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. Charges apply for additional services

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:

  • Are 16 or over
  • Do not have a current account in the UK or you plan to switch to us
  • Do not qualify for our other accounts
  • Have a little or no credit history in the UK
  • Want a card to take out cash
  • Do not need a card to buy things in shops or online

This product may not be right for you if:

  • Need a card to pay in shops or online
  • Want to borrow money using your account
  • Use a chequebook
  • Need to set up standing orders
  • Want to get text alerts
  • 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.

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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.
    • 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. This doesn’t affect your credit score or your ability to get credit.
    • 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

Don’t have an email address, a mobile phone from UK or Ireland or need help and prefer to apply over the phone with one of our staff? Call 0800 0850 444 for free Monday to Friday, 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


Schedule of Service Charges


Smarter Banking


Changes to our terms and conditions

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, 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: this document must have your full name (no initials)

    • Valid Passport (all countries)
    • National Identity Card (from EU/EEA countries only with photo and date of birth)
    • 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: this document must have your full current address and your first and last names in full (initials on your first name cannot be accepted)

    • UK/EU/EEA/US/Canadian/Australian Photo Card Driving Licence (when not used as identity document)
    • An original statement from a credit union, bank, building society or credit card company. It must be dated within the last 6 months. You can use statements for any type of account, for example a savings account, mortgage, loan, or credit card. We cannot accept Monzo statements. If it is an online e-statement, it must show the logo of the bank or company
    • UCAS letter confirming course acceptance (third-level students only, dated within last 6 months)
    • An original or electronic household bill. For example, gas, electricity, home phone or broadband, waste or water charges. The bill must be dated within the last 6 months. Mobile phone bills or dongle contracts cannot be used
    • Original HMRC or Revenue commissioner correspondence, for example Tax Coding (excluding P60, P45 or National Insurance number correspondence, dated within last 6 months)
    • UK Local Authority correspondence. For example, rates, council tax, Housing Executive, Electoral Office (dated within last 12 months)
    • Original correspondence from Department for Work and Pensions or Department of Social Welfare relating to benefits, pension or social welfare claim (dated within last 6 months)
    • Original letter from government department or agency relating to grants or entitlements. For example, an Education Maintenance Allowance letter (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, or 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. Documents used for proof of identity that also state an address must show the same current address.

    All documents must be originals and the most recent ones. We don’t accept expired documents.

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  • What charges will I pay?

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

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FSCS Protection

Your eligible deposits with Bank of Ireland (UK) plc are protected up to a total of £120,000 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. 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