Basic Bank Account | M Account | Virgin Money UK (2024)

Our better than basic bank account with super smart tools to help manage your money

Basic Bank Account | M Account | Virgin Money UK (1)

Who is the M Account for?

The M Account is our basic bank account. If you’re 16 or over and we’re unable to offer you one of our standard current accounts for any reason, this could be a good alternative. It’s our super straightforward current account and free to use

It’s also there for you if you've experienced financial difficulties or have a poor credit record. This might make it harder for you to be accepted for other bank accounts. If you're worried about this and would like some advice, give us a call to chat over your options.

Speak to an adviser

What are the benefits?

It comes with our handy mobile app for smarter money management, plus a linked savings account

  • You can open this account with little or no credit history
  • We can accept non-standard IDIf you don't have ID like a passport or driving licence (along with a utility bill or bank statement) we can still help you. You'll just have to pop into a Store to chat over your options. for application

No Arranged Overdraft

There's no Arranged Overdraft with the M Account. If you need an overdraft and you're over 18 you can apply for an M Plus Account. If you're in need of financial help have a look at your options in our support hub.

You get a straightforward current account

  • Pay in your salary, Universal credit or other income
  • Set up Direct Debits and Standing Orders to manage your bills
  • Use your contactless debit card to make purchases, or withdraw cash via ATM, in Store or at the Post Office
  • No fees when you travel - we won’t charge you for spending on your card or withdrawing cash when you’re abroad.

Basic Bank Account | M Account | Virgin Money UK (2)

View the rates and fees

Linked to an instant savings account

  • Get interest paid on your balance every quarter
  • Automatically sweep money to your current account from your savings
  • Set up Savings Pots for your savings goals

Savings account

2.50%

AER1 (2.48% gross2 per annum variable) on savings balances up to £25,000, and 2.00% AER1 (1.99% gross2 per annum variable) on any balances above £25,000. Interest paid quarterly.

Please read the Summary Box

Manage your day-to-day spending

With the Virgin Money app and online banking

Track your transactions
See where you spend the most money and when.
Keep up to date
Set up instant alerts for when your balance changes.
Start saving
Grow your cash in Savings Pots.
Budget better
Set a budget for your spending and track your progress.

Discover our app

Basic Bank Account | M Account | Virgin Money UK (3)

Frequently asked questions

Will my credit score affect my application?

No. We’ll check your credit file as part of our verification checks when you apply but we won’t use this information to decide if you can have the M Account.

If you apply for our standard account - the M Plus Account - or one of our other accounts, we’ll check your credit file to see if it’s right for you. If we can’t offer you one of these, we’ll see if you’d like the M Account instead.

There’ll be a footprint (a record of the search, in case you were wondering) on your credit file so other providers, like banks and building societies, can see that you’ve applied for an account.

I don’t have the best credit history, can I still apply for this account?

Yes, absolutely. The M Account is there to help people who might not be eligible for a standard account – this could be due to credit history or current circ*mstances. Talk to us about your situation and we’ll tell you about our products so you can decide which one’s right for you.

Will I be charged any fees for using this account?

There are no fees for day-to-day services and you won’t be charged for a refused payment. You can find out what we do charge for here.

What forms of ID do I need for the application?

If you’re over 18, we’ll try and identify you electronically. If this doesn’t work, we’ll ask you to provide identification documents to open the account. You’ll find a list of identification document options here Link opens in a new window. We know it’s not always an option to share passports and utility bills so we’re usually ok with alternatives. If that’s the case, we’ll need to talk to you in Store to understand what ID you can provide.

View all frequently asked questions

Basic Bank Account | M Account | Virgin Money UK (5)

The serious bits

Rates and Fees
See the rates and fees of this account and read our straight-up small print.
Rates and fees
Security
We're all over your online transactions to mkae sure it's really you making them.
More about security
Current Account Terms
Read and download our Current Account Terms
Current Account Terms

Protecting your money

Your eligible deposits with Virgin Money are covered up to £85,000 per person.

