A bank account is the gateway to everyday money — wages, bills, benefits and card payments. You have real rights around opening one, switching it, and getting your money back if something goes wrong.
Everyone can get a basic account
If you’ve been turned down for a standard current account — because of poor credit or no credit history, say — the major banks must offer a fee-free basic bank account to anyone who’s eligible and doesn’t already have a suitable account. It lets you receive money, pay bills and use a debit card, without an overdraft.
Switching is quick and guaranteed
Moving to a better account is easy through the Current Account Switch Service, which most banks use. It takes seven working days, moves your payments across for you, and comes with a guarantee that covers any charges or interest if something goes wrong in the switch.
Your money is protected
Money held with a UK-authorised bank or building society is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to £85,000 per person, per banking group — so it’s safe even if the firm fails.
Scams and getting your money back
If you’re tricked into transferring money to a fraudster (an “authorised push payment” scam), banks now have to reimburse most victims — up to £85,000 per claim — under rules that began on 7 October 2024. Report it to your bank straight away.
What to do next
If your bank won’t put a problem right, you can take it to the free Financial Ombudsman Service. For scams and mis-selling, see our scams and mis-selling page.
Sources
GOV.UK / FCA (basic bank accounts); Current Account Switch Service; FSCS (£85,000 protection); Payment Systems Regulator (APP scam reimbursement, from 7 October 2024). Reviewed: 3 September 2026.
