Consumers must take their time when selecting a current account

People should not rush in when selecting a current account, an expert has said.

Taking the time to shop around and explore all possible deals is essential for consumers when they are searching for an attractive current account, an expert has said.

Following the global economic downturn, the majority of banks and building societies have attempted to make their products like savings account schemes more competitive in order to get people to sign up with them.

However, according to John Crossley, head of banking at Nationwide, it is unwise for any individual to rush into a decision on their primary bank account, as there are so many options available on the market at the present time.

Mr Crossley explained that it is crucial for people to consider all the packages on offer from financiers in order to make sure they end up with a deal that is well suited to their personal requirements.

"Everyone is different, but the thing is how people can get the best deals for themselves and looking around is the key thing," he advised.

Research published last week (July 7th) by Nationwide revealed that 40 per cent of all Britons have never switched their main current account, with 90 per cent indicating they set their product years ago and have never thought they had need to change.

But Mr Crossley urged individuals to snap out of this habit sooner rather than later, as those just settling for what they have are failing to make the most of what they can do with their current account.

He went on to note that the market has "changed massively" over recent years and there is now "a huge amount of choice" in the personal banking sector - a fact everyone should do their best to take full advantage of.

"People should make sure that they are utilising these changes in their life," the expert concluded.

A strong link exists between the amount of money people have in their savings accounts and the house prices in their area.

That is the finding of research from Halifax, which discovered a small number of exceptions to this rule.

Generally, the greater the sum in a saving account, the higher the house prices in their locality tend to be.

But the London boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Lewisham and Southwark bucked this trend, as they have some of the country's lowest savings balances - at under £4,000 - but the typical cost of homes there are significantly above the national average.

Economist Nitesh Patel remarks: "Areas with high house prices tend to be populated by people with high savings balances. This is largely what you would expect."

The reason for the anomalies in the capital could be explained by the fact housing costs - such as mortgages - are so costly that borrowers just cannot afford to save as much money.

Mark Bower, managing director at online resource Money Maxim, recently suggested household bills could be cut if people adopt some simple habits, such as carrying out an energy check.