View the FSCS guarantee

Basic Bank Account | M Account | Virgin Money UK (6)

Basic Bank Account | M Account | Virgin Money UK (7)

Before you apply

Before applying please make sure you have read the following:

  • M Account Terms (PDF, 441KB) Link opens in a new window
  • Account tariff (PDF, 272KB) Link opens in a new window
  • Fee information document (PDF, 264KB) Link opens in a new window

Account Summary

Summary Box

Account name

M Saver

What is the interest rate?

BalanceGross rate (%)AER (%)
Balances up to and including £25,0002.48%2.50%
Balances over £25,0001.99%2.00%

Interest is calculated on a daily basis and paid on the last working day of each calendar quarter.

Can Virgin Money change the interest rate?

Yes, if we decrease your rate we’ll provide at least 2 months’ notice as described in your Terms. We may increase your rate without giving you notice

What would the estimated balance be after 12 months based on:

Initial deposit at account openingBalance after 12 months
£1,000£1,025.04
£25,000£25,624.64
£50,000£51,125.87

This is only an example and doesn't take into account your individual circ*mstances.

The example assumes that:

  • no further deposits or withdrawals are made;
  • any interest earned stays in the account; and
  • there is no change to the interest rate.

How do I open and manage my account?

You may only open an M Saver if you have an M Account with us in the same name(s). The M Saver will stay open as long as the M Account is maintained as described in the terms.

You can open the account in Store or by calling us on 0800 121 7365. Our team are available 24/7. In certain situations, we may also let you open this account online.

There are no minimum or maximum balance restrictions. And there’s no need to pay in on a regular basis. The M Account is available to selected customers from the age of 16. Subject to status.

Can I withdraw money?

You may only withdraw funds by transfer to your M Account or any other account that we allow you to make a transfer into using online/telephone banking, the Virgin Money Mobile Banking app or in Store.

Additional Information

Interest will be paid gross.

Gross rate interest is the interest payable without taking account of any tax payable.AER (Annual Equivalent Rate).

The Annual Equivalent Rate illustrates what the interest rate would be if interest was paid and compounded once each year.

Ready to apply?

You can apply for the M Account by phone or in Store. Or if you'd rather apply online you'll need to apply for our M Plus Account. If you don't qualify, but you are still eligible for the M Account, we'll offer you that instead.

Apply over the phone

0800 678 3654

Or if you're abroad, call us on +44 141 221 7300

We’re here Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm. Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

Call charges and information

NumberCost
03 numbersSame as calls to 01 or 02 numbers and they are included in inclusive minutes and discount schemes in the same way.
084 numbersMaximum of 7p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge.
087 numbersMaximum of 13p per minute, plus your phone company's access charge.
0800 numbersFree from UK landlines and personal mobile phones.

Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

Apply in store

Request an appointment and chat with us face to face at your local Store.

Find a Store

Need some help?

Get support

See the key ways we support our current account customers when they need us.

Learn more

Find answers

See the answers to the questions we get asked most about our M Account.

Frequently asked questions

Ask questions

0800 121 7365

Or if you're abroad, call us on
+44 141 221 7300

We're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.

Which account has your name on it?

See how it stacks up against the others.

Compare accounts

[1]AER (Annual Equivalent Rate). The Annual Equivalent Rate illustrates what the interest rate would be if interest was paid and compounded once each year.

[2]Interest will be paid gross. Gross rate interest is the interest payable without taking account of any tax payable.

Basic Bank Account | M Account | Virgin Money UK (2024)

FAQs

What is the minimum balance for Virgin Money M account? ›

The account can be opened in Store or online, virginmoney.com/current-accounts/pca, or call us on 0800 121 7365, someone from our team will be available 24/7. There are no minimum or maximum balance restrictions or need to pay in on a regular basis.

Why am I being refused a basic bank account? ›

If you're refused a basic bank account

You should be told the reason unless your bank suspects you of fraud or money laundering. For example, you could be refused if: you don't agree to a credit check – although you don't have to pass one.

What is a basic bank account in the UK? ›

What is a basic bank account. With a basic bank account, you can have your income paid in and manage your money with the Barclays app, online, in a branch and by phone. You can make payments, withdraw cash and set up regular payments like Direct Debits and standing orders.

