Which bank for a basic current account?

Beenie

This is not a switch, it will be a fresh account.

I need a basic account that will provide paper statements, a contactless card and no need for two direct debits up front (there may be direct debits down the line).

Is there such a thing?

YorkshireBoy

Since you haven't mentioned any poor credit rating issues, I assume by "basic" you mean a standard, no-frills, current account, ie one without any rewards, cashback, or interest paid?

If so, then the answer to your question is almost every bank in the country, and even a building society or two, will offer such an account.

Beenie

Yes, there are no credit rating issues. I already have the Santander 123 for myself, but it carries a monthly charge. The account I am thinking of opening is on behalf of a family member who needs help with their finances. Cashback and rewards are irrelevant in their case.

YorkshireBoy

Beenie wrote: »

Yes, there are no credit rating issues. I already have the Santander 123 for myself, but it carries a monthly charge. The account I am thinking of opening is on behalf of a family member who needs help with their finances. Cashback and rewards are irrelevant in their case.

Then how about the Santander Everyday account? Since you'll be familiar with the workings of Santander that should help you deliver the help better?

Beenie

I have the leaflet for that somewhere.

Just had a squint at it and it looks good, and if all banks offer pretty much the same thing, then I shall go ahead and open an account at my local branch. Thanks.

jonesMUFCforever

Beenie wrote: »

I have the leaflet for that somewhere.

Just had a squint at it and it looks good, and if all banks offer pretty much the same thing, then I shall go ahead and open an account at my local branch. Thanks.

Just to clarify - is it going to be in the name of the family member or your name?
Reason I ask a bank will not be happy for somebody else's money to go through an account in your name even if you have the best of intentions.

Beenie

It is a DWP Appointee arrangement - the benefits are paid into a separate account for the use and best interests of the claimant, but under my control/supervision.

It is very common in cases of dementia or mental illness, and actually recommended by DWP.

BooJewels

I've recently woken up an old dormant Giro/Alliance &Leicester account as a Santander everyday current account and as already posted, offers what you require. I have a contactless card, on-line banking and I requested a cheque book too - I think they're not supplied as standard, but you can certainly ask for one. I've gone paperless, but there is the option to get paper statements.

I think most banks offer the same basic accounts, but maybe stick with what is familiar. I resurrected this one instead of starting from scratch largely because there are branches that I can either walk to or are close to bus stations I pass through. So branch location might be a pertinent factor for the account holder, as much as account facilities.

jonesMUFCforever

Beenie wrote: »

It is a DWP Appointee arrangement - the benefits are paid into a separate account for the use and best interests of the claimant, but under my control/supervision.

It is very common in cases of dementia or mental illness, and actually recommended by DWP.

The bank may want you to have a Court of protection or Power of Attorney in place in that case.
Talk to them first before you apply to see what they can do for you.

jonesMUFCforever

BooJewels wrote: »

I've recently woken up an old dormant Giro/Alliance &Leicester account as a Santander everyday current account and as already posted, offers what you require. I have a contactless card, on-line banking and I requested a cheque book too - I think they're not supplied as standard, but you can certainly ask for one. I've gone paperless, but there is the option to get paper statements.

I think most banks offer the same basic accounts, but maybe stick with what is familiar. I resurrected this one instead of starting from scratch largely because there are branches that I can either walk to or are close to bus stations I pass through. So branch location might be a pertinent factor for the account holder, as much as account facilities.

Let's hope then that you do not get any cheques to pay in for the family member as the bank won't accept them into your account.

BooJewels

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

Let's hope then that you do not get any cheques to pay in for the family member as the bank won't accept them into your account.

I don't understand your comment, can you explain please? What family member?