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Why you can trust our reviews of high-interest bank accounts
More than interest rates
A great rate's not so useful if it's only paid on a small sum. We also look at maximum deposits and any requirements to pay in a certain amount each month.
Customer scores
Chances are you'll need to engage much more with your current account than your savings, which is why we also display bank scores from our customer survey.
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Whether you've just got paid or have funds put aside for emergencies, there's likely to be money sitting in your current account – but is it earning interest?
Here we reveal the current accounts that pay interest, helping you reduce the impact of inflation on your money.
We also compare current accounts to savings accounts, and explain some simple saving tips.
Our table shows the best current accounts for credit balances of £1,000 (see below to find out how to qualify for interest on the accounts).
RECOMMENDED PROVIDER Nationwide FlexDirect (340) | 84% | 5% | £1,500 | £1,000 | |
Kroo Bank Current Account | n/a | 2.65% | £500,000 | n/a | |
Santander Edge Up (340) | 71% | 2.10% | £25,000 | £1,500 | |
Zopa Biscuit | n/a | 2% | n/a | n/a | |
Bank of Scotland Classic with Vantage (162) | 77% | 1.50% | £5,000 | £1,000 | |
Halifax Reward (298) | 71% | 1.50% | £5,000 | n/a | |
Club Lloyds (423) | 75% | 1.50% | £5,000 | n/a | |
Virgin Money M Plus (147) | 71% | 1% | £1,000 | n/a |
Table note: Data correct as of 4 March 2026. Customer score: Our rating for customer satisfaction, based on feedback from real customers. The score is made up of a customer's overall satisfaction with the brand, and how likely they are to recommend that brand to a friend. We surveyed 6,665 members of the general public in August 2025. Sample size in brackets. Our full table includes scores and star ratings for all banks.
Our pick of the bunch is Nationwide, which pays a healthy 5% interest on balances of up to £1,500 in the first year. Thereafter, the rate reverts to 1% AER on balances up to £1,500. Don't use this account for its overdraft (you'll be stung with a rate of 39.9% APR after the first £50) or spending abroad. If you prefer a bank account with travel insurance and breakdown cover bundled together, Nationwide offers a Which? Best Buy packaged account for £18 per month.
84%
of 22 current account providers with a customer score
Chiara Cavaglieri, Which? banking expert, says:
I know this seems an odd statement in a guide to high-interest bank accounts.
But these days they're not exactly high-interest. Putting Nationwide's 5% aside (which only applies for a year) every other current account rate can be beaten by instant-access saver accounts.
And many current accounts have relatively low limits on how much money you'll earn interest on.
You're best off keeping the minimum possible in your current account, and any money you'll need day-to-day in an instant-access saver.
Just make sure your money will truly be available instantly and there isn't a limit on the number of withdrawals — you wouldn't want to miss a bill from your current account because you can't get the money from your savings.
Many current account customers get access to exclusive instant-access and regular saver accounts with high rates, which could save you time as you'll only need to use one app or online banking portal.