Basic Bank Account | Accounts For Bad Credit

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Basic Bank Account

A simple account to help you manage your money

Our Basic Bank Account gives you just the essentials needed for day-to-day banking. It’s designed for people who don’t qualify for one of our other accounts – perhaps because they’re having financial difficulties or have a poor credit record.

With this account, you won't have access to our credit facilities (eg overdrafts, loans or credit cards), some of our savings accounts, and you won't receive a cheque book.

Open your account

It’s quick and easy to apply online.

Eligibility and how to apply

At a glance

Set up bill payments

You can set up direct debits and standing orders to make sure your bills are paid automatically. Sending money to family and friends is easy, too.
No Arranged overdraft

Our Basic Bank Account is a current account with basic features so doesn’t come with an Arranged Overdraft.¹
Make contactless payments

Your account comes with a contactless Visa debit card, making it easy to pay on the go.

Bank the way you want

Manage your money online, on your mobile or over the phone, 24/7, 365 days a year. ²
Withdraw up to £300 a day

Get hold of your money when you need it from ATMs throughout the UK. ³
No monthly account fees

You’ll have no fees to pay for this account.

Things you should know

Charges for using your debit card abroad

If you pay for something using your HSBC Visa debit card while you’re outside the UK, you’ll need to pay a ‘non-sterling transaction fee’ of 2.75%. So, for example, if you spent £100, you'd be charged a fee of £2.75.

If you withdraw money from an ATM, you’ll also need to pay a ‘cash fee’ of 2% (minimum £1.75, maximum £5) as well as the non-sterling transaction fee. So if you took out £100, you’d be charged a total of £4.75.

Any transactions you make will be converted into pound sterling (unless you choose to pay in local currency). To make sure your exchange rate is as competitive as possible, you’ll pay the exchange rate set by Visa.

Savings accounts you can use

Our Basic Bank Account is only designed to offer a limited banking service. As such, it doesn’t give you access to some of our savings accounts, such as our Regular Saver.

However, you will be able to open a Cash ISA and/or Flexible Saver account – helping you set a little money aside for the future.

Who can apply?

You can apply for a Basic Bank Account if you:

are 16 or older and a UK or EU resident
can provide ID or proof of address if needed
are happy for us to do a credit check against your name (if you live in the UK)
will not continue to hold a bank account with another UK provider

How to apply

It's often quicker to apply online, but we're still here in branch or over the phone for those who need our support the most.

You can apply online if you live in the UK. If you live in Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, pay tax in a country or region outside the UK or want to open a joint account, you'll need to book an appointment to apply in branch.

Before you apply for a Basic Bank Account we first need to check if you qualify for one of our standard accounts instead. If you apply but don’t qualify, we’ll automatically offer a Basic Bank Account to you if you’re eligible.

Apply online for an HSBC Bank Account Book an appointment in branch

We understand some customers have difficulty accessing financial services or may be in a vulnerable position where access to an overdraft is not suitable. If this applies to you, please call us on 03457 404 404 ⁴ or arrange an appointment with us in branch to discuss your situation in more detail. Alternatively, you can apply for our Basic Bank Account online below.

Apply online for an HSBC Basic Bank Account Book an appointment in branch

Existing customers

Activate your card

Once your account’s set up, find out how to activate your card here.

Ways to bank

Discover the different ways you can manage your money with us.

Get help with money worries

If you’re struggling to cope, we’re here to help.

Can I upgrade my account?

If you already have a Basic Bank Account with us, you might be able to upgrade to an account which offers lending. Before you get in touch, please select Check my eligibility first.

If the checker gives an indication that you may be eligible for other accounts, please call us on 03457 404 404. If it doesn’t, and you’re concerned about your finances, get further support from our money worries page.

Please note: using this tool will not affect your credit score.

Check my eligibility This link will open in a new window

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1. With a Basic Bank Account, while we take all reasonable steps to stop your account going into unarranged overdraft, there may be limited situations where this may happen. We won't charge you any interest or charges if this happens. Back to 'At a glance'

2. Our telephone, online and mobile banking services are open 24 hours a day. During busy periods calls may be transferred outside the UK. Calls may be monitored and/or recorded to help us continually improve our service. Back to 'At a glance'

3. Some cash machine owners in the UK may charge you for withdrawals. This will be shown on screen with an option to cancel the withdrawal if you want. Back to 'At a glance'

4. Our telephone, online and mobile banking services are open 24 hours a day. During busy periods calls may be transferred outside the UK. Calls may be monitored and/or recorded to help us continually improve our service. Back to 'Having difficulty accessing financial services?'

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HSBC Basic Bank Account