There’s a type of current account that’s available to almost anyone – this is who offers them, how to open one and which might be best for you
Basic bank accounts are open to almost anyone, including those with poor credit who may not be able to open a standard bank account. They’re free and they can also be a handy tool for budgeting, as they don’t offer borrowing facilities like overdrafts.
Here we look at how they work, why you might need one, and what you need to open one.
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Why do you need a basic bank account?
If you’re not able to open a standard bank account, a basic bank account can give you access to your cash. You will be given an account where you can receive and send money.
Standard bank accounts usually require a basic credit check to be passed. However, there are a few reasons why you might not be able to, such as if you have a poor credit score, no credit history, you’re using a debt management plan such as an individual voluntary agreement, or you’ve been declared bankrupt.
Basic bank accounts allow you to manage your money, and over time as your credit score improves you may be able to upgrade to a standard account.
What is a basic bank account?
A basic bank account is a free account and it works just like a standard current account, but without any extra features.
With a basic bank account you’ll be able to do the following:
- Get paid your salary, benefits, pension or money sent from other people
- Send money to other people, such as friends or family members
- Manage your money with mobile, online, app-based banking or in a branch or on the phone.
- Pay for things and take money out with a debit card
- Set up direct debits and standing orders to make regular payments, such as to an energy firm
You won’t be able to open any borrowing facilities, such as an overdraft or credit card. You also usually won’t get anything extra which you may be able to access with a standard account, such as insurance products, access to linked savings accounts, or interest paid on your money.
How do you open a basic bank account?
You can open a basic bank account in a bank branch, on the phone, online or via an app, depending on the account.
Not all banks offer these accounts, but the nine biggest in the UK are required to. You need to be at least 16 and a UK resident to open one.
These accounts are usually only open to people who don’t qualify for other standard current accounts or people who don’t already have a bank account.
You’ll be required to show some documents to open the account, to prove things like your ID and your address.
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What do I need to show to open a basic bank account?
You’ll be asked to show a few different documents before you can open a basic bank account. This will depend on the bank but usually they will include the following:
- Passport or driving licence to prove your ID (if you don’t have these the bank may take another form of ID such as a birth certificate)
- A recent utility bill, letter from HMRC, or something like your TV licence to prove your address
Although a credit check isn’t carried out, the bank will run a soft search on your credit history to check your identity. This won’t impact your credit score though.
If you don’t have a fixed address yet, there are still options for you. HSBC, for example, has partnered with homelessness charity Shelter to let people still sign up to its No Fixed Address bank account. Other banks might also offer you an account if you explain your situation, although you might have to do this in person.
The best basic bank accounts
There are lots of basic bank accounts to choose from, and although they largely work the same, how you access them differs. The best one for you could simply be the one with a branch you can easily get to.
The following banks are all required to offer basic bank accounts:
- Barclays UK (access: branch, online, app, post or Post Office)
- The Co-operative Bank (access: branch, online, app, phone, post or Post Office)
- HSBC UK (access: branch, online, app, phone, post or Post Office)
- Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland (access: branch, online, app, phone, post or Post Office)
- Nationwide Building Society (access: branch, online, app, post or Post Office)
- NatWest, RBS and Ulster Bank (access: branch, online, app, phone, post or Post Office)
- Santander UK (access: branch, online, app, phone, post or Post Office)
- TSB (access: branch, online, app, or Post Office)
- Virgin Money UK (access: branch, online, app, phone, post or Post Office)
How can you complain if something goes wrong?
If you’re unhappy with your bank account, be it a basic or standard account, you can complain. In the first instance you will need to complain to the bank directly. If it doesn’t reply, or you’re still not happy, after eight weeks you can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
It’s independent and can investigate your complaint. If it finds that the bank is in the wrong, it can ask it to make changes or compensate you if you’ve lost out financially.
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Basic bank account FAQs
Can I open a bank account with bad credit?
Yes, you can open a bank account with bad credit but it may need to be a basic bank account as standard current accounts often require a credit check to be passed.
Which UK bank account is easiest to open?
Basic bank accounts don’t require credit checks so they are usually easier to open than standard accounts if you have a poor credit history. Opening an account online or via an app can often be quicker too but not all basic bank accounts allow this.
Are credit unions better than basic bank accounts?
Credit unions are an alternative to basic bank accounts and they are another way to manage your money. They are also often for those who have a poor credit history but there may be restrictions over who can sign up, such as you may need to live in a certain area.
Can I open a basic bank account if I’m bankrupt?
Basic bank accounts are open to people who have been declared bankrupt or those who are signed up to a debt management plan.
Can I open a bank account without an ID?
You will usually be asked to show some ID when you open a basic bank account. If you don’t have a passport or driving licence, the bank may accept another form of ID such as a birch certificate.
What happens if I’m refused a bank account?
Basic bank accounts are for everyone, yet if you don’t pass the bank’s ID or address checks, they may not let you open an account. This may also happen if you’ve been convicted of fraud.
