It might not be the most interesting item to tick off your financial checklist, but don’t overlook the importance of having a good current account. Since you’re likely to have a bit of money in there to cover your everyday expenses, it’s important that you select one with a good interest rate.

At a time in which savings accounts don’t often get above the 3% mark, it’s also a good place to put in your excess savings (after you’ve exhausted your tax free ISA allowance, of course!)

Santander 123 Account

If you’re paying for your phone contract, utilities and council tax, then the Santander 123 account could be right for you.

It comes with a rather unique features: cashback on your direct debit bills. With 3% cashback on phones, TV and broadband, 2% on gas and electricity, and 1% on your council tax and water (and Santander mortgage payments), it could work out as quite good value. The caveat is the £2 monthly fee – you need to do a few sums to work out whether the cashback will outweigh the charge.

If the account makes sense for you, then it pays 3% on balances above £3,000 up to £20,000 when you pay in £500 a month.

Plus, apply through TopCashback and you’ll earn £45.45*

Lloyds Classic Account with Vantage

Someone else paying the utility bills? Here’s an alternative account for you:

Lloyds TSB’s basic current account offers a great 3% on balances between £3,000 and £5,000: and if you’ve got more than £5,000, you can simply open up to two more. To be eligible, you need to pay in £1,000 a month and stay in credit.

Find out more at the Lloyds TSB website.

*I earn a commission from this click if you are a new TopCashback user. An amount equal to this commission will be donated to charity once it it paid to me.