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FlexBasic current account

Our basic bank account. You might be eligible for FlexBasic if money troubles or a poor credit history mean you don't qualify for our other current accounts.

Our basic bank account

FlexBasic is our basic bank account. It could be for you if you don’t already have a UK bank account, or you aren't eligible for our other accounts. This may be because you have financial difficulties or a limited credit history.

To apply for FlexBasic, you need to:

  • be 18 or over
  • be a UK resident
  • either not hold another UK current account, or not be eligible for our other accounts

We'll check if you're eligible for our other accounts when you apply.

What can you do with FlexBasic?

A basic bank account works in much the same way as a standard bank account. It just has a few restrictions.

FlexBasic includes:

  • Everyday, fee-free banking
    Receive money like wages, pension and benefits, and set up standing orders and Direct Debits. No monthly fee.

  • A contactless Visa debit card
    Buy things in shops or online and withdraw from cash machines.

  • Bank how you like
    Manage your account online using our internet bank or banking app, over the phone, or in branch.

FlexBasic does not include:

  • There is no interest on your money.

  • There is no arranged overdraft.

  • We do not offer a chequebook with a FlexBasic.

Bank your way

  1. Our banking app

    Our banking app makes it easy to securely bank how you want, when you want.

  2. Chat with us 24/7

    Chat with a real person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using the chat service in our internet bank and banking app.

  3. 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.

  4. Pay contactless

    Make contactless payments up to £100 with your Visa debit card, or pay with your phone using Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.

  5. UK call centres

    We believe you're best served by people living and working in your communities. At times to suit you.

  6. Come into a branch

    We have over 600 branches up and down the UK, for when you want to talk to someone face to face. Find your nearest branch.
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.

Apply for FlexBasic

What we'll ask when you apply

Before you start, it's a good idea to have these ready:

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

A passport or driving licence will make applying a bit quicker, but don't worry if you don't have one. You'll still be able to apply. If you apply without ID, we might ask you to come into a branch later to prove your identity.

Information:

If you can't provide 3 years of address history, you won't be able to apply online. But we can help if you give us a call or come in to a branch.

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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)