Basic advice for light current account user, iOS app and Apple Pay priority.

Declaime

Good evening all,

As per title I need some advice/recomendation as to which bank current account would be most suitable for someone like myself. I need the most basic account, I live with my parents, have no mortgage or loans/debts etc. My only monthly outgoings are consumables such as petrol and some food. I have no direct debits. My monthly credits are less an £1,000 so I don't think I will benefit from any 'welcome swap bonus money' like you get when switching to FD for example.

From this viewpoint is a current account the most suitable for me? My only major requirements is an iOS banking app (I see most banks have these now) allowing me to see my balance and make basic payments. The other thing I requirement i have is the ability to use Apple Pay.

To someone like me its a minefield researching all the various banks and account options since my requirements are more simplified than the average UK adult.

Thank you for your time in reading this.

Declaime

Santander Every Day Current account seems an excellent choice for my needs, does anybody agree?

Paul_1977

"To someone like me its a minefield researching all the various banks and account options since my requirements are more simplified than the average UK adult."

????????

I am sorry but you are over complicating it, find your nearest bank, open an account, if you don't like the service switch to another bank.

All "free" normal current accounts will be fine for your needs.

RBS/Natwest/Barclays are on the ball with tech and most times bring the new things out first, so try one of those banks first.

Santander is fine as well, but can be slow with new stuff. I would be careful though as they used to issue cards (online, the flat numbered type) which cannot be used with Apple pay, maybe that is different now.

Declaime

Many thanks for the advice Paul. I live in a very rural location so all bank options exist in my nearest city. I've never been into my local branch in 10 years, always done it over the phone. Always been telephone banking and only last month did we get a mobile app, which the UI design wise a rubbish.

The full details of the santander every day account states a debit card and full compatibility with Apple Pay phone/watch. I will call on monday and double check this information to be sure.

Thanks again for the reply

knack92

Paul_1977 wrote: »

"To someone like me its a minefield researching all the various banks and account options since my requirements are more simplified than the average UK adult."

????????

I am sorry but you are over complicating it, find your nearest bank, open an account, if you don't like the service switch to another bank.

All "free" normal current accounts will be fine for your needs.

RBS/Natwest/Barclays are on the ball with tech and most times bring the new things out first, so try one of those banks first.

Santander is fine as well, but can be slow with new stuff. I would be careful though as they used to issue cards (online, the flat numbered type) which cannot be used with Apple pay, maybe that is different now.

Barclays don't support Apple Pay and although they've said they will it could be a while yet.

Declaime - I agree with Paul re RBS/NatWest and the relevant one would be my choice based on your needs. Their apps support Touch ID which is handy. Don't know enough about Santander to say either way.

jimjames

Nationwide support Apple pay as far as I'm aware. Also pay 5% interest on the current account and £100 switch bonus.

I'm assuming you don't really mean that you need a Basic bank account which would be a different matter rather than you only need one for basic functions.

Archi_Bald

OP, it sounds as if you do have a current account at the moment that you could switch? If so, find yourself a mate / relative / colleague who can refer you to Nationwide, then switch your old account, and you can both pocket £100 each. Terms of the offer are online.

Declaime

Some excellent suggestions here thanks everyone! Excellent community.

Paul_1977

knack92 wrote: »

Barclays don't support Apple Pay and although they've said they will it could be a while yet.

Declaime - I agree with Paul re RBS/NatWest and the relevant one would be my choice based on your needs. Their apps support Touch ID which is handy. Don't know enough about Santander to say either way.

Oh yes sorry I forgot they are trying to push their own version.:D