The Basic Current Account comes with
A contactless debit card
This debit card does not allow mobile payments
Basic banking
You can pay in your income, bills and set up Direct Debits and standing orders
Online and Mobile Banking
Use your mobile phone or computer for banking transactions like making payments or checking your balance.
Santander Boosts
Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and personalised offers with our free rewards service
Travel benefits
No fees for using Santander cash machines when you travel
How it works
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 might need to provide proof of ID, such as photo ID or proof of your address.
Before you apply, check this account is right for you
If you want a simple bank account which has no monthly fee, but also gives you more features such as a contactless debit card that allows mobile payments and the option to apply for an overdraft facility then have a look at our Everyday Current Account. Compare the two accounts
Account details
Account fee
There’s no monthly fee to maintain the account.Ìý
The Fee Information Document (PDF - 139 KB)Ìýdetails the main fees and charges on this account. For further explanation of our main terms and services take a look at our Glossary
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Overdraft
There’s no overdraft facility available with this account.Ìý
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.Ìý
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
If you need support with managing your money or if you’re in debt, please visit our money worries page for further support.
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 - 337 KB)
- Basic Current Account Fee Information Document (PDF - 139 KB)
- General Terms & Conditions (PDF - 900 KB)
To view these documents, you may need to
You can have your income paid into this account and set up Direct Debits and standing orders.
Fees may applyÌýif you withdraw cash from outside the UK or make purchases in any currencyÌýother than pounds.ÌýÌý
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
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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
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What you can’t do on your contactless debit card
You can’t use your contactless debit card for mobile payments. Mobile payments include Apple Pay, Google PayTM, Samsung PayTM and Garmin PayTM.Ìý
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Santander BoostsÌý
Get rewards to give you a little boost when you bank with us.Ìý
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 drawsÌý
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Ways to bank with us
24/7 banking on all your accounts. You can amend your statement settings and set up personalised account alerts.Ìý
- 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 OfficeÌýto make withdrawals, balance enquiries, cash deposits and cheque deposits
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SecurityÌý
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 ourÌýSecurity Centre.
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How we manage scam claims
We’ll support you if you’ve fallen victim to fraud. Find out more about our approach to fraud
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 accountÌýfee
- A contactless debit card that does not allow mobile payments. Mobile payments include Apple Pay, Google PayTM, Samsung PayTM and Garmin PayTM.
- No unarranged overdraft chargesÌý
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With this account you won’t get
- A contactless debit card that allows mobile payments
- A chequebook
- An arranged overdraft
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Everyday Current Account
A simple and straightforward current account, with no monthly feeÌý
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What you get
- No monthly accountÌýfee
- A contactless debitÌýcard
- No unarranged overdraft charges
- You can apply for an arrangedÌýoverdraft facility, if requiredÌý(subject to status)
Find out more about the Everyday Current Account
Or see our full range of current accounts
Fancy a change? You may be eligible to transfer your Basic Current Account to another account that works for you. To find out more, 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
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Boost up your life
With cashback, discounts and special offers that match your interests. All you need to do is sign up for Boosts through your Mobile Banking app or in Online Banking and you’ll be able to choose the offers you like and earn rewards when spending at your favourite retailersÌý
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My Money ManagerÌý
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If you’re trying to be better with your money, My Money Manager is designed with you in mind. Now, as well as banking on the go, our mobile banking app lets you get tailored insights into how you spend.
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Digital banking with us
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Whether that’s via Online Banking or our Mobile Banking app, we offer a secure way to access and manage your banking needs 24/7.
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Switch quickly and easily
We offer a simple, reliable and stress-free way to switch your current account to a new or existing Santander account
Information correct as at 2 April 2025.