Statistically, you're more likely to get divorced than change your current account.

Yet when you consider that the average current account offers an interest rate of just 0.1%, when there are others out there offering as much as 6%, it clearly pays to shop around.

Choosing the current account that best suits your needs is easy when you know how. Take 10 minutes and see if you can start saving money today.

Before you begin: Do some research
When it comes to current accounts, doing your homework pays dividends. You'll find it useful to check out a current account comparison website or a similar section from the personal finance or money section of a newspaper.

Start looking at the various interest rates they offer, plus other benefits ranging from discounted insurance or a free overdraft facility to shopping vouchers and even cash deposits.

Step 1: Compare interest rates
Most of us don't realise you can make a bit of extra money by earning interest on a current account. This is particularly important if you get paid regularly and know that your balance is going to be topped up regularly.

With banks and building societies offering seriously high interest rates, make sure you check out exactly what you need to qualify for these favourable rates. Some cap the amount you can earn these high rates on, or demand a large amount of credit in your account each month.

Step 2: Look at the overdraft facility
Shop around for one that isn't going to charge you huge amounts of interest. Remember, interest rates work both ways.

Step 3: Find out what else is on offer
Current accounts offer a range of features and services to attract you. Typically, these might include:
- A debit card
- A chequebook
- A direct debit or standing order service for paying bills
- Taking payment of your salary via BACS
- An overdraft facility

Now try to arrange these features in order of usefulness. For instance, if you have a tendency to overspend, it might be best to forego the tempting debit card and chequebook and opt for a straightforward cash card. You may well get a higher rate of interest for doing so.

Step 4: Do you want internet banking?
Most banks offer an online banking facility, which offers lots of advantages to customers who are comfortable with it.

It's also worth checking out the opening hours of your bank or building society - not just the building itself but its call centre. If you usually do your banking online during the middle of the night, for instance, but the call centre is closed between 6pm and 8am, this won't be ideal for you if you ever need to call.

Step 5: Don't be blinded by incentives
Lots of current accounts offer incentives to would-be customers, including cash, vouchers, free overdraft facilities and discounted insurance. But by signing up to an incentive-heavy account you may well be losing out on a favourable interest rate.

Try to work out what the hidden cost is to these incentives. Would you receive the benefits as an existing customer anyway? And if the incentive is something you'd consider nice to have but far from essential, don't let it sway you.

Step 6: Enquire about ethics
If you care about the ethics of the organisation that looks after your money, then shop around for one that clearly states its ethical policy.

Some, for example, make a point of not investing in regimes with poor human rights records, or in companies that make weapons. Some will donate a percentage of any interest they charge you to charity. Others pledge to operate using energy from renewable sources. Decide what matters to you most.

Step 7: Think ahead
What benefits will your current account entitle you to as a customer? Some offer additional benefits such as discounted travel insurance or free roadside assistance to existing customers, which may well pay off in the future, so it's worth checking these out too.

Step 8: Be prepared
Financial institutions are required by law to check who you are before opening an account for you. Make sure you have the required proof of identity handy (usually a proof of address, like a recent utility bill, plus another form of authenticated identification, like a driving licence).

- Current account finder tool