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Basic bank accounts

Basic bank accounts offer a convenient place to keep money you need for everyday use. You can arrange to have wages, State Pension and benefits or tax credits paid into one. You can also pay in cheques or cash free of charge, and set up 'direct debits' which pay regular bills automatically from your account.

With a basic bank account you get a cash card which you can use at a bank machine to withdraw cash. Some also offer a 'debit card' that you can pay for items with, and get 'cashback'; but with a basic account these will only work if there's enough money in your account.

You don't get a cheque book with a basic bank account, and you can't take out more money than is in the account ('go overdrawn'). For this reason basic bank accounts are useful for anyone worried about overspending.

• How to find a basic bank account - Money Advice Service Opens new window

Current accounts

Current accounts have more features than basic bank accounts. For example, they usually offer:

Some current accounts pay interest on money you leave in the account, but the rate is usually low.

Savings accounts

Banks offer a wide range of savings accounts. The main differences between them are how quickly you can get at your money, the minimum amount required to keep the account open and the type and rate of interest paid.

Many credit unions offer savings accounts, where you can pay money in and take money out. You can also have your benefits or wages paid straight into some Credit Union accounts.

Some Credit Unions offer budgeting accounts, where you pay in a set amount each week/month and they then pay agreed household bills as they become due.

A few Credit Unions now also offer current accounts and the 'moneylines' can also help you to open an account.

• Savings made clear Opens new window

• Information on credit unions - Money Advice Service Opens new window

Bank accounts and your rights

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulates the way bank and building societies do business with you. You can get a copy of their guide 'Your bank account' from the FSA website or your bank or building society.

The FSA also ensures that banks and building societies are financially sound. You may be protected through the 'Financial Services Compensation Scheme' up to a set limit if your bank collapsed.

If you want to make a complaint, banks and building societies must help by having internal procedures and belonging to the Financial Ombudsman Service (an impartial service that can help settle disputes).

Choosing the right account for you

When choosing which bank account is right for you, make sure you know which questions to ask.

Think about charges

Banks typically charge you if you go overdrawn without arranging an overdraft first, or if you exceed your limit on an arranged overdraft.

These charges can, in some cases, add up to hundreds of pounds. To avoid big charges you should:

• know how much money you have in your account
  
• keep track of things like direct debits and cheques which may take you by surprise
  
• switch to a cheaper account if you think your banks charges are too high

Visit your bank's website to see how much they charge for going overdrawn.

Shop around

When you are choosing a current account think about:

• what type of account you need
  
• if you'll be offered an overdraft and how it will cost
  
• the interest rate for an authorised overdraft
  
• if there is a different rate for unauthorised overdrafts
  
• other things you may be charged for - for example, using your debit card abroad?
  
• do you need to pay in a minimum amount each month to qualify for certain features (such as particular interest rates or charges)
  
• the credit interest rate when you are in credit
  
• if there is more than one rate
  
• any non-financial benefits that come with the account
  
• any other important features that come with the account?

More useful links

• Free printed guides from Money Advice Service Opens new window

• Main ways to save or invest your money

• Tax on bank and building society accounts

Useful contacts

• Money, tax and benefits contacts