Basic Cash Account

Meet your basic cash needs with an account that offers the essentials for everyday banking.

Why Choose Basic Cash Account?

Pay nothing for everyday banking

Free withdrawals at cash machines with the LINK symbol in the UK or abroad. Daily limits apply

Get wages or benefits paid directly into it

Take out and pay in money at the Post Office

Bank in-branch, over the phone, online or using our app

Set up Direct Debits

Is a Basic Cash Account right for me?

This product is right for you if:

  • You’re aged 16 or over
  • You don’t already have a current account in the UK or are switching your current account to us
  • You don’t qualify for our other current accounts
  • You have a poor or no credit history in the UK

This product may not be right for you if:

  • You want an overdraft
  • You use a chequebook
  • You need a Debit card
  • You need an account for your business

Compare our other accounts

If this account is not suitable for you, please check our comparison section to help you find the right account.

Compare Products
Current Account switch guarantee

How to switch

You can switch your current account to us in just 7 working days using the Current Account Switching Service.

We will sort everything for you

Once your account is set up, we will automatically transfer all of your payments, balance and all your online banking payees

There should not be any problems but if something goes wrong the Current Account Switch Guarantee means you will not be out of pocket

Read more about the Current Account Switch Service here

Ready To Apply?

To open this account we need a completed application together with documents that prove your identity and address. If you already have an account in the United Kingdom, to complete your switch we will need your current bank details. And if you don’t live in the United Kingdom, we will need additional documents. You will need:

  • A valid form of photo ID
  • A proof of address
  • If you are switching to us, have your current bank account number and sort code to hand. Plus, your account debit card if you have one.
  • If you do not live in the United Kingdom, 3 months latest bank statements from your current bank

Find out about the identity and address documents that we accept here.

The quickest way is online

  • Step 1: Get ready! Choose your device (mobile, tablet or computer) plus have the documents and details above at hand

    Keep in mind:

    • We recommend you have photos of your documents saved on your device. Plus, keep the original documents nearby, just in case.
    • If you are 16 or 17 years old, you will need to bring your original documents to one of our branches in Northern Ireland. If you are 18 years old or over, you can upload a photo of your original documents plus a selfie when completing your application – you will need to apply from a device with a camera. Or bring your original documents to one of our branches in Northern Ireland.
    • We will verify your mobile number and email address by sending codes to them during the application. Be ready to receive them.

  • Step 2: Click Apply!

    • Remember: you need to be at least 16 years old and agree to use the account for personal use only.
    • By applying you confirm that you are happy for us to do a credit check against your name, if you live in the UK and are 18 years of age or older.
    • We currently do not have a way for you to save and return later to your application. Get ready to complete everything in about 20 minutes and make sure you go all the way to the submit button!

    Apply now

  • Step 3: Well Done! Receive the account documents and wait for your account number

    • Once you submit your application, we will send you an email straight away with all the information you will need:
      • All the documents about your account – make sure you download, save and read them through.
      • How to set up 365 digital and telephone banking, how to activate your card and confirm your overdraft limit, if you asked for one, once your account is opened.
    • We’ll check your application and documents. All being well we’ll work on opening your account. Once your account is open we will send you an email with your account number.

  • Step 4: Relax until switching is done

    • If you are switching to us, we’ll let you know when your switch starts and ends.
    • Once it starts, we will transfer all your direct debits, standing orders and/or future date payments to your new account. We will also set up all your existing online beneficiaries in your 365 digital banking profile.
    • On your agreed switch date, we will close your old account and transfer any remaining credit balance to your new Bank of Ireland UK account.

Apply over the phone

Need help and prefer to apply over the phone with one of our staff? Call 0800 0850 444 for free Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm.

How to manage your account

Ways to Bank

Bank with us online, over the phone and in Branch

Find out more

365 Digital Banking

Manage your money online or through our banking app

Find out more

Turn off Paper Statements

Go digital and save paper. Free online statements

Find out more

Financial Wellbeing

Keep your finances healthy

Find out more

Help Centre

Find answers to lots more of your questions

Find out more

Cash Card

Make fee withdrawals at cash machines with the LINK symbol

Find out more

Important Information


Basic Cash Account Brochure


Current Account Terms and Conditions


Current Account Charges Explained


Schedule of Service Charges


Smarter Banking

Links to related information

FAQs

  • What are the identity and address documents accepted?

