Banking & Switching
Your current account is the hub
Most everyday banking in the UK is free. What matters is avoiding fees and picking features that suit you — fee-free vs packaged accounts, joint accounts, and app quality.
Overdrafts are expensive borrowing
Arranged overdrafts now typically charge around 35–40% EAR — pricier than many credit cards. Treat an overdraft as short-term only, and move ongoing borrowing to something cheaper.
Switching is easy and can pay
The Current Account Switch Service moves everything — direct debits, salary, balance — in 7 working days, guaranteed, and refunds any errors. Banks regularly offer switch bonuses (often £100–£175) to win your custom.
Switching takes minutes and is one of the fastest "Money Found" wins there is.
Your money is protected
Up to £120,000 per banking licence is covered by the FSCS if a bank fails. If you hold more than that, spread it across separate banking licences (some brands share one — check).
That's all 4 sections.