Current accounts

Normally we're about easy, sensible or clever things to stop you wasting cash. Yet today, to channel the Godfather of Soul... let's take it to the bridge now, like a MoneySaving machine (get on up).

First Direct’s current account customers have once again voted its service the nation's best. More than 90% rated it as 'great' as it comfortably held on to top spot in our latest banking poll.

More than a million current accounts were switched to a new bank in 2015, according to new figures published today. But with total switches down 11% compared with 2014, the message is: if you're not gaining from your bank account, switch now.

If you're a Barclays current account holder and haven't yet signed up to its Blue Rewards scheme, join by 31 Jan and you'll get double rewards for the first month. This means you can earn at least £55 in your first year on the scheme. Meanwhile, Co-op Bank's also launched a new reward scheme which can pay at least £48/year.

George Osborne has pledged to save families up to £470 a year by boosting competition and cutting red tape in areas such as banking, utilities and mobile phones.

More than 250,000 customers with Barclays fee-charging package accounts that come with insurance will see prices hiked by up to £138/year from today, unless they actively opt out.

Banks must make it easier for customers to take charge of their accounts, including raising awareness of switching, the competition regulator has announced today.

A Halifax and Bank of Scotland (HBOS) online security flaw meant balances and transactions were left exposed for others to view – which could have led to a privacy breach for millions, or worse, a risk of fraud .

NatWest and RBS – both part of the RBS Group – are launching a new current account next Monday, which will pay 3% cashback on household bills for a £3/month fee.