How to apply for a debit card in the UK?
Applying for a debit card in the UK is quite simple, the process does not require much effort. We offer a short step-by-step guide that will help you quickly become the owner of a bank debit card:
- Choose a bank. Our catalog of bank debit cards will help you choose a bank. On this page, Bankchart analysts have collected the offers of all banks that provide for the opening of a card account. It is important to research all offers and compare the conditions of banks. We recommend paying special attention to cards without monthly fees, with convenient mobile banking, cards with cashback. Depending on your needs, you can choose different types of debit cards: savings account debit card, prepaid debit card, personalized debit card, free debit card with money.
- Collect the necessary documents. To open a debit card, you need to provide the bank with proof of identity - this can be a valid passport, driver's license or national identity card. The second mandatory document is proof of address using the latest utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement. These documents must include your current address. Some banks may require documents to prove income or employment status, but most apply to overdraft accounts
- You can apply online on the bank's official website or at the nearest branch. When applying online, you will need to fill out a special form (questionnaire) and upload scanned copies of documents
- Wait for approval. This process can last from several minutes to several days, depending on the bank.
- Activate your debit card. After receiving the debit card, it must be activated. This can be done by using the card at an ATM or making a phone call. After that, you should set up online banking for convenient tracking of transactions
This way, you can apply for a Visa Maestro or MasterCard Gold debit card from the comfort of your home.
You can also place free funds on a savings account.
Calculate your future income on a savings account (example):
| Amount, $ | Rate, % | Accrued %, $ |
| 30,000 | 4.00% | 1,200 |
| 30,000 | 4.10% | 1,230 |
| 30,000 | 4.20% | 1,260 |
| 80,000 | 4.50% | 3,600 |
| 80,000 | 4.60% | 3,680 |
| 80,000 | 4.70% | 3,760 |
| 190,000 | 5.10% | 9,690 |
| 190,000 | 5.20% | 9,880 |
| 190,000 | 5.30% | 10,070 |
| 340,000 | 5.50% | 18,700 |
| 340,000 | 5.60% | 19,040 |
| 340,000 | 5.70% | 19,380 |
What are the benefits of a bank debit card?
Debit cards are a convenient and safe way to carry out daily banking transactions and purchases. Due to their advantages, they are very popular in Great Britain. Let's consider their main advantages:
- Convenience. You can use debit cards to pay in almost any store, pharmacy, or on the Internet and you don't need to carry cash with you. Debit cardholders have direct access to funds as all payments are directly linked to your bank account
- Interest is not charged. Debit cards are debt-free because, unlike credit cards, you spend personal money that you already have in your card account.
- Budgeting and cost control. A debit card is an extremely convenient way to control spending. Because all transactions are immediately reflected in your account balance, you can monitor your balance in real-time
- Security. Debit bank cards are maximally protected against the actions of fraudsters. In addition, chip-pin code technology and contactless payments are safe
- Cashback and rewards. Some banks offer favorable terms for refunds for purchases made with a debit card in certain retail stores. In addition, various reward and discount programs may be provided.
Who offers MasterCard debit cards?
Several banks and financial institutions in the UK offer Mastercard debit cards. These cards can be used for everyday spending, online purchases, and ATM withdrawals, both in the UK and abroad. Here are some of the major providers: Lloyds Bank, TSB, Santander, Metro Bank, Monzo, Starling Bank, First Direct, Revolut, Virgin Money, Cashplus.
Are there free debit cards?
Yes, debit cards are generally free in the UK. When you open a current account with most banks and financial institutions, a debit card is typically provided at no additional cost.
For standard current accounts, the debit card itself is usually free. There are no direct fees for using the card for everyday purchases or ATM withdrawals in the UK.
There are no fees for using your debit card for transactions within the UK, whether you're paying in-store, online, or withdrawing cash from most ATMs.
While the card itself is free, you may incur fees for using your debit card abroad. These fees can include foreign transaction fees, currency conversion charges, or ATM withdrawal fees. Some banks, like Starling Bank or Monzo, offer cards with no fees for foreign transactions.
Most banks will replace a lost or stolen debit card for free. However, some may charge a fee for expedited delivery if you need a replacement urgently.
Debit cards in the UK usually come with contactless payment functionality at no additional cost. This allows you to make quick payments by tapping your card on a payment terminal.
Do banks issue customized debit cards?
Yes, UK banks offer customized debit cards to their customers. Opening such a card, you can choose a design, add personal photos, or choose a topic from the suggested ones. Thus, the debit card will be personalized to your ideas and wishes as much as possible. Such a card will stand out among other standard cards. Therefore, you can create a unique debit card.
