What you can get
- A non-contactless debit card, which has restrictions on some transactions, such as subscription services and pay at the pump petrol stations
- You can pay in your income, bills and set up Direct Debits and standing orders
- Access to Online and Mobile Banking
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
If you want a simple bank account which has no monthly fee, but also gives you more features such as a contactless debit card, and the option to apply for an overdraft facility then have a look at our Everyday Current Account. Compare the two accounts
There’s no monthly fee to maintain the account.
The Fee Information Document (137 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
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. If you require further support please contact us or visit your local 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.
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’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 can’t use your non-contactless debit card:
- for recurring and instalment transactions (this includes subscription services)
- at pay at the pump petrol stations (but you can use the top-up card over the counter at petrol stations)
- for car hire deposits, parking or vending machines.
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 non-contactless debit card, which has restrictions on some transactions, such as subscriptions services and pay at the pump petrol stations.
- No unarranged overdraft charges
With this account you won’t get
- A contactless debit card
- 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
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
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 6 April 2022.