Test Your Finances
Helpful Information
We will keep this part of the site regularly updated with money saving guides and changes to relevant legislation.
If you have any further questions please call 0844 822 0845 or submit a question here:
Different types of basic bank account
This table shows which banks and building societies offer basic
bank accounts and what services you can expect to get.
All these accounts accept Automated Credit Transfer (ACT) payments, offer cash
withdrawals at the Post Office®, and a cash-machine card.
None of them offer a cheque book or ask for a minimum amount to open an account.
Explanatory notes
1 Banks may cancel SOs/DDs if you don’t have enough money in your account to pay them on more than one occasion.
2 Correct at time of print but always check with the bank or building society.
3 16 and 17 year-olds can open a similar account.
4 The account may be closed if a Direct Debit or standing order is refused three times.
5 No balance enquiries or printed ‘mini statements’ and only Nationwide bills can be paid.
Source: British Bankers’ Association, November 2009
This information is correct as at time of print, but is subject to change.
Please check with your chosen bank or building society.
Bank name and
any special
name for the
account
Minimum
age to
open an
account
Free
buffer
zone
(see
page 13)
Direct
Debits and
standing
orders 1
Charge for
unpaid Direct Debit 2
or standing order
Debit card
(Solo,
Electron,
Maestro or
Visa debit)
Bank branch
counter access
Post Office®
branch access
Free
access to
bank cash
machines
(ATMs) in
the UK
If any of the following
apply to you,
your application
may be declined
Abbey (Santander from 11 January 2010):
Basic Bank Account
16 No Yes
£5–£35 (check
with bank)
No
Yes (except
withdrawals)
Yes (except
deposits)
Yes Undischarged bankrupt, record of fra
- Access to Debt relief order expanded by change in legislation31.10.2011
- A change in insolvency legislation has expanded access to the debt relief order (DRO). The change is specific to... read more
- Bankruptcy warning for homeowners05.10.2011
- The number of home owners unable to keep up with their loan repayments is expected to rise, the Bank of England has... read more
- HMRC stance on Bankruptcy and unpaid taxes05.09.2011
- When facing financial meltdown many businessmen (soletraders and partnerships) will consider the idea of declaring... read more
- Bankruptcy in Ireland16.05.2011
- Is Bankruptcy in Ireland An Option? The bankruptcy laws in Ireland are arguably out of date compared to its counterparts... read more
- Who said Tax doesn't have to be taxing?24.03.2011
- Over the past two years over 2 million people were undercharged by £1,500 and 4 million substantially overpaid tax... read more
- Bankruptcy Questions and Answers28.12.2010
- Q. If I go bankrupt I will be blacklisted A. There is no such thing as a blacklist. If you are in a position where you... read more
Questions view all
- Zoe Ann Hughes
- how much would it cost me for a debt releif order? read more
- David Owen
- I have received a default notice from Barclays for a loan I took out in 2006. What does this mean? read more
- Debbie 'ONeill
- I want to apply for an IVA and have been told I need to pay £300pm but I cannot afford it. read more