
Why having a bank account is important
- Having a bank account is important for a number of reasons:
Paying bills by direct debit can cost less, even if bills are normally paid on time; - Some cheque cashing agencies can charge as much as 9% of a cheque’s value, as well as an additional fee for the transaction; and,
- Many employers will only pay wages directly into a bank account.
However, bank accounts may not be suitable for everyone. Charges can be applied if payments are missed, or there is not enough money in an account to cover a payment due.
Please remember, information about the different products listed is not an endorsement of any particular bank, or a recommendation about the suitability of products for someone’s specific needs.
Basic bank accounts are the simplest type of accounts available. They are aimed at people who may not be able to access mainstream current accounts, or people who do not want an overdraft facility.
A basic bank account usually allows people to:
- Have their wages or salary, benefits, pensions and tax credits paid directly into their account;
- Pay bills by standing order or direct debit; and,
- Check online statements online.
Basic bank accounts generally don’t offer overdraft facilities or cheque books, and only some banks will offer debit cards with this type of account. Most high street banks offer some form of basic bank account.
In January 2016 nine major bank and building societies launched fee- free basic bank
accounts. These accounts are designed for people who don’t already have a bank account, or can’t use their current account due to financial difficulties.
The banks offering fee free basic accounts are:
• Barclays Bank
• The Cooperative Bank
• HSBC Bank
• Lloyds Banking Group
• Nationwide Building Society
• Natwest Bank
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• Santander Bank
• TSB Bank
Please remember, information about the different products listed is not an endorsement of any particular bank, or a recommendation about the suitability of products for someone’s specific needs.
Current accounts
Current bank accounts generally offer more facilities than basic bank accounts. This could include things such as cheque books or overdrafts. Some banks may charge customers for these facilities. Banks and building societies offer a range of current accounts.
Jam Jar accounts
Jam jar’ accounts are a fairly new product. This type of account allows money to be divided into different sub accounts, for example a set amount of money can be transferred to a sub account and used to pay bills, and another folder can be set up to cover travel and groceries and so on. The advantages of a ‘jam jar’ account are that some of the worries linked to managing money are taken away and money set aside to pay priority bills can’t be spent accidentally.
The main drawback of this type of account is they are not widely available yet, and can be expensive. To find out more about this type of account visit:
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/managing-your-money-using-the-jam-jarapproach?utm_campaign=webfeeds
Santander’s Basic Current Account operates in a similar manner to a ‘jam jar’ account, and is fee free. For more information visit Santander’s website.
Post Office accounts
Post Office Card accounts (provided by Bank of Ireland) are useful for people who do not have a bank account but need a way of receiving benefits, pensions or Tax Credits. For more information about Post Office Card accounts, visit: www.postoffice.co.uk/currentaccounts
Pre-paid credit cards
Pre-paid credit cards can be an alternative to a traditional bank account and are a new way to manage money. For more information about pre-paid cards which let you pay in wages, visit: http://moneyfacts.co.uk/compare/credit-cards/pre-paid-cards/
Identification needed to open a bank account
To open a bank or post office account identification is needed to verify an individual's identity and their current UK address. The type of identification accepted may differ between banks.
For queries relating to the support available to promote financial inclusion, contact the Active Inclusion Newcastle Unit at Newcastle City Council:
Email: financial.inclusion@newcastle.gov.uk
Phone: 0191 277 1707
Bank of Scotland
Bank of Scotland Basic Account, Visa debit card, Direct debits, Internet banking,Telephone banking, Mobile text alerts. The Basic Account is suitable for people
who are not eligible for Bank of,Scotland’s other accounts. For moreinformation, or to apply online, visit:
www.bankofscotland.co.uk/bankaccounts/other/cash/ or telephone 0345 720 3040
Barclays Bank
Barclays Bank Basic Current Account, No fees, Cash card or Visa debit card, Direct debits, Standing orders, Internet banking, Mobile banking, Text alerts. The basic current account is suitable for people who may not be able to open a regular current account. Applications must be made in person.Two forms of identification are needed. For more information call 0345 600 4545 or visit:
http://www.barclays.co.uk/basic-currentaccount
The Cooperative Bank
The Co-operative Bank Cashminder Account, No fees, Debit card, Direct debits, Standing orders, Regular statements, Internet banking, Telephone banking. Please note a Cashminder Account is not available to people already holding a Cooperative Bank account or Smile account. For more information visit:
http://www.cooperativebank.co.uk/currentaccounts/cashminder
Application packs can be requested by phone To request an application pack
phone 03457 212212. Lines are open 6am to 10pm 7 days week.
Halifax Bank
Halifax Bank basic account, No fees Visa electron card Direct debits, Internet banking, Telephone banking, Text alerts. The Basic Account is suitable for people not eligible for other types of bank account. People must apply for a current account and if they are not successful, they will be offered a Basic Account.
For more visit:
www.halifax.co.uk/bankaccounts/basicbank-account/
HSBC Bank
HSBC Bank Basic Bank Account, No fees, Visa debit card, Direct debits, Standing orders. An application pack can be requested by phone 0800 028 0126. Lines are open 8am to 10pm every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Taer's Day.
Internet banking, Mobile banking, Telephone banking. Application can also be made in person, you will need to bring proof of address and identity. To find the nearers branch visit:www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/currentaccounts/basic-bank-account/openbank-account
Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Bank Cash Account, No fees, Debit card, Direct debits, Standing orders, Internet banking.Mobile banking, Telephone banking, Text alerts. The basic account is suitable for people not eligible for other types of bank accounts offered by Lloyds Bank. People must apply for a current account and if they are not successful, they will be offered a Basic Account. For more information visit:
http://www.lloydsbank.com/currentaccounts/basic-account.asp
Nationwide Building Society
Nationwide Building Society Nationwide Flex Basic Account No fees, Contactless payment, text alerts. The FlexBasic Account is suitable for people not eligible for other types of bank accounts offered bt Nationwide Building Society. People must apply for a current account and if they are not successful, they will be offered a FlexBasic Account. For more information visit:
www.nationwide.co.uk/products/currentaccounts/cash-card/features-andbenefits
Natwest Bank
NatWest Bank Foundation Account No fees Visa debit card Direct debits Standing orders
Regular statements. The Foundation Account is suitable for people not eligible for other types of bank account offered by NatWest Bank. People must apply for a current account and if they are not successful, they will be offered a Foundation Account. For more information visit:
http://personal.natwest.com/personal/current-accounts/compare-currentaccounts/foundation-account.html l
Royal Bank of Scotland
Royal Bank of Scotland(RBS) Basic Account No fees. To discuss a Basic Account, phone
0345 3667 650 or visit your nearest branch.
Santander Bank
Santander Bank Basic Current Account No fees, Top up card linked to Basic Current Account (similar to a jam jar account) Cash card, Direct debits, Standing orders, Online banking, Mobile banking, Telephone banking. This account has been designed to help with budgeting. For more information visit: http://www.santander.co.uk/uk/current-accounts/basic-current-account
To apply for an account phone 0845 602 6198. Lines are open 7 days a week 8am to 8pm or visit:http://www.santander.co.uk/uk/currentaccounts/
Yorkshire Bank
Yorkshire Bank Ready cash Account, Debit card, Direct debits, Standing orders, Telephone banking, Mobile banking, Internet banking. Ready cash accounts are available to people who are not eligible for astandard current account. To apply for an account phone 0845 602 6198. Lines are open 7 days a week 8am to 8pm. For more information visit:www.ybonline.co.uk/personal/branchlocator/