Basic bank accounts offer a suitable place to keep money you need for everyday use. You can also pay in cheques or cash free of charge, and set up 'direct debits' which pay regular bills automatically from your account also you can arrange to have wages, State Pension and benefits or tax credits paid into one.

Save My Money UK offer cash card with a basic bank account which you can use at a bank machine to withdraw cash. Save My Money UK also offer a 'debit card' that you can pay for items with, and get 'cashback'; but with a basic account these will only work if there's enough money in your account.

You don't get a cheque book with a basic bank account, and you can't take out more money than is in the account ('go overdrawn'). For this reason basic bank accounts are useful for anyone worried about overspending.