You may already know about current accounts and have decided they’re not for you at this time. But a basic bank account may suit you better.

The benefits of a basic bank account are:

• You can have your wages, benefits, state  pension and tax credits paid directly into your account. To arrange this, just contact your wages office or the pensions or benefit office dealing with your claim.
• It costs you nothing to pay cheques into a basic bank account, although you will have to wait at least a few days for the money to be available in your account.
• You can take your money out at cash machines by using a cashcard. Check with your bank if there are any cash machine  restrictions or charges.
• You can withdraw money from the Post Office.

• You can’t go overdrawn with a basic bank account because you won’t get an overdraft limit. But if you pay your bills by direct debit or standing order you will pay bank charges if there isn’t enough money in your account to make a payment.
• If you have a debit card you can also withdraw cash from some shops, using cashback.
• If you pay your bills by direct debit you normally receive a discount on most utility bills, you may even qualify for extra services or discounts from your Housing Association. Contact your utility supplies and your Housing Association to find out what discounts or offer they may have for direct debit payments.
  
  For more information you can [click here] to view our basic bank account guide.

  or  to find out more about basic bank accounts you can contact the Financial Services
  Authority (FSA) Consumer Helpline on:
  0845 606 1234
  or visit
  www.fsa.gov.uk