Can I have a UK bank account without an UK address? ›

Many major UK banks also have so-called 'international' or 'expat' accounts, like the HSBC expat bank account. These are designed specifically for non-residents, so they're a great option if you don't have the documents to prove your UK address. In fact, you can even apply for an international account online.

What is an m current account? ›

The M Account is there to help people who might not be eligible for a standard account – this could be due to credit history or current circ*mstances. Talk to us about your situation and we'll tell you about our products so you can decide which one's right for you. Will I be charged any fees for using this account?

What is the easiest bank account to open in the UK? ›

Top 10 basic bank accounts in the UK
Bank accountCredit check required?How to open
The Cooperative Bank Cashminder¹NoOnline/branch
Santander Basic Current Account²Yes³Online/branch
Virgin Money M Account⁴Yes - but just for application verification⁵Phone/branch
Cashplus Freedom⁶UnknownOnline (not currently available)
6 more rows
Feb 7, 2024

What is the disadvantage of a basic account? ›

Basic bank accounts don't provide an overdraft, meaning you won't be a credit risk to your provider. You have no credit history – sometimes having no credit history can be just as damaging, as providers have no record of your ability to reliably borrow or spend responsibly.

How to find out if you are blacklisted in the UK? ›

There is actually no such thing as a "Credit Blacklist". Each lender you apply to will look at your credit history along with other information you provide them with and make a decision based on their own criteria.

Can I get a basic bank account with bad credit? ›

This is because there may be an overdraft facility available, which is another form of borrowing money. However, if you apply for a basic bank account, most banks will not require a credit check. If they do check your credit history, the results won't usually impact your application.

Can non UK residents open a UK bank account? ›

Non-residents of the UK can open a bank account by providing necessary documents and meeting certain requirements. Having a local account offers numerous benefits, such as simplified financial oversight, lowered currency conversion charges and higher interest rates.

What is the most popular UK bank account? ›

Our top six current accounts
  • Starling personal current account. ...
  • Lloyds Bank Club Lloyds. ...
  • Co-operative Bank current account. ...
  • Nationwide FlexDirect. ...
  • Kroo current account. ...
  • Santander Edge current account. ...
  • NatWest Premium Reward account. ...
  • Monzo. All you need under one app.
May 13, 2024

Does Virgin Money do a hard credit check? ›

To Virgin Money, penalising customers for shopping around feels pretty unfair and uncompetitive. That's why we've introduced Virgin Money Card Checker, a 'soft' credit check that looks into some basic facts about an applicant's credit history but does not leave a footprint on their history.

Can I keep my UK bank account if I live abroad? ›

Yes, it is a good idea to tell your bank that you're moving. If you don't, you could find that access to services like online banking is restricted once you've moved abroad. The bank could also freeze or close your account. You don't want to risk cutting off access to your money.

Can you open a UK bank account with a US address? ›

As a non-resident, opening a UK bank account will require a passport and drivers' license, but your bank may also request other documents, particularly one that shows your current address. Three months' worth of utility bills will be requested.

Are UK banks closing accounts of non-residents? ›

Many British expats have had their UK bank accounts closed recently, as the financial sector continues to adjust to post-Brexit Britain. This could be a major headache for anyone receiving a private pension or investment income.

What is the minimum payment for Virgin Money? ›

Each month you must pay at least the requested payment in pounds sterling as shown on your statement. This will be the greater of: £25, or your whole balance shown if it is less, or. the interest, any default charges and annual card fee, plus 1% of the remaining balance.

What is the minimum amount of money to have in a bank account? ›

Most traditional banks require you to maintain a minimum account balance to avoid monthly service charges. These typically range from $100 to $2,500, though most are much closer to the lower end.

What is the minimum balance amount? ›

Also, sometimes known as the minimum balance, the Average Monthly Balance is the minimum amount of money that you need to maintain in your Savings Account to avoid non-maintenance charges.

What is the minimum balance for a savings account? ›

With $100, you typically meet the opening balance qualifications for a broad range of institutions. Note that some savings accounts might let you open an account for as little as $100, but will require a much higher minimum balance, such as $5,000, to earn the best rate or a higher monthly balance to avoid a fee.

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