Finders keepers society grows as people still feel the pinch

Millions of cash-strapped Britons are continuing to be a nation of ‘finders keepers' when it comes to stumbling upon a ‘windfall' on the street, according to research from Santander Current Accounts.

The research reveals that the financial squeeze is testing generosity levels, with half of Britons (49 per cent) saying that if they found £100 in cash on the street with no-one around, they would keep it for themselves - a rise of 13 per cent from 2008.

Only one in 20 (6 per cent) would give the money to charity.  Almost two thirds (62 per cent) who said they would keep the windfall themselves said they would feel no guilt in holding onto the cash.

When asked their favourite way to spend a £100 windfall, the largest proportion (18 per cent) of Britons said they would spend it on their family, a further 15 per cent said they would put it towards paying off their debts, and one in ten (11 per cent) said they would elect to spend it on themselves.

Helen Bierton, Head of Current Accounts for Alliance & Leicester, said: "In difficult times it appears that Britons are more inclined to keep money found on the street for themselves than in previous years. However, that's not true for everyone and there still remains a number of Britons who would give the money to charity or hand it to the police."

Helen Bierton added: "You don't need to rely on finding £100 on the street though to boost your finances at the moment. We are offering customers the chance of a £100 gift if they open a Premier Current Account.

"Whether or not customers choose to give their windfall to charity would be up to them, but £100 is certainly available to anyone who switches their current account to Alliance & Leicester's Premier Current Account. This offer is only available until 7th March though so potential customers should act quickly to take advantage of this offer."

Premier Current Account

No monthly fee
0.5% pa/gross in credit interest
0% interest and no usage fees on arranged overdrafts for the first 12 months
Free annual multi-trip European travel insurance
Hassle-free Account Transfer Service to transfer your salary, Direct Debits and standing orders

For further details on Alliance & Leicester's full range of current accounts and the latest offers visit alliance-leicester.co.uk/currentaccounts