Basic bank accounts

Basic bank accounts are designed to help low income families and those that struggle to obtain a regular current account because of bad credit. A basic bank account is an attractive option for anyone applying for their first bank account, or for people worried about over spending as they do not provide overdraft facilities.

A basic current account is straightforward and simple to manage. They allow you to receive the kind of benefits you may expect from a standard current account such as receiving money and paying bills by direct debit.

	RBS and Lloyds urged to rethink policy on basic bank accounts Consumer Focus is calling for banks to sign up to a set of minimum standards governing basic bank accounts as Andrew Tyrie says RBS and Lloyds actions could influence other banks to limit cash machine access.
	Barclays triples charges for basic bank account holders Cash Card account holders at Barclays are to face increased charges next year as the bank attempts to cut costs.
	Santander u-turn on charging for business bank accounts Santander has said that business customers who were promised their accounts would be "free forever" will now not have to pay for their bank accounts.
	Consumers opt for trusted names to run bank accounts A new survey shows that just one in ten think high-street banks offer "best value" and most would choose established names like John Lewis or Asda to run their current accounts.
	The top five student bank accounts for 2012 With higher tuition fees managing your finances as a student has never been more important. look for the highest interest-free overdraft. Myfinances.co.uk selects the top five.