Best basic bank account

superhooper1972

Hello

Wonder if anyone can give me some advise on the best basic bank account I can open.

I do have a basic account with the Metro bank, but I am not happy with this account. I have recently tried to buy things with my debit card online with sites like Amazon, My card always gets rejected, this happens with Ebay as well and paypal will not allow my card to be linked with them. I asked Metro why this was happening and was told I can only buy goods online from UK based websites like JD sports as an example. This is very frustrating when online. Do all basic bank account debit cards have the same restrictions?

My other gripe is I am going away for Christmas. I asked Metro if I can use my debit card abroad, the answer was no, so now I am going to have to take all my money out of the bank and change into Euros and carry this with me. Again do all basic bank accounts have this restriction where getting cash out abroad is a no?

Any advice would be greatly received thank you.:)

jonesMUFCforever

Any high street bank will open a basic account for you and you should be able to transact any way you want.

System

Nationwide FlexBasic would be my suggestion for a better basic account.

Probably the best 'basic' account on the market just now.
It has a contactless debit card and
Nationwide is cheaper for foreign usage than the big banks (2% + £1 for ATMs).

Your probably best to apply for a FlexDirect or FlexAccount and they'll offer you a FlexBasic if you can't get the full account.

eDicky

If you use a smartphone, the best solution to the needs you mention is not a different bank account but to open a Revolut prepaid MasterCard account by installing their app and signing up. Enter the promo code 'MSE', for a £5 bonus when you make your first £10 top up. There are no charges for at least the first year, unless there is a charge for an 'emergency' card to be sent to you in time for your trip. You can then top up the card using your Metro debit card as needed, and purchase items online in the currency of the site at interbank rates even before you receive your physical card. Instead of losing money buying cash euros, use the card for purchases and ATM withdrawals anywhere with no charges (by Revolut) and at the perfect interbank exchange rates.

pmduk

I'd avoid Santander's basic account with its convoluted topup debit card. Most other banks have Visa debit cards which are widely accepted.

superhooper1972

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated:)

crystal_pixie_2

I agree with Heng Leng - the Nationwide FlexBasic looks excellent. I have managed to get one with a poor credit score and outstanding defaults.

As long as you can prove your identity and address its worth a try.

Ronnierhino7

I have just been accepted for a nationwide flex basic joined because they offer contactless with there basic account and I not sure if people are aware but they do regularly review your account and you could be offered a current account within 6 months states this on there website which is a very attractive package offered by nationwide for a basic account

pmduk

As yet, Fidor offers little to attract them to those without an existing account, FPS payments are slow, there's no debit card yet, they don't handle cheques etc. Were they to go under, you're at the mercy of the German guarantee scheme not FSCS with it's relatively rapid payouts.

I hope Fidor develops into a contender to the big boys but there's quite a way to go yet.

Anthorn

The word "best" does not apply to "basic bank accounts." All of them are for want of a better descriptive word, crap. What you get is an account which is equivalent to the lowest grade of current account offered but in theory doesn't have an overdraft facility but in practise does along with arm-and-a-leg fees to go with it.

The current initiative to revise basic bank accounts may result in a better product but I doubt it.

The best account for those who cannot get a bank account and need standing orders and direct debits is either Secure Trust Bank or Cashplus. I have used both of these and fully recommend them both. Fees apply.

Fidor UK looks promising but is currently no different to the defunct ING Direct Savings Account which was acquired by Barclays. We are yet to see the details of Atom Bank which will be wholly digital and work through a mobile app.

An alternative is your local credit union which may offer standing orders in the form of jam-jars where your regular income or benefit is paid in directly and then split into your different jam-jars and the balance available to you to spend, possibly being transferred to your CU prepaid VISA card. Most credit unions are free to use or have a very low monthly fee.

pmduk

Anthorn wrote: »

The word "best" does not apply to "basic bank accounts." All of them are for want of a better descriptive word, crap. What you get is an account which is equivalent to the lowest grade of current account offered but in theory doesn't have an overdraft facility but in practise does along with arm-and-a-leg fees to go with it.

Many of the high street basic accounts have recently scrapped fees, I know for a fact both Barclays and Nationwide have scrapped their returned debit fees. All the more reason to avoid the overcharged "managed" accounts.