02-07-2025
The best exclusive accounts if you earn £100k
Reaching a six-figure income is an impressive financial milestone, which can mean you're dragged into the dreaded 60pc tax trap.
However, hitting £100,000 does come with advantages, such as qualifying for a premier bank account. These exclusive accounts offer perks such as dedicated financial support, preferential savings and mortgage rates, and a variety of insurance policies. Some have generous switching incentives, too.
Here, Telegraph Money has compiled the best of these exclusive accounts, revealing what each offers high-flyers.
What is a premier bank account?
Premier bank accounts are pitched somewhere between everyday current accounts and private banking, according to Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown.
She said: 'Getting one of these accounts qualifies you for special treatment, so you may have a named person who you can talk to about your account.
'You may also get special deals, like fee-free overseas spending, and special mortgage and savings rates. There are freebies included too – from remote healthcare services to travel insurance, shopping vouchers, and airport lounge access.'
Unlike packaged bank accounts that can offer similar benefits, some premier bank accounts won't charge a monthly fee.
Best premier bank accounts
Below is a list of some of the best premier bank accounts currently available and what they offer. You'll see that NatWest has three entries here – while they can all be opened by someone earning £100,000, they come with very different features and monthly costs.
Lloyds Premier account
Eligibility requirements: You must have at least £100,000 of qualifying savings or investments with Lloyds or pay in £5,000 each month.
Cost: £15 monthly fee, but this is refunded when you meet the above criteria.
Switching bonuses: £185 cash for customers switching from another bank to the Lloyds Premier account between July 1-28 2025. Customers can switch online or through the app, and the £185 will be paid within 10 working days of the switch completing.
Key features: Bupa Family GP and Wellbeing subscription, expert financial coaching, 1pc cashback on debit card spending (up to £10 a month), preferential savings and mortgage rates, fee-free spending overseas, interest on balances up to £5,000, your choice of Lifestyle Benefit each year (such as a Disney+ subscription or cinema tickets).
NatWest Premier Select
Eligibility requirements: You will need to have a minimum of £100,000 sole income or £120,000 joint income paid into your NatWest account, or a minimum of £100,000 savings or investments held with NatWest, or a minimum £500,000 mortgage with NatWest.
Cost: £0 monthly fee.
Switching bonuses: Up to £175 cash for new customers. Get £125 if you apply online or via the app and switch using the Current Account Switch Service, plus pay in a minimum of £1,250. Get an extra £50 if you open a Digital Regular Saver account with NatWest. T&Cs apply.
Features: Fee-free spending abroad, £500 interest-free overdraft, access to financial planning and advice.
NatWest Premier Reward
Eligibility requirements: You will need to have a minimum of £100,000 sole income or £120,000 joint income paid into your NatWest account, or a minimum of £100,000 savings or investments held with NatWest, or a minimum £500,000 mortgage with NatWest.
Cost: £2 monthly fee.
Switching bonuses: Up to £175 cash for new customers. Get £125 if you apply online or via the app and switch using the Current Account Switch Service, plus pay in a minimum of £1,250. Get an extra £50 if you open a Digital Regular Saver account with NatWest. T&Cs apply.
Features: Access to financial planning and advice, earn £9 a month in Rewards when you set up two direct debits, and £1 in Rewards each month you log into the app, plus earn at least 1pc in Rewards at selected retail partners. Rewards can be donated to charity or redeemed as cash or e-gift codes.
NatWest Premier Reward Black
Eligibility requirements: You will need to have a minimum of £100,000 sole income or £120,000 joint income paid into your NatWest account, or a minimum of £100,000 savings or investments held with NatWest, or a minimum £500,000 mortgage with NatWest. You must be an existing NatWest current account customer to upgrade your account.
Cost: £36 monthly fee.
Switching bonuses: None.
Features: Worldwide family travel insurance, airport lounge access, fee-free foreign spending, UK and Europe car breakdown cover, mobile phone insurance, home emergency cover, access to financial planning and advice, £500 interest-free overdraft, 24/7 concierge service, 25pc cashback on tickets to concerts and shows, discounts on cinema tickets, plus earn Rewards in the same way as the Premier Reward account.
Barclays Premier account
Eligibility requirements: You must have a current account with Barclays and pay in an annual income of at least £75,000 or have a balance of at least £100,000 in Barclays' savings and/or investments.
Cost: £0 monthly fee.
Switching bonuses: None.
Features: Access to Premier banking support and Premier financial guides, preferential savings and mortgage options, earn up to 15pc cashback at participating retailers, free Apple TV+ and Major League Soccer Season Pass subscriptions, £500 interest-free overdraft, join Barclays Avios Rewards for £12 a month and collect Avios.
HSBC Premier bank account
Eligibility requirements: You must have an annual income of at least £100,000 paid into your account or have savings and investments of at least £100,000 with HSBC in the UK or already qualify for HSBC Premier in another country.
Cost: £0 monthly fee.
Switching bonuses: Open an account by August 12 2025, and get a £500 Selfridges gift card and VIP shopping experience. You must pay in at least £100,000 in savings or investments, or switch with the Current Account Switch Service and pay in your monthly salary and set up two direct debits.
Features: Worldwide family travel insurance, access to a range of online health services including digital GP appointments, access to an HSBC Global Money account to convert, hold and send money in multiple currencies, preferential rates on products, access to financial advice, £500 interest-free overdraft.
Premier bank accounts compared
