Bank accounts

Basic 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.