What you can get
- You'll have two cards to manage the account:
- A non-contactless debit card, which you'll need to top up to spend
- A cash card for withdrawals
- There are restrictions on some transactions, such as pay at the pump petrol stations and magazine subscriptions
- You can pay in your income, bills and set up Direct Debits and standing orders
Eligibility
- You’re 16 or over
- You live in the UK
- You don’t already have a Basic Current Account, or more than one other current account with Santander
Before you consider applying for the Basic Current Account, compare this account to the Everyday Current Account to make sure it's the right account for you.
There’s no monthly fee to maintain the account.
The Fee Information Document (1.84 MB) details the main fees and charges on this account. For further explanation of our main terms and services take a look at our Glossary
There’s no overdraft facility available with this account.
This means we won't normally let you make a payment out of the account if there isn’t enough money in it. However, there may be times where you make a payment that we can't stop, which will take the account balance below zero. We won't charge you for this.
Overdrafts depend on your circumstances and you must repay any overdraft when we ask in line with our General Terms and Conditions.
You’ll be automatically set up to receive text alerts when:
- your balance falls below zero
- you have regular payments due on your account for which you have insufficient funds to cover, we will ask you to pay into your account to ensure these payments are made;
- where a payment is refused as you don’t have enough funds.
If we don’t have a valid mobile number for you, we might not be able to reach you.
You can also register for other account alerts to help you to stay on top of your finances. For example, alerts to advise you when your balance has fallen below a set limit, or you have had a deposit into your account greater than a set amount.
For more information visit Account alerts
You can manage your alerts settings at any time by using Online Banking, calling us on 0800 9 123 123 or visiting a branch.
If you need support with managing your money or if you’re in debt, please visit our money worries page for further support.
You can have your income paid into this account and set up Direct Debits and standing orders.
Unlike other current accounts that offer a single contactless debit card, the Basic Current Account comes with two cards, a cash card and a top-up debit card. You’ll need to use both cards to fully use the Basic Current Account and manage your money.
Your cash card can only be used to withdraw money from a cash machine or Santander branch as long as you have enough money in your account. It can’t be used in shops or online. You’ll also find your bank account details on it so that you can use them to set up Direct Debits, standing orders, faster payments, international payments and benefit payments.
Your top-up debit card can be used in shops or online. Like the cash card, this card can also be used to withdraw cash from a cash machine or Santander Branch. Unlike other debit cards it isn’t contactless, and you can only spend on the card once you’ve put money on it from your account on the card.
To be able to spend you must put money on your top-up card first. To do this, you’ll need to:
- have money on your cash card, then
- log on to Online or Mobile Banking, or
- visit one of our branches.
Alternatively, you can call us on 0800 9 123 123
You can’t use the top-up debit card or cash card at:
- pay at the pump petrol stations (but you can use the top-up card over the counter at petrol stations)
- for recurring and instalment transactions (this includes some subscription services)
- for car hire deposits, parking or vending machines.
Fees may apply if you withdraw cash from outside the UK or make purchases in any currency other than pounds.
- You’re 16 or over
- You live in the UK
- You don’t already have a Basic Current Account, or more than one other current account with Santander
Retailer Offers makes it easier to earn a little extra from a variety of Retailers. Once you switch on Retailer Offers in Online or Mobile Banking, you’ll be able to choose the offers you’re interested in and earn up to 15% cashback just by using your Santander debit card.
24/7 banking on all your accounts. You can amend your statement settings and set up personalised account alerts.
- Online Banking
- Mobile Banking
- Get personalised spend insights with My Money Manager
Face-to-face support in branch and UK-based telephone support
- In branch
- Telephone Banking
- ATM
- Post Office to make withdrawals, balance enquiries, cash deposits and cheque deposits
Keep your banking details private and secure.
For more information about our approach to security as well as more useful information to help you stop the threat of fraud visit our Security Centre.
Before you apply for the Basic Current Account, compare it to the Everyday Current Account or see our full range of current accounts to make sure it’s the right account for you.
Basic Current Account
This account may be right for you if you’ve been turned down when applying for other current accounts, or if you’ve got a poor credit history.
- No monthly account fee
- A cash card and a non-contactless top-up debit card with some restrictions where it can be used.
- No unarranged overdraft charges
With this account you won’t get
- A contactless debit card
- Your top-up debit card can’t be used at pay-at-pump petrol stations, at parking or vending machines, or for recuring transactions.
- A chequebook
- An arranged overdraft
Everyday Current Account
A simple and straightforward current account, with no monthly fee
What you get
- No monthly account fee
- A contactless debit card
- No unarranged overdraft charges
- You can apply for an arranged overdraft facility, if required (subject to status)
Find out more about the Everyday Current Account
Or see our full range of current accounts
This account also comes with
Switch quickly and easily
We offer a simple, reliable and stress-free way to switch your current account to a new or existing account with us
Information correct as at 2 November 2021.