Bank accounts
A basic bank account may be a good option if you’ve been turned down for a current account.
- Basic bank accounts are free.
- You need to be over the age of 16.
- You will need proof of your identity and address.
- You don’t need to pass a credit check.
- They also won’t charge you if a Direct Debit or standing order fail..
Most basic bank accounts let you -
- Have your wages, salary or benefits paid into your account
- Pay UK cheques in for free
- Take out money over the counter or from a cash machine
- Pay your bills by Direct Debit or standing order
- Pay money in at your bank
- Check your account balance over the counter or at a cash machine
- Some will give you a debit card.
Current bank accounts
With a current account, you can –
- receive payments directly into your account
- set up Direct Debits and standing orders to pay your bills
- pay cheques into your account
- buy things with a debit card
- withdraw cash, either over the counter or from a cash machine
- check your bank balance using telephone or online banking, at a cash machine, or over the counter
- write cheques to pay bills or individuals
- transfer money via telephone or online banking
- apply for an overdraft.
More information on what fee-free bank accounts are available can be found here: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/basic-bank-accounts