Barclays bank account review
- Key benefits
- Get more from your everyday banking with Barclays Blue Rewards, with member deals and savings rates. (Eligibility, conditions and a £5 monthly fee apply)
- Account fee
- £0
- Interest (AER)
- 0% AER
- Overseas card transactions
- 2.99%
- Representative example
Available to UK residents 18 or over. Manage your money with the Barclays app, Online Banking and more. You must be 18 or over to access this product in the app. T&Cs apply.
Representative Example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you will be charged 35.0% EAR (variable).
Representative APR: 35.0% (variable). Subject to application, financial circumstance and borrowing history.
Our verdict
If you’re on the hunt for a better current account, find out if the Barclays bank account could be right for you.
If you're happy to manage your bank account via an app and you're after a range of money management tools to help you stay in control of your finances, the Barclays bank account is certainly worth a look.
However, overall, this account doesn't have a huge amount to offer, and you could be better off looking for an account with a challenger brand such as Starling Bank. Starling's account can also be managed via an app but offers a broader range of features and benefits, including no fees for using your card abroad.
Pros
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£5 monthly fee for Barclays Blue Rewards
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24/7 customer support
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Access to the Barclays branch network
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Access to money management tools
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Easy to apply
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FSCS protection
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Overdraft available
Cons
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Limited account features
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No interest paid on balances
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Interest charged on overdrafts
Details
Product overview
Account name | Bank Account |
Incentive | Get more from your everyday banking with Barclays Blue Rewards, with member deals and savings rates. (Eligibility, conditions and a £5 monthly fee apply). |
Provider | Barclays Bank |
Account fee | £0 |
ATM withdrawal limit | £500 |
Debit network | Visa |
Card type | Cash / Debit |
Minimum eligibility age | 18 Years |
Minimum operating balance | £1 |
Minimum opening balance | £1 |
Direct debits | |
Current account switch guarantee | |
Cheque Book |
Fees
Foreign cash currency fee in Europe | 2.99% |
Foreign cash currency fee in rest of world | 2.99% |
Foreign cash transaction fee in Europe | £0 |
Foreign cash transaction fee in rest of world | £0 |
Overdraft information
Arranged overdraft available | |
Overdraft Grace Period | 15:00 same day |
Representative example | Available to UK residents 18 or over. Manage your money with the Barclays app, Online Banking and more. You must be 18 or over to access this product in the app. T&Cs apply. Representative Example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you will be charged 35.0% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 35.0% (variable). Subject to application, financial circumstance and borrowing history. |
Barclays is a British universal bank, headquartered in London. It operates as 2 divisions, Barclays UK and Barclays International. The bank offers a range of different financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, savings accounts and bank accounts.
This review takes a closer look at the Barclays bank account.
What is the Barclays bank account?
The Barclays bank account is, according to Barclays, its most popular account. As well as being able to use the account for your everyday banking needs, you’ll also have access to a range of money management tools and an overdraft.
The account can be opened and managed via the Barclays app, and it can be opened on a joint or individual basis.
How does it work?
The key features of the Barclays bank account are outlined below:
- No monthly fee. There is no monthly maintenance fee with this account.
- Money management tools. Through the app you can get spending insights, flexible security controls and more.
- Optional arranged overdraft. Interest is charged at a rate of 35.0% APR, but you’ll also have a £15 interest-free safety net.
- Open and manage your account via the app. Making it quick and easy to bank on the go.
Who is it for?
To be eligible for the Barclays bank account, you must be a UK resident aged 18 or over. The account could suit anyone looking for an everyday bank account that they are happy to manage via an app.
What are the benefits?
The main benefits of the account are that there is no monthly fee and you’ll have access to an app to help you better manage your money and stay on top of your finances.
How to apply
You can apply for the Barclays bank account by downloading the Barclays app. All you need to do is enter your details and upload a selfie and photo ID to verify your identity. Barclays will run a quick credit check and if you pass, you’ll then get instant access to your new current account.
Alternatively, you can apply using an online form – you’ll need to do this if you’re opening a joint account.
Is it safe?
Yes, Barclays is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the PRA. Eligible deposits will be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £85,000 per person or up to £170,000 for joint accounts.
Customer service information for Barclays
Email support | |
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Telephone support | |
In-app or live chat | |
Contact form | |
Branch support |