TSB vs Virgin Money: everyday accounts compared

Important: This guide provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Financial products, rates and eligibility rules can change, so check the provider’s current terms before applying. You can check a firm’s details on the FCA Register.

Quick answer

Both have free everyday accounts with branches and apps. TSB Spend & Save pays £5 a month cashback for up to six months if you make 20+ card payments; Virgin Money M Plus pays 1.00% AER on up to £1,000 and has no fees abroad.

For regular saving, TSB’s Monthly Saver (5.00% fixed, up to £250 a month) stands out; Virgin Money’s Double Take accounts pay around 4.15% with two withdrawals a year.

TSB vs Virgin Money compared

FeatureTSB Spend & SaveVirgin Money M Plus
Monthly fee£0 (Plus £3)£0
Perk£5 cashback a month for 6 months (20+ card payments)1.00% AER up to £1,000 + linked saver 1.75% AER
Fees abroadNone on Spend & Save PlusNone from Virgin Money
Regular / limited saverMonthly Saver 5.00% fixed, £25–£250 a monthDouble Take E-Saver 4.16% AER, 2 withdrawals a year
Overdraft39.90% representative APRSubject to status
FSCSTSB Bank plcShared with Nationwide

Figures as of 4 October 2026, taken from the provider’s own website. Rates and fees can change.

Who each suits

  • TSB: frequent card users and regular savers
  • Virgin Money: travellers and people who want interest on a small current account balance

Who should skip it

These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:

  • You want a switch bonus — neither showed one on 4 October 2026

Full explanation

If you’d hit 20 card payments a month, TSB’s cashback is worth up to £30 over six months on Spend & Save. If you travel, Virgin Money’s no-fee card could save more over a year.

The catch

TSB’s free-abroad card is on Spend & Save Plus (£3 a month). Virgin Money’s FSCS limit is shared with Nationwide.

Check each bank’s current terms.

These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.

FAQs

Which is better for travel, TSB or Virgin Money?

Virgin Money M Plus has no fees abroad for free; TSB’s no-fee option is Spend & Save Plus at £3 a month.

Do TSB or Virgin Money pay switch bonuses?

Neither showed one on 4 October 2026.

Which has the better regular saver?

TSB’s Monthly Saver paid 5.00% fixed on up to £250 a month, as of 4 October 2026.

Get our weekly email

The Friday Finance Lowdown — five minutes of the money stuff worth knowing.

Free to join. See our privacy policy for how we handle your email address.

Written by Steven — Editor, The Finance Lowdown

Fact checked by Angela — Editorial Reviewer

Last updated: · Next review: