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

3.55%

AER1 (3.50% gross2 per annum variable) on savings balances up to £25,000, and 2.52% AER1 (2.50% gross2 per annum variable) on any balances above £25,000. Interest paid quarterly.

Important Information

From 19 March 2024 we will be reducing our M Saver rates from 3.55% AER1 (3.50% gross2 per annum) to 2.50% AER1 (2.48% gross2 per annum) on balances up to £25,000. For balances above £25,000 rates will reduce from 2.52% AER1 (2.50% gross2 per annum) to 2.00% AER1 (1.99% gross2 per annum). Interest paid quarterly. All rates are variable.

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)

Virgin Money Cashback

Money back in your hands when you shop with top brands

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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?

Interest rate up to 18 March 2024

BalanceGross rate (%)AER (%)
Balances up to and including £25,0003.50%3.55%
Balances over £25,0002.50%2.52%

Effective from 19 March 2024

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:

Up to 18 March 2024

Initial deposit at account openingBalance after 12 months
£1,000£1,035.46
£25,000£25,883.24
£50,000£51,514.12

Effective from 19 March 2024

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.

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[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? ›

There are no minimum or maximum balance restrictions or need to pay in on a regular basis. The M Plus Account is available to anyone from the age of 16. Subject to status.

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 savings account if I live abroad? ›

Yes, you can keep the savings in the UK account but as a non resident they may be liable to tax if it exceeds your allowances.

Can I open a Virgin M account online? ›

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.

Is a basic account a current account? ›

Basic bank accounts are stripped-back current accounts, so you're unlikely to get the same range of features you would with a standard current account. For example, you may not get: a cheque book. an arranged overdraft.

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

What is the easiest bank account to open in the UK? It's usually easier to open an account with one of the UK's largest banks - Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC or NatWest. These banks have been in business for a long time and are very safe.

How to check if you are blacklisted by bank UK? ›

There is no blacklist. There are three credit reference agencies in the UK who store information about your credit history. This information is called your credit reference file or credit report.

Can I open a UK bank account if I don't live in the UK? ›

UK Bank Account for Non-Residents – Documents Needed

To open a bank account, you will need identification. 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.

Can you be refused a basic bank account? ›

Can I be refused a basic bank account? It is unlikely that you will be refused a basic bank account because of your credit rating. Although the bank may not be checking your credit score, they will still need to identify you with your ID and address and conduct fraud checks to make sure you are who you say you are.

Can I have a UK bank account as a non resident? ›

In addition to identity verification, non-residents seeking to open a bank account in the UK are required to provide proof of income and proof of address. However, for non-EU/EFTA residents, there may be additional requirements, such as the need to provide visa details.

Can I have a UK bank account if I live in USA? ›

Quick Summary: UK bank account for US residents

Major UK banks like HSBC and Lloyds also cater to US citizens, offering a range of accounts for international clients. Various types of bank accounts are available, including current accounts for daily transactions and savings accounts with interest.

Can I keep a UK bank account if I move to USA? ›

Keep your existing bank account

So, the answer to the question, “can I keep my UK bank account if I move abroad?”, is yes. Keeping your UK bank account open after moving overseas is the first option and there are a couple of reasons why you might choose to do this.

What is the best bank account for expats in the UK? ›

Standard Bank Optimum Account

Ideal for expats needing sterling, dollar (US and AU), or euro transactional banking, flexibility across borders, access to FX, savings, and lending services, and digital solutions like internet and mobile banking. Key Details: Minimum Balance: £5,000 (currency equivalent applies).

What is the minimum account balance? ›

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 amount? ›

Monthly Average Balance (MAB), also known as the minimum average balance is nothing but the minimum amount you are required to maintain in your Savings Account every month. The figure is calculated at the end of each month and failure to maintain this minimum average balance will result in penalties.

What is the minimum balance you can have in a savings account? ›

If an account doesn't have sufficient funds in it, the bank may not be able to cover its costs with interest from loans. To encourage customers to maintain higher balances, banks may set minimum savings account balances, on average these are going to be around $300 to $500 but some could be $100 or less.

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