Barclays bank account review
- Key benefits
- Get more from your everyday banking with Barclays Blue Rewards, with access to enhanced savings rates and cashback on your everyday spend (Eligibility, conditions and a £5 monthly fee apply)
- Account fee
- £0
- Interest (AER)
- 0% AER
- Overseas card transactions
- 2.99%
- Representative example
- Representative Example: Assumed arranged overdraft of £1,200: 35.0% EAR (variable), 35.0% APR Representative (variable). Subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. How does this overdraft compare? Representative APRS help you compare costs of different credit products.
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.
The main selling point of the account is its app, which has spending insights and security controls including a PIN reminder. In terms of features, there isn't much on offer from the account itself, which is where it may fall down when compared to what's on offer from the likes of Chase and Starling.
Pros
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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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Barclays Blue Rewards (monthly fee applies)
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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 access to enhanced savings rates and cashback on your everyday spend (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 | Representative Example: Assumed arranged overdraft of £1,200: 35.0% EAR (variable), 35.0% APR Representative (variable). Subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. How does this overdraft compare? Representative APRS help you compare costs of different credit products. |
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.
- Opt into Barcalys Blue Rewards. As a Barclays customer, you have the option to opt into Barclays Blue Rewards. A monthly fee applies but in return there’s the opporunity to earn cashback and get exclusive savings rates.
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.
If you’re unable to use the app, then you can call to book an appointment.
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 | |
|---|---|
| Telephone support | |
| In-app or live chat | |
| Contact form | |
| Branch support |
Banking scores
Finder scores, in blue, are based on our expert analysis. We also show reviews from users, where we've received more than 10, with a score in yellow. We gather more reviews from customers every year in Finder's customer satisfaction survey.
To find out more, read our full methodology.
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