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Details of companies offering the financial services:
Axis Bank UK
Head office’s address: Regus Offices, Unit No. G 06, Eagle House 167, City Road, London, EC1V 1AW
Phone: +44 (020) 73972522
Web-site: http://www.axisbankuk.co.uk/
Swift code: AXISGB2L
Reference number: 577452
Stock code: AXB
ABN: 07554558
BSB: AXIS
Barclays Bank
Head office’s address: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP
Contact center: 0800-400-100
Phone: +44 (034) 5734 53 45
Web-site: http://www.barclays.co.uk/
Swift code: BARCGB33
Reference number: 122702
Stock code: BARC
ABN: 01026167
BSB: BARC
Chase
Head office’s address: 4 Lombard St, London EC3V 9AA
Contact center: 0800 376 3333
Phone: +44 203 493 0829
Web-site: https://www.chase.co.uk/gb/en/
First Direct
Head office’s address: 40 Wakefield Road, Leeds LS98 1FD
Contact center: +44-345-610-0100
Web-site: https://www.firstdirect.com/
Halifax
Head office’s address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ
Contact center: 0345-720-3040
Phone: +44 (011) 3242 19 84
Web-site: http://www.halifax.co.uk/
Stock code: HALP
HyperJar
Head office’s address: Limited, HyperJar, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London
Web-site: https://hyperjar.com/
ICICI Bank UK
Head office’s address: One Thomas More Square London E1W 1YN
Contact center: +44 344-412-4444
Phone: +44 203 478 5319
Web-site: https://www.icicibank.co.uk/
Kroo Bank
Head office’s address: Labs House, 15-19 Bloomsbury Way, London
Web-site: https://www.kroo.com/
Lloyds Bank
Head office’s address: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN
Contact center: 0345-300-0000
Web-site: https://www.lloydsbank.com/
Swift code: LBGTGB22
Reference number: 119278
Stock code: LLOY
ABN: 00002065
BSB: LBGT
Monzo Bank
Head office’s address: Broadwalk House, 5 Appold St, London EC2A 2AG
Contact center: 0800 802 1281
Phone: +44 20 3872-0620
Web-site: https://monzo.com/
Nationwide
Head office’s address: Nationwide House Pipers Way
Contact center: 0800-30-20-15
Phone: +44 (034) 5730 20 15
Web-site: http://www.nationwide.co.uk
Swift code: NBSMGB22
Reference number: 106078
Stock code: NBS
ABN: 355B
BSB: NBSM
NatWest Bank
Head office’s address: 250 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AA
Contact center: 0800-88-11-77
Phone: +44 345 788 8444
Web-site: https://www.natwest.com/
Swift code: NWBKGB2
Reference number: 121878
Stock code: GBP1
ABN: 00929027
BSB: NWBK
Ode
Head office’s address: London
Web-site: https://ode.money/
Post Office
Head office’s address: 12 Eastcheap, London. EC3M 1AJ
Contact center: +44 345 722 3344
Web-site: http://www.postoffice.co.uk
Revolut UK
Head office’s address: London
Web-site: https://www.revolut.com/
Santander
Head office’s address: 2 Triton Square, Regent's Place, London, NW1 3AN
Contact center: 0800-389-7000
Web-site: http://www.santander.co.uk/
Swift code: ABBYGB3E
Reference number: 106054
ABN: 02294747
BSB: ABBY
Standard Chartered Bank
Head office’s address: Standard Chartered Bank, 1 Basinghall Avenue, London, EC2V 5DD
Phone: +44 207 885 8888
Web-site: https://www.sc.com/uk/
Swift code: SCBLGB2G
Reference number: 114276
ABN: ZC000018
BSB: SCBL
Starling Bank
Head office’s address: 5th Floor, London Fruit And Wool Exchange, 1 Duval Square, London, E1 6PW.
Phone: +44 20 7930 4450
Web-site: https://www.starlingbank.com/
Swift code: SRLGGB3L
Reference number: 730166
Stock code: STERLNB
ABN: 09092149
BSB: SRLG
Tesco Bank
Head office’s address: 2 S Gyle Cres, Edinburgh EH12 9FQ
Contact center: 0800-591-688
Phone: +44 131 203 5000
Web-site: http://www.tescobank.com
Swift code: TPFGGB2L
Reference number: 186022
Stock code: TSCO
ABN: SC173199
BSB: TPFG
The Co-operative Bank plc
Head office’s address: 1 Balloon Street, Manchester M60 4EP
Contact center: 159
Phone: +44 (034) 5721 22 12
Web-site: http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/
Reference number: 121885
ABN: 00990937
TSB
Head office’s address: Henry Duncan House, 120 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4LH
Phone: +44 (034) 5975 87 58
Web-site: http://www.tsb.co.uk
Swift code: TSBSGB2A
Reference number: 119278
Stock code: 94AQ
ABN: SC095237
BSB: TSBS
Wise
Head office’s address: London
Web-site: https://wise.com/