Can you have more than one current account?
Not only can you have more than one current account, provided you pass the bank’s eligibility criteria, you may find that it helps you better manage your money.
Below we dig into the benefits of having multiple current accounts, how to keep on top of your finances, and whether it affects your credit score.
Why do people have more than one current account?
The main benefit to having multiple current accounts is that it allows you to have different accounts dedicated to different purposes.
Maximise interest
A big reason to have more than one current account is to take advantage of the best interest rates on the market.
Zopa’s Biscuit bank account offers an annual equivalent rate (AER*) of 2.00% on your balance, fixed for the first 12 months.
Exclusive offers
Different current accounts will have different exclusive offers that are only available through opening that account. Having more than one account means you can strategically take advantage of the best offers around.
For example, by opening a Zopa Biscuit current account, you get exclusive access to our 7.10% AER* variable Regular Saver pot.
Cashback
Some accounts offer cashback so you can earn when you spend. For example, you could have one current account that offers cashback when you buy groceries, and another, like Zopa’s, that gives you money back on your bills.
You’ll earn 2% cashback on up to £1,500 of eligible Direct Debits, fixed for a year with our Biscuit bank account.
*AER stands for 'annual equivalent rate'. We pay you interest on a monthly basis, but AER shows you the rate you’d get if this monthly interest was compounded and paid once a year instead. We provide an AER to make it easier for you to compare our rates with other providers.
Budgeting
You may prefer to have one current account for all of your bills, and another you top up with a set amount for day-to-day spending. This can make it easier to stick to a monthly budget.
Business accounts
If you are self-employed, it can be advisable to have separate personal and business current accounts. This will help you accurately calculate how much tax you owe, and what you can claim as a business expense. Please note, Zopa doesn’t currently provide business accounts.
Joint accounts
If you share a household, using a joint account for your bills can be a good way to avoid arguments over who owes what. Please note, Zopa doesn’t currently provide joint accounts.
Travel benefits
Certain current accounts, like Zopa’s Biscuit account, offer fee-free spending abroad, making them the perfect tool for when you go on holiday.
But it’s important to note, you might be charged for withdrawing money when in another country, but Zopa doesn’t charge extra fees for spending on your debit card.
Can you have multiple current accounts in the UK?
You can have multiple current accounts in the UK. Best practice when managing more than one current account is to have a clear purpose for each. You could have one for day-to-day spending, and one for bills. Or one for business finances and one for personal spending.
Can you have current accounts with different banks?
There is nothing stopping you from having multiple current accounts with different banks, as long as you meet their eligibility criteria. If you’re savvy, you can actually use this to your advantage, cherry-picking the deals that best suit your financial needs.
For instance, Zopa’s account is easy to open and works seamlessly alongside others as you can link other bank accounts in the Zopa app to view your balances in one place. You can use our Biscuit current account to complement your main account, in order to benefit from our interest rates and Direct Debit cashback.
Can you have two current accounts with the same bank?
It is possible to have two current accounts with the same bank. However, it will depend on the bank’s policies.
You might not be able to open two standard current accounts, but rather one individual account and one joint account, or one current account and one business account.
How many current accounts can you have?
In theory, there isn’t a limit on the number of current accounts you can have. However, trying to open multiple accounts in a short space of time could be bad news for your credit rating. This is because some banks carry out a credit check every time you try to open an account.
How to manage multiple current accounts effectively
When managing more than one current account, it’s a good idea to:
Have a reason for each account: it’s best to have a clear purpose for opening an account at the outset. For example, one for bills and one for everyday spending.
Have a record of which payments come out of where: if you are going to separate your finances into different accounts, it’s good to have a record of which payments are coming out of where. A budgeting spreadsheet or app can be useful for keeping on top of this.
Automate as much as possible: setting up standing orders between accounts is one way to keep on top of your finances. For instance, you could set up a standing order from your main account to the account you pay your bills from to ensure you don’t miss a payment.
Check your accounts regularly: with multiple accounts it’s important to regularly check in on your balance and top-up accordingly, this could help you to avoid unnecessarily going into an overdraft.
Close accounts you no longer use: finally, if you find that you aren’t using an account any more, close it. It’s one less thing to track!
Thinking of opening another account?
If you want to open another current account, ask yourself:
What would I use this account for?
Are there any fees associated with this account?
What switching perks or benefits are available?
Will there be a hard search on my credit file?
Why not try a Zopa current account – it won’t affect your other accounts or credit score and allows you to immediately start earning cashback and interest.
Open your free Zopa current account
It takes only 5 minutes to open your free Biscuit current account – so what are you waiting for? Start spending, and earning, today!
Learn more about Zopa's Biscuit bank accountFAQs
How easy is it to get a second current account?
Getting a second current can be quick and easy. In fact, it’ll only take as little as 5 minutes to open an account with Zopa.
Does opening a current account affect your credit score?
Your credit score may take a temporary dip after opening a current account, if the bank runs a hard search on your credit file when you apply.
What is a current account?
A current account is simply a bank account used for everyday money management, from making payments to buying items with a debit card.
Can I switch banks if I already have a current account?
If you already have a current account, and want to close it when you open a new one, you can switch banks using the Current Account Switching Service (CASS). This allows you to carry over your payments, Direct Debits and standing orders from your old account to your new one.
Zopa isn’t currently part of the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), but opening a Zopa account is quick and easy and won’t affect your other accounts.
Can I open a joint account as my second account?
You can open a joint account as your second account. This might be a good solution if you have shared bills, but want to keep your personal finances separate from your partner’s or housemate’s.
At the moment, Zopa accounts are for individuals only, but many of our customers find it works well alongside a joint account from another provider.
Are there downsides to having more than one account?
Having multiple current accounts can require a bit more work to keep on top of your finances. It may also expose you to a higher risk of fraud. This is because, the more accounts you have, the higher the risk of one of them being compromised. Also, it’s easier to miss suspicious transactions when managing multiple accounts.
