a type of current account designed specifically for students in full-time or higher education. You will usually get a debit card to withdraw cash and pay for things, and you may have access to a fee-free overdraft facility. Most banks offer other benefits designed to make student life easier, such as free gadget insurance, or other incentives for opening an account.
At a glance:
- Overdraft facility subject to approval
- Convenience of a debit card for cash withdrawals and payments
- Incentives and opening offer gifts specifically for students