Best basic bank accounts in the UK

If you have a poor credit history or have been declared bankrupt in the past, you may find it difficult to get a standard bank account.

But the good news is that many UK banks offer what are known as basic bank accounts. These offer simple, stripped-back banking services, but without the need for a hard credit check. In this guide, we’ll run through some of the best basic current accounts available in the UK right now.

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Table of contents

What is a basic bank account? Top 10 basic bank accounts in the UK The Co-operative Bank Cashminder¹ Santander Basic Current Account² Virgin Money M Account⁴ Cashplus Freedom⁶ Barclays Basic Bank Account⁷ HSBC Basic Bank Account⁸ Nationwide Building Society FlexBasic⁹ Halifax Basic Account¹⁰ Metro Bank Cash Account¹¹ Lloyds Bank Basic Account¹² The Wise account - a great alternative to a bank account

What is a basic bank account?

A basic bank account offers essential banking services such as making and receiving payments, paying bills and withdrawing cash. You’ll usually get a debit card with a basic account, which you can use at ATMs and to make payments online and in stores.

So what’s the difference between a basic account and a standard current account? With the former, you won’t usually get the following:

• Cashback, rewards or interest
• An overdraft
• A chequebook
• Access to other credit such as loans or credit cards.

Basic bank accounts are designed for people who have a poor credit score or no credit history at all. They’re also useful for people with individual voluntary agreements (IVAs), debt management plans (DMPs) and debt relief orders (DRO) - as well as those who have been declared bankrupt.

This is because banks don’t usually do hard credit checks for basic account applications, like they may do with other account types. You will need to be over 16 (over 18 with some banks) and have a valid form of ID though.

There are many UK banks that offer basic bank accounts, although not all publicise them. So, you might need to ask the bank if you can’t see one advertised on its website.

📚 Read more: A list of UK bank accounts for Ukrainian refugees

Top 10 basic bank accounts in the UK

Now, let’s dive right into our basic bank account comparison, starting with an at-a-glance look at 10 of the best options available in the UK right now.

We’ll cover each option in more detail in just a moment, so that you have all the facts at your fingertips.

Bank account	Credit check required?	Fees	How to open
The Cooperative Bank Cashminder¹	No	- No monthly fees - Fees for using card abroad and international transfers	Online/branch
Santander Basic Current Account²	Yes³	- No monthly fees - No fees to use Santander ATMs abroad	Online/branch
Virgin Money M Account⁴	Yes - but just for application verification⁵	- No monthly fees - No fees to use card abroad	Phone/branch
Cashplus Freedom⁶	Unknown	- No monthly fees	Online (not currently available)
Barclays Basic Bank Account⁷	Unknown	- No monthly fees - Fees for using card abroad	App/online
HSBC Basic Bank Account⁸	Yes	- No monthly fees - Fees for using card abroad and international transfers	Online/phone
Nationwide Building Society FlexBasic⁹	Unknown	- No monthly fees - Fees for using card abroad and international transfers	Online/phone/branch
Halifax Basic Account¹⁰	Yes	- No monthly fees	Online
Metro Bank Cash Account¹¹	No	- No monthly fees	Branch
Lloyds Bank Basic Account¹²	Yes	- No monthly fees	Online

📚 Read more: How to open a bank account in the United Kingdom (UK)?

The Co-operative Bank Cashminder¹

The Cashminder account from the Co-operative Bank is a simple account that can be managed through both online and mobile banking. You’ll get a debit card which works with mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

There are no monthly fees to pay, but you will be charged for some things such as using your debit card abroad and sending money overseas.

You can apply for this account online or in a branch with no credit check required. There’s only a credit reference check, also known as a ‘soft search’ - meaning that it doesn’t show up on your credit file for other lenders to see. This account is also suitable for people who’ve experienced bankruptcy.

And if you’re looking for an account to open with your partner, Cashminder is also available as a joint bank account.

📚 Read more: Opening a Co-operative Bank account - a complete guide

Santander Basic Current Account²

The Santander Basic Current Account is designed for those with a poor credit history, who are new to the UK or have been turned down for other standard current accounts.

It offers simple banking services, a non-contactless debit card and access to both online and mobile banking. And unusually for a basic account, you can also get cashback and offers through the Santander Boosts rewards program. Plus, travel benefits such as fee-free use of Santander ATMs when you travel abroad.

The account has no monthly fee either. You can apply online or in branch if you’re 16 or over.

However, it’s worth pointing out that Santander may do a credit check when you apply for this account.³

📚 Read more: How to open a Santander account online?

Virgin Money M Account⁴

Virgin Money describes its offer as a ‘better than basic account’, and it does have some extra features you don’t normally get with this account type.

The M Account comes with straightforward banking services, including a contactless debit card and online/mobile banking. It has no monthly fees.

Other features include:

• No fees for spending on your card or withdrawing cash abroad
• A linked instant savings account paying 3.55% AER variable on balances up to £25,000
• Cashback on spending with selected brands.

You can apply for this account over the phone or in a branch, not online unfortunately. Virgin Money does check your credit file to verify your application, but it says that it won’t use this information to decide whether or not you can have the account.⁵

Cashplus Freedom⁶

The Cashplus Freedom account has no monthly fees and can be managed via online banking and the Cashplus mobile banking app. It comes with a contactless prepaid Mastercard.

