- Contactless debit card
- Online and mobile banking
- Travel benefit
A simple bank account that offers straightforward banking and support when you need it. We're here to help you feel more in control of your money.
What you’ll get with our Basic current account
Debit card that allows contactless payments including mobile payments
Use your mobile phone or computer for banking transactions like making payments and checking your balance
No fees for using Santander cash machines when you travel.
Basic Banking. You can pay in money, pay bills and set up Direct Debits and standing orders.
Can I apply for a Basic account ? Yes if:
You’re 16+ and live in the UK
You don’t have a UK bank account with Santander or any other UK bank or you’ve been declined for other accounts
This account may be suitable if:
- You’re new to the UK
- You’re facing homelessness or housing difficulties with no fixed address
- You’re struggling, having financial difficulties or have been declared bankrupt.
This account helps teens learn money management with our under 18s bank account.
- No monthly fee
- A debit card is available from age 11
- Earn interest on the money in your account
Freeze your debit card, make or block online payments, view your PIN or card details and much more – all with just a few taps in our Mobile Banking app
Sign up to Santander Boosts to receive cashback, exclusive vouchers, prize draws and personalised offers
Access over 1,000 free courses, scholarships, and content to help boost your career prospects through Santander Open Academy
Account details
The Basic Current Account comes with a contactless debit card
This means you can make fast, secure payments by simply tapping your card on contactless-enabled terminals. It's a convenient feature included with all Santander bank accounts, making everyday spending quicker and easier.
You can make mobile payments with this contactless debit card. This means you can use Apple Pay, Google PayTM, Samsung PayTM and Garmin PayTM by linking it to your smartphone or device.
Fancy a change? You may be eligible to transfer your Basic Current Account to another account that works for you. To find out more, visit your local branch or get in touch with us.
If you have a Basic Current Account with a top-up debit card that was opened or applied for before 2 February 2022 - take a look at the documents for this account
Account alerts
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.
We'll send you free alerts when:
- you make a payment that takes your balance below zero
- we intend to refuse a future payment due to a lack of funds
- we refuse a payment due to lack of funds.
We’ll send these alerts by text, push notification, and/or email, so it’s important you tell us if your mobile number or email address changes.
You'll be automatically registered for these alerts. You can manage your alerts settings at any time by using Online Banking. For more information, visit our account alerts page.
Need more help? Please contact us or visit your local branch
If you need help managing your money or if you’re in debt, please visit our money worries page.
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
You can apply for this account if you’re 16 or older. If you’re under 18 take a look at our 123 Mini account first. It has additional benefits such as earning interest.
The Basic account is for people who do not have a UK bank account or who cannot open one of our other current accounts. This could be because you’re new to the UK or have recently been declared bankrupt.
This account includes:
- No monthly account fee
- A contactless debit card that allows mobile payments. Mobile payments include Apple Pay, Google PayTM, Samsung PayTM and Garmin PayTM.
- No unarranged overdraft charges
- You don't earn any interest with this account
With this account you won’t get
- 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
Account fee
There’s no monthly fee to maintain the account.
The Fee Information Document (PDF - 140 KB) details the main fees and charges on this account. For further explanation of our main terms and services take a look at our Glossary
We won't charge you when you use your Basic Current Account debit card to make withdrawals at Santander cash machines abroad. You'll find our cash machines in Spain, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and the USA. Make sure you choose to pay in the local currency to avoid being charged any other fees.
Key documents
- Basic Current Account Key Facts Document (PDF - 267 KB)
- Basic Current Account Fee Information Document (PDF - 140 KB)
- General Terms & Conditions (PDF - 770 KB)
To view these documents, you may need to download Adobe Reader
You can have your income paid into this account and set up Direct Debits and standing orders.
Fees may apply if you withdraw cash from outside the UK or make purchases in any currency other than pounds.
If you have a Basic Current Account with a top-up debit card that was opened or applied for before 2 February 2022 take a look at the documents for this account
You can apply if
- 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
- You’re not eligible for any of our other current accounts
Don’t think you have the right ID or documents?
If you don’t think you have the right ID or documents to apply for a Basic Current Account, contact us and we may be able to help.
Will applying for the Basic Current Account impact my credit file?
When you apply for a Basic Current Account, we complete a soft credit check. This lets us confirm your identity and look at some details on your credit file. This won’t affect your credit score or be visible to other lenders. Only you’ll be able to see the soft check on your credit report.
What you can do on your contactless debit card
You can use your contactless debit card for mobile payments. Mobile payments include Apple Pay, Google PayTM, Samsung PayTM and Garmin PayTM.
Santander Boosts
Get rewards to give you a little boost when you bank with us.
All you need to do is sign up for Santander Boosts through your Mobile Banking app or in Online Banking and then you’ll be able to choose the offers you like and earn rewards with your favourite retailers.
- Earn cashback when you shop online at a wide range of retailers
- Receive vouchers and coupons for discounts on a variety of products and services
- Get offers personalised to your individual interests and hobbies
- Enjoy free gifts and enter prize draws
Ways to bank with us
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
Security
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.
How we manage scam claims
We’ll support you if you’ve fallen victim to fraud. Find out more about our approach to fraud
Statements
We'll add your monthly statement to your mailbox in Mobile Banking. In Online Banking, you can find it in your 'Statements and documents’. You can update your paper-free preferences in Mobile and Online Banking.
You can ask for paper statements in branch, by phone or Chat. You can choose to get them every month or every 3 months. You can also ask for your statements in an alternative format, such as braille.
Money management
Life can be busy – My Money Manger helps you stay on top of your finances. Through our Mobile Banking app, it lets you track your spending, get valuable money tips and manage your student banking account anytime, anywhere.
My Money Vibe gives you a clearer view on your money with a personalised plan, practical guidance and tools to help you take the next step.
How do I switch to Santander?
Choose to switch to us when you apply, or anytime after opening a Santander account. We’ll do the hard work, like closing your old account and moving payments. It’s simple, reliable and stress-free. More on switching to us.
Information correct as at 28 April 2026.