SPECIAL OFFER - Switch to a 1st Account and bank £175*.
Why we like it
Get access to a Regular Saver Account - Put away between £25 and £300 for a fixed 12 month term. If you save £300 every month for 12 months and qualify for the 7.00% AER/gross p.a. interest rate, you'll earn approximately £136.50 interest (gross). Interest is calculated daily and paid 12 months after you opened the account. AER stands for Annual Equivalent Rate. This shows you what the rate would be if interest were paid and compounded each year. Gross is the rate of interest if interest were paid and not compounded each year. No partial withdrawals allowed. Early closure will result in interest being paid at the standard account variable rate. £250 interest-free overdraft (subject to status). No minimum monthly funding and no monthly account fee. No first direct fees for when spending abroad, withdrawing cash from the UK or when making a debit card payment in a foreign currency in the UK. Mobile banking app. UK based contact centre. Representative Example: How does our overdraft compare? The representative APR shows the cost of borrowing over a year, so you can use it to compare the cost of our overdraft against other overdrafts and ways of borrowing. 0% EAR variable on the first £250, 39.9% EAR variable thereafter, giving a representative rate of 30.5% APR variable (assumed arranged overdraft £1,200). For customers with an offset mortgage linked to a 1st Account, the interest-free limit will not apply. *Open a 1st account on or after 9th September and before offer is withdrawn. Switch your everyday banking to using the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). Deposit a minimum of £1,000 (in single or multiple deposits) in your account and within 45 days of opening your first direct 1st Account. Complete a full CASS switch including at least two Direct Debits or Standing Orders must be made within 45 Days of us opening your first direct 1st Account. Register and Log onto digital banking, within 45 days of us opening your first direct 1st Account. Use your new 1st account debit card at least 5+ times. Be a new customer to first direct, who has not previously held a first direct product, or has opened an HSBC current account on or after 1 January 2018
Many customers stick with the same bank account for years, never really giving much thought to whether they are getting a good deal or not. In reality, the features and benefits of current accounts, including the interest rates they pay on your balance vary significantly between providers.
If you have not compared current accounts recently, there is a good chance that you are not getting the best deal currently available and it is well worth looking around to see what different providers have to offer you.
What to look for in a current account
There are various features to look out for when deciding which is the best current account to switch to. Depending on your financial situation and personal circumstances, the importance of these factors will likely differ, as will which current account is best for you.
Interest rates
If you are likely to stay in credit, the interest rate you earn can make a big difference. Likewise, if you are in your overdraft a lot, the interest you are charged can soon add up.
Joining bonuses
Many banks and building societies offer cash rewards for switching your current account to them, as well as other introductory offers which may appeal.
Minimum deposits
Many current accounts require you to pay in a minimum amount to open the account and a minimum amount each month to keep it.
Maximum deposit
While current accounts don’t tend to have a maximum deposit as such, they do normally only pay interest up to a certain balance. If you are likely to be significantly in credit, make sure you choose an account with a high interest threshold or explore other options for your savings.
Fees
Many current accounts are free, but some charge a monthly account fee. These tend to offer extra features, but make sure you know what you are getting for your money so you can decide whether it is worth it.
Cashback
Many current accounts offer cashback when you use the account to pay household bills. This can soon add up and is well worth looking into if you are a regular bill payer.
Overdraft
If you need an overdraft, make sure to check what the limit is and what costs there are associated with it e.g. interest rates, fees for going over your limit etc.
Additional benefits
Many current accounts offer additional benefits, such as free anti-virus software, railcards and more. These can add up to significant savings if those benefits are useful to you.
Find the best current account to switch to
Knowing which current account offers you the best deal can be a challenge and most customers don’t want to spend hours researching all of the different options before making a decision.
Our current account comparison tool (see the top of the page) makes life much simpler. It shows you the best deals on current accounts available now from all the leading lenders, making it quick and easy to compare the different accounts and see which offers the best deal for you.
