Find bank accounts for bad credit that could be available even despite having a poor credit history, and choose one with the features that work best for you.
You'll only find results from genuine companies. Our data experts check each company before we add them to our comparisons.
1
Compare bank accounts
Use our current account table to find an account that offers all the features you need.
2
Check your eligibility
Make sure you fit the eligibility criteria for your chosen current account and get your proof of ID ready.
3
Apply for the account you want
Click "view deal" next to the offer and fill out the application form on the provider's website.
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Maximum Age | Unlimited |
| Maximum Investment | £5,000 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Permanent UK Resident |
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Maximum Age | Unlimited |
| Maximum Investment | £5,000 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Permanent UK Resident |
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Maximum Age | Unlimited |
| Maximum Investment | Unlimited |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Permanent UK Resident |
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Maximum Age | Unlimited |
| Maximum Investment | £50,000 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Permanent UK Resident |
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Maximum Age | Unlimited |
| Maximum Investment | Unlimited |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Permanent UK Resident |
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Maximum Age | Unlimited |
| Maximum Investment | £7,500 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Permanent UK Resident |
| Gross rate | Gross rate | AER rate | AER rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excluding bonus | Including bonus | Excluding bonus | Including bonus | |
| £1 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Maximum Age | Unlimited |
| Maximum Investment | £10,000 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Permanent UK Resident |
We are classed as a credit broker for consumer credit, not a lender.
Our services are provided at no cost to you. We may receive a commission from the companies we refer you to, but this does not affect what you will pay for the product you choose.
By choosing a special current account for bad credit, you can usually still have a bank account despite your credit history.
These most often come in form of prepaid cards, which offer basic bank accounts that let you carry out basic banking transactions such as:
Receive payments like your wages, cash, cheques and bank transfers
Pay direct debits and standing orders to cover bills like your mobile phone
Use a debit card to withdraw cash or buy things in shops, online or by phone
Use a cheque book to pay businesses or other people.
These types of current accounts don't offer overdrafts so your credit score doesn't matter.
These types of current accounts don't offer overdrafts so your credit score doesn't matter.
If you have bad credit, getting a bank account with an overdraft will be a lot harder. A bank account with overdraft lets you carry on spending, even after your balance reaches zero, so you're essentially borrowing money from the bank.
You can find out about current accounts with overdrafts here, but you're unlikely to get a bank account with overdraft for bad credit.
Most major banks and building societies offer a basic bank account for bad credit, but they don't usually advertise them.
You can use this comparison to find the best one. Compare every basic bank account here and open it online or ask to open one in a branch.
If you have all the information and documents they want, you could open a basic bank account online with bad credit the same day you apply. This is also the case if you apply in branch.
You can open a basic bank account for bad credit if you:
Are over 16
Have a permanent address in the UK
Haven't ever been convicted of fraud
Can prove your identity (using something like a passport, driving licence or utility bill).
You can use a prepaid bank account as a form of current account for bad credit. Again, it isn't a bank account with overdraft for bad credit because you'll struggle to find one of these.
But a prepaid bank account may be better than a normal bank account for you because it'll let you:
Pay money into your account
Have your wages paid straight into it
Make purchases using the prepaid card that comes with the account
Set up direct debits and standing orders to pay your bills.
You can only spend money that you've already paid into the account. They don't come with overdrafts, and they come with several fees. They're an alternative to a basic bank account for bad credit.
If you have bad credit a basic bank account can provide a place for you keep money and pay your bills. With no overdraft you won’t fall into debt, because you only spend what you have.”Florence Codjoe, Personal Finance Editor
You can find prepaid current accounts using our comparison.
They're usually available without a credit check, so you should be accepted if you:
Live in the UK
Can prove your identity
Have not been convicted of fraud
If you can't get a basic bank account or prepaid bank account, or choose not to, you may have some other options.
It's possible that you may not be eligible for the options below, or they might not be free of charge, so you'll have to look into this.
Credit unions typically handle savings accounts and loans, but some in the UK are starting to offer current accounts too. If you've had trouble getting a current account for bad credit through a bank or building society, a credit union could be an alternative.
The banking features that you're offered can vary depending on which credit union you choose. But typically a credit union bank account lets you:
pay cheques in for free
pay money in over the counter at the credit union
have wages, salary, benefits, pensions and tax credits paid straight into your account
withdraw money from a cashpoint machine.
Some credit union accounts also allow you to have debit card to pay for purchases, and setup direct debits and standing orders.
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Read MoreIf you go into your overdraft every month or have been stuck in the red for a while, there are ways to pay off your overdraft for good.
Read MoreChoosing the right current account can save you money in fees, give you all the features you need or even earn you money in interest. Here is where to find the best account for your circumstances.
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Read MoreCurrent accounts and savings accounts are the two main types of account on offer from banks and building societies - but what exactly is the difference between the two and which type of account is right for you?
Read MoreComparing current accounts could save you money on overdrafts, get you cashback on bills or see you paid more interest on positive balances. Our multiple award-winning comparison service helps make sure you get the best deal possible based on your individual circumstances. Our aim is to provide you with the most up-to-date information, as well as useful tools and calculators so to help you make life's most important decisions and take control of your money.
We have always aimed to provide the best possible services to bridge the gap between our users and our clients. Over the years, we have been thrilled to be recognised by various prestigious bodies and organisations for those efforts.
Last updated: 09 May, 2022
