Different types of bank accounts

In the UK we have different types of bank accounts. So choosing the right one for your personal needs can be a little confusing.

At Smart Money People we can help you find the best providers. We’re the UK’s most comprehensive financial services review site, with over 1.5 million reviews (and counting!) to help customers make smart buying decisions.

But first, you need to identify the type of account you need. This quick guide should help.

Basic bank account

As the name suggests, this is a bank account that is stripped back to the bare essentials. So you’ll receive a debit card to use to withdraw cash from ATMs. You’ll also be able to set up direct debits and standing orders.

There will be no overdraft facility, so you won’t be able to spend more than you have. Because of its limited features, this is the sort of account a bank might offer to someone with a little or poor credit history.

Current account

This is the type of bank account that most people use for their everyday banking. It’s an account that offers all the features of a basic bank account as well as several others. These include the ability to apply for an overdraft facility. Some current accounts even pay a small amount of interest on the balance too.

Some current accounts offer extra features such as complimentary breakdown cover, mobile phone and travel insurance. Known as packaged accounts these generally have a monthly fee to pay.

Feel like you’re not getting what you want out of your current account? If you’re on the lookout for a new account, you can check out which current account providers are most highly rated by our Smart Money People community here. You may also be able to make some extra cash with a switching bonus. The team at Be Clever With Your Cash have broken down the offers at each major UK bank here.

Joint bank account

Joint bank accounts are simply current accounts where two or more people have equal access to deposit or withdraw money. It’s usually romantic partners who have a joint account. It’s a convenient way to pool resources and make bill and mortgage payments as well as other shared expenses. Some shared households of three or more people may also have joint accounts just for this purpose.

Savings account

Savings accounts are for anyone with money to put aside. Any money you deposit into a savings account earns interest. So it’s great if you want your money to grow in value over time.

There are several kinds of savings accounts paying many different levels of interest. Lots of factors can influence the type of savings account you need. From how regularly you want to save, to how much you plan to put aside. You should also think about whether you need access to your cash, and what accounts you may already have. We’ve put together a quick one-minute quiz to help you pick the best type of savings account for your circumstances.

Want to make sure you’re getting the best rate on your savings? The team at Be Clever With Your Cash have done a round-up of the best options on the market when it comes to your savings.

Student account

Most banks offer a current account that is specifically aimed at students heading off to college or university. As well as being an account into which their student loan can be paid, it acts as a standard current account.

Many of these accounts also offer an interest-free overdraft facility. As well as other incentives like reduced rates or free rail cards to attract new student customers.

On graduation, these accounts generally convert into standard ones. Unfortunately, the overdraft facility usually starts to charge interest.

To find the student account offering the best customer service, read the experiences of our Smart Money reviewers.

Children’s bank account

It’s never too early to get into good financial habits, and that’s why more and more banks are starting to offer bank accounts for children. With a children’s account, they’ll get a cash card to withdraw money from ATMs or a debit card that they can also use to shop in-store or online.

Parents or guardians can keep a close eye on how the bank account is being used. Many come with banking apps where parents can top up or even stop the account when necessary.

So there you have it. Six of the main types of bank accounts you can open in the UK. There’s a huge selection out there. We’re here to help make that choice a little easier for you. Head to Smart Money People to read bank account reviewsfrom real people so you can have confidence with your money.