    Options when providing proof of identity and address documents

    • If you apply online, and are 18 years or older, you can upload your documents whilst completing your online application. If you consent to use biometric data and take a selfie, these documents do not need to be certified.
    • If you apply over the phone or are asked to re-upload documents submitted online, you can use our Document Uploader. These documents must be certified by one of the following:
      • Accountant, Solicitor, Barrister, Attorney, Commissioner of Oaths/Notary Public, Justice of the Peace
      • Post Office Official (UK only)
    • You can visit one of our local branches in Northern Ireland and bring your original documents with you. These documents do not need to be certified. There is no need for an appointment.

     

    The documents we accept

    We need one document from each of the below proof of identity and proof of address lists in your name.

    Proof of identity

    • Valid Passport (all countries)
    • National Identity Card (from EU/EEA countries only with photo and DOB)
    • Passport Travel Card (from EU/EEA Countries only)
    • UK or ROI Driving Licence (full or provisional)

    If you supply documents by visiting a branch, or use our document upload process, you may also use:

    • UK Biometric Residency Permit (physical or electronic document)
    • Current Full Photo Card Driving Licence (EU/EEA/US/Canada/Australia)
    • Electoral ID Card (NI only)
    • Current Firearms Certificate or Shotgun licence

    Proof of address

    • UK/EU Driving Licence (when not used as identity document)
    • Original/Electronic financial institution statement e.g. Bank / Building Society / Credit Card / Credit Union statement (dated within last 6 months). E-statements must include the logo of the regulated institution.
    • Original/electronic household utility bill e.g. gas, electric, home phone/broadband, waste and water charges (not mobile phone or dongle contracts) (dated within last 6 months)
    • Original HMRC/Revenue commissionner correspondance, e.g. Tax Coding, etc. (excluding P60/P45/ National Insurance number correspondence) (dated within last 6 months)
    • UK Local Authority Correspondence (e.g. rates / council tax, Housing Executive, Electoral Office) (dated within last 12 months)
    • Original correspondence from DWP/Department of Social Welfare relating to benefits/pension or social welfare claim (dated within last 6 months).
    • Original letter from Government Dept/Agency relating to grants/entitlements (dated within last 6 months).

    If you supply documents by visiting a branch, or use our document upload process, you may also use:

    • EEA/USA/Canadian/Australian photo card Driving Licence (when not used as identity document)
    • UCAS letter confirming course acceptance (3rd level students only) (dated within last 6 months)
    • Current property tax letter (dated within last 12 months)
    • Current original motor tax (dated within last 12 months)
    • Current original health/home/car insurance (must have address detailed) (dated within last 12 months)

     

    Important notes

    • If we cannot accept the identity and address documents you provide online, or you apply over the phone, we will try to identify you electronically using information held by credit reference agencies (customers 18 years old or older). If we need any further documents from you, we will let you know.
    • The same document can’t be used twice for proof of identity and proof of address, even if it appears on both lists.
    • All documents must be originals and the most recent ones. We don’t accept expired documents.
    • Documents used for proof of address should show your full name and current address. Documents used for proof of identity that also state an address must show your current address.
    • Items listed in the additional documents box above can be uploaded online, or using our Document Uploader, or brought to a branch. These do not need to be certified.

     

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  • What charges will I pay?

    We don't charge a monthly fee for maintaining the account, but charges can apply:

    • For some extra services that you may you ask us to provide. These are usually charged at the time we provide the service. For the list of these services and their pricing, please see our Schedule of Service Charges and Charges Explained brochure above.

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Standards of Lending Practice, personal customers

Lending Standards Board

Bank of Ireland UK adheres to the Standards of Lending Practice which are monitored and enforced by the Lending Standards Board. A copy of the Statement of Lender and Borrower responsibilities is available here.

FSCS Protection

Your eligible deposits with Bank of Ireland (UK) plc are protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK’s deposit guarantee scheme. This limit is applied to the total of any deposits you have with the following: Bank of Ireland UK and Post Office Money. Any total deposits you hold above the limit between these brands are unlikely to be covered.

Please click here for further information or visit www.fscs.org.uk