What is a current account (2024)

You can usually open a current account via a bank’s website, over the phone or at a local branch. You’ll need proof of ID and address before your account is opened.

Commonly accepted documents are:

  • Passport (UK issued)
  • Driving licence (UK issued)
  • Bank statement
  • Utility bills
  • Biometric Residence Permit Card

You may also need to give personal information and contact details, as well as other information such as your income and expenditure.

To open a student bank account, you may need to provide proof of the qualifying course being studied, such as an acceptance letter or UCAS code.

At Lloyds Bank, in most cases you will only need to produce one of the following:

  • a current UK photo driving licence
  • passport from the United Kingdom
  • Biometric Residence Permit Card (accepted for account opening only)

If you are an existing customer, you can use your existing bank card with Chip & Pin to verify your identity.

If you cannot provide one of the items above, you will need to bring two documents. You can find a full list of acceptable documents on our proof of identity webpage.

Learn more about how to open a current account.

What is a current account (2024)

FAQs

What is a current account in a bank? ›

A current account is a bank account where you can store and withdraw money. Most banks offer a range of current accounts that have different features, so you can find an account that best suits your needs.

What is the difference between a current and savings account? ›

A savings account is most suitable for people who are salaried employees or have a monthly income, whereas, Current Accounts work best for traders and entrepreneurs who need to access their accounts frequently. Savings accounts earn interest at a rate of around 4%, while there is no such earning from a Current Account.

Is a debit card a current account? ›

A current account typically comes with a debit card, which is helpful when paying for items and withdrawing cash. They're called current accounts as the funds they hold are typically used 'currently'.

What is the current account defined as? ›

The current account represents a country's imports and exports of goods and services, payments made to foreign investors, and transfers such as foreign aid.

What are the disadvantages of a current account? ›

Disadvantages of having a Current Account

The involved paperwork and fine print serves to be lengthy and confusing. Huge fees due to corporate business transactions. There is a limit on the amount of funds that can be withdrawn in a day.

Can I use my current account for personal use? ›

As mentioned above, a current account is an account meant for business. Unlike savings accounts that cater to individuals who want to save money, current accounts are mainly used to service the needs of the businesses.

Is it better to keep money in savings or current account? ›

Savings accounts

These often pay a higher interest rate, so the more money you have in the account, the more you can earn. Therefore, if you want to store a large amount of money that you don't need to use for your day-to-day transactions, then a savings account may be better for you rather than a current account.

Can I withdraw money from my current account? ›

A Current Account allows you to deposit and withdraw money at any point in time. As opposed to a Savings Account, you can use your Current Account as many times as you need to, in a single day.

What are current account good for? ›

A current account is a bank account designed to manage your income and day-to-day spending. You can use a current account for: paying your bills. receiving your salary, benefits, pension and other payments.

Why is it called a current account? ›

It is called the current account because goods and services are generally consumed in the current period.

How much money should you keep in current account? ›

However, it's always best to have a little bit spare each month, just in case. As a guideline, workers should aim for at least three to six months' worth of expenses in their account, while retirees should keep around one to three years' worth.

What is the minimum balance for a current account? ›

Banks require Current Account holders to maintain a minimum amount as account balance on average within a quarter or month. For example, the minimum account balance for a regular Current Account with HDFC Bank is Rs 10,000.

What is another name for the current account? ›

Also called open account. an account of credits, debits, receipts, and expenditures between two individuals or companies, usually providing for settlement at the end of specified accounting periods. (in certain foreign countries) a checking account.

How much can a current account hold? ›

Is there a minimum or maximum to how much money I can have in my Current account? There's no limit to the amount of money that you can have in your Current account, and you don't have to worry about maintaining a minimum balance in order to keep your account open!

What is a current account example? ›

For instance, let's imagine that you manage imports and exports for a small country in Europe. The prime minister of your country wants to have a positive current account. She reinforces the importance of ensuring that your country is exporting more goods to the world, than importing products for your needs.

What is the difference between current account and Checking Account? ›

Checking account and current account can be used interchangeably. There is no significant difference between the two terms in terms of the basic functions of the account. “Current Account” is more commonly used in the United Kingdom, while “Checking Account” is more commonly used in the United States.

Can I deposit cash in my current account? ›

Banks may set the monthly free Current Account cash deposit limit between ₹2 lakh and ₹3 crore as per the needs of businesses. However, premium banking services attract cash deposit fees for larger cash deposit limits.

What makes an account a current account? ›

A current account is a bank account designed to manage your income and day-to-day spending. You can use a current account for: paying your bills. receiving your salary, benefits, pension and other payments.

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