Our Basic Bank Account is designed only for customers who don't qualify for our other accounts (for example because they are bankrupt, in financial difficulty or have a poor credit history).
Learn about our Bank Account before applying, it may be more suitable and has some great benefits.
Switch your current account in a simple, reliable and stress-free way in only 7 working days.
Apply for an HSBC Basic Bank Account today
With this account you will be given a Visa Debit Card which you can use to withdraw money from any ATM in the UK1 - up to £300 a day. Get up to £100 cashback at outlets nationwide when you pay with your Debit Card.
You can also use your Debit Card to withdraw local currency at cash machines worldwide and pay for goods and services worldwide wherever you see the VISA logo. A non-Sterling transaction fee of 2.75% of the exchange rate will apply on conversion, plus an ATM transaction fee - currently 2% (minimum £1.75, maximum £5.00)2. Before you travel, please tell us you will be using your cards abroad using online banking and ensure we hold your up to date contact details, including a mobile telephone number if available.
To keep things simple, this account does not offer a cheque book, overdraft or other credit facilities.
Choose to bank your way through online, mobile or telephone banking channels. You can check your balance, pay bills or make payments to family and friends.
Make it easy to manage your money by setting up Direct Debits or standing orders so your bills are paid automatically. Plus you can make one-off payments to friends and family, either online or over the phone.
1 Cash machines: 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.
2 Using your Debit Card abroad: The exchange rate that applies to any foreign currency debit card payments (including cash withdrawals) is the Visa scheme exchange rate used by VISA on the day the conversion is made plus a Non-sterling transaction fee, which is currently 2.75% of the transaction amount (and for cash withdrawals a Cash Fee of 2% of the cash withdrawal (minimum: £1.75, maximum: £5)). We will make the conversion and deduct the payment from your account once we receive details of the payment from VISA, at the latest the next working day. Details of the current Visa scheme exchange rates are available at www.visaeurope.com.
Our telephone, online and mobile banking services are open 24 hours a day subject to scheduled maintenance periods. During busy periods calls may be transferred outside the UK. Textphone is not available in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man. To help us continually improve our service, and in the interests of security, we may monitor and/or record your calls with us.
Are you a UK Resident?
We can send you an application pack in the post for you to complete and drop in at your local branch.
Are you an EU resident living outside the UK?
Please print and complete the application form and send it back to HSBC Bank plc, PO BOX 1888, Coventry, CV3 2BR, United Kingdom.
It only takes a few minutes to apply online for a Basic Bank Account. For joint applications you will have to apply in branch or by post.
By clicking 'Apply now' you will be confirming you meet the eligibility criteria as set out on this page.