You can also add a travel card in either EUR or USD to your account if you’re planning an overseas trip.

It’s worth pointing out that just at the moment, new applications for the Freedom account are closed on the Cashplus website. However, it’s not clear whether the bank may start accepting applications again in the future.

Cashplus doesn’t say whether or not it usually carries out credit checks for Freedom account applications.

Barclays Basic Bank Account⁷

The Barclays Basic Bank Account offers simple banking, no monthly fees and either a Visa debit card or cash card. You can manage your money through online, phone and mobile app banking.

There are no fees at all, unless you use your debit card outside of the UK.

You can apply for the Basic Bank Account on the Barclays app, as long as you’ve over the age of 18 and have some photo ID ready. If you don’t have any standard ID, you can apply online instead.

Barclays doesn’t say whether or not it does a credit check. However, the bank does claim that this account is for people who:

“don’t qualify for a regular current account, don’t yet have a UK account, or you’re experiencing financial difficulty.”

📚 Read more: How to open a Barclays bank account?

HSBC Basic Bank Account⁸

The HSBC Basic Bank Account focuses on just the essentials for managing your money day-to-day, with no monthly fees.

It offers a contactless debit card, which works with mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as a mobile banking app. This app has smart money tools, such as spending insights, monthly budgets and instant notifications.

HSBC does do credit checks for this account though. You can apply online or over the phone if you’re over 18 and have proof of ID and address to hand.

📚 Read more: How to open an HSBC account?

Nationwide Building Society FlexBasic⁹

The FlexBasic current account from Nationwide offers everything you’d expect from a basic account, including a contactless Visa debit card. There are no monthly fees and you can bank how you like, whether it’s online, phone, branch or app banking.

There’s also the option to add a Nationwide savings account when you apply, which pays interest on your money. The FlexBasic account can be opened as a joint account too.

To apply online or over the phone, you’ll need to be 18 or over and have a valid UK passport or full driving licence. Don’t have these? You’ll just need to go into a Nationwide branch with proof of your name and address.

Nationwide doesn’t say whether or not it does a credit check for new applications.

📚 Read more: Best banks for joint accounts in the UK

Halifax Basic Account¹⁰

The Halifax Basic Account offers free everyday banking, which means no monthly fees or charges if you accidentally go overdrawn. You’ll get a contactless Visa debit card, plus 24-hour access to online and mobile banking. You can also manage your account via phone and branch services.

But there’s more. This account also comes with additional features such as Cashback Extras and Save the Change, which rounds up your pennies when you spend.

To open a Halifax Basic Account online, you’ll first need to apply for one of Halifax’s standard current accounts online. The bank may carry out a credit check to work out which account is for you, and you’ll be offered the Basic Account if you’re not eligible for a standard account.

Metro Bank Cash Account¹¹

The Cash Account is Metro Bank’s most basic account. It comes with a contactless debit card and no monthly fees. There are limits on the account, to help you stay in control of your money. These include a block on direct debits, and limits for cash withdrawals.

The account can’t be used for multi-currency transactions, and you won’t be able to use your card abroad.

UK residents over the age of 11 can apply for this account in a Metro Bank store (although children will need a parent or guardian present). There’s no appointment needed and your debit card will be printed there and then. No credit check will be carried out, but you will need to show your ID.

📚 Read more: How to open a Metro Bank account online?

Lloyds Bank Basic Account¹²

The Lloyds Bank Basic Account offers free everyday banking, with no monthly fees and no charges if you accidentally go overdrawn. You’ll get a contactless Visa debit card, along with access to online and mobile banking 24/7.

This account also comes with additional features such as Lloyds Everyday offers and Save the Change - this feature rounds up your pennies when you spend, to help you save.

Just like with the Halifax Basic Account, you can’t apply for the Lloyds Bank Basic Account directly. You’ll first need to apply to open a Lloyds standard current account online. The bank may carry out a credit check to work out which account is for you, and you’ll be offered the Basic Account if you’re not eligible for a standard account.

The Wise account - a great alternative to a bank account

Bank accounts aren’t the only way to manage your money. There are alternatives out there, such as the Wise account. It’s not a bank account but offers many similar features

This multi-currency account can be opened online, without the need for a credit check. The Wise account comes with an app, debit card (for a one-time fee of just £7) and lots of fantastic features.

Wise is designed for international money management, so it’s ideal if you need to send, spend or receive money in different currencies.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

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And that’s it - our roundup of the best basic accounts offered by UK banks right now.

They’re all pretty similar, offering stripped-back banking services for no monthly fee. But some have more limits and conditions (and carry out credit checks), while others give you a few more features.

After reading this guide, you should find it easier to compare options and choose the right one for you.

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Sources used for this article:

1. The Co-operative Bank - Basic Bank Account
2. Santander - Basic Current Account
3. Santander - Basic Current Account Key Facts Document
4. Virgin Money - M Account
5. Virgin Money - M Account FAQs
6. Cashplus Bank - Cashplus Freedom account
7. Barclays - Basic Account
8. HSBC - Basic Bank Account
9. Nationwide - FlexBasic Current Account
10. Halifax - Basic Account
11. Metro Bank - Cash Account
12. Lloyds Bank - Basic Account

Sources checked on 24-Jan-2024.