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FlexBasic current account

Our basic current account for people who don't hold another UK current account or don't qualify for our other current accounts.

Features of our basic bank account

What's included

  • No fee for maintaining the account
    We don't charge any monthly fee for maintaining our basic bank account, FlexBasic.

  • Bank how you like
    You can manage your account online, via our Internet Bank or Banking app, over the phone, or in branch.

  • An optional Nationwide savings account
    We want it to be easy for you to start saving right away. So, we can also open a savings account with your new current account when you apply online. If you don’t want one, just let us know.

To apply for FlexBasic

You need to:

  • be 18 or over
  • be a UK resident
  • not hold another UK current account or not be eligible for any of our other current accounts
  • agree the account is for personal use only.

What's not included

  • There is no interest on your money.

  • There is no arranged overdraft.

  • We do not offer a chequebook with a FlexBasic.

Make banking easier with our secure app

However you like to bank with us, our app makes it easier and quicker.

  • Log in with your fingerprint, face recognition or passnumber
  • Manage your payments - set up, change and cancel standing orders
  • Set savings goals
  • Round up your spending and put the extra into a savings account
  • Freeze your debit card if you can’t find it, unfreeze it if it turns up
  • If you ever need to, set up a gambling block
Take a tour of our banking app

Manage your account your way

  1. Keep track of your money

    You can set your text alert preferences to help you manage your money. And you can go paperless to help keep track digitally.

  2. Bank together

    You can open your FlexBasic as a joint bank account or add someone to it later. This could be a partner, a family member or a friend.

  3. Visa debit card

    You can make contactless payments up to £100 with your Visa debit card.

  4. Pay with your phone

    You can use Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.

Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay are available on selected devices and operating systems. Apple Pay and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google, Android, Google Pay and Google Wallet are trademarks of Google LLC. Samsung and Samsung Pay are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Fees, charges and important documents

Before you apply, make sure you read the following documents.

Charitable Assignment

There is no monthly fee for maintaining a basic bank account, but charges can apply for:

Using your card abroad
Making certain international payments

Applying for a current account​

To open a current account, you'll need:

  • your address history for the past 3 years
  • your employer's address (if you're employed)
  • a valid UK passport or a full UK driving licence.

Information:

You’ll still be able to apply for a current account if you don’t have a valid UK passport or a full UK driving licence, but we may need you to come in to branch with your ID. We’ll need to see proof of your name and your address.

Summary Financial Statement

When you open an account with us, we need to let you know about our most recent summary financial statement and auditors' report. Our summary financial statement is published in our Review of the Year document - PDF 2.9MB (opens in a new window). You can find our latest annual report and accounts, including our auditors' report, on our Results and Accounts page.

Check which current accounts we can offer you

Before you can apply for a FlexBasic current account, we need to check your eligibility for our other current accounts.

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Related links

I need help with my account

Our current account help section has the answers to our most commonly asked questions.

We also have a quick guide to using your current account covering your everyday banking.

Protecting your money

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (opens in a new window) (FSCS) is a free, independent service that protects up to £85,000 of your eligible money at Nationwide.

Find out more about the FSCS – PDF, 2MB (opens in a new window)