Best Bank Accounts

The bank account market is red hot, so much so you can now get a 0% overdraft for a year, or earn £100 for switching! This step-by-step guide with daily updated best buys compares the top bank accounts will show you how to easily save many £100s a year just by picking the very best.

The choice doesn't just depend on whether you’re always in credit or go overdrawn. As well as passing a credit score, most accounts require you to deposit a certain amount every month. This needn't stay in the account, nor must you be in-credit. Its effect is to set a minimum earnings threshold and ensure thats paid into your account.

For example, a £1,000/month ‘pay-in’ means you must earn at least £15,000 before tax, as then your monthly take home fulfills the pay-in requirements. From here on, all minimum pay-in are converted into minimum earnings. With work, you can cheat this rule; withdraw some money each month and pay it back in e.g. if you earn £900 a month, pay your salary in, withdraw £100 and re-deposit it.

It's also worth noting, sometimes you can get extra cashback signing up via special websites, see top cashback sites for a full explanation and how to find which sites pay most.