In this section we look at bank accounts
and bank statements.
Opening a bank account When you open a bank
account you'll need
some identification - a passport or driving licence will do.
You
also need some proof of where you live; a benefits book,
gas bill, etc. And you need some details of your income - wages,
salary,
pension or benefits.
Online
and telephone banking.
These are alternatives to high street banks. Telephone banking
is great for busy people. You can talk to a person, instead of
using
a
machine.
You can
also use it at almost any time of day. Some banks offer 24 hour
banking and Internet banking is always available 24 hours a
day.
So you could check your bank balance in the middle of the night
when the party next door keeps you awake!
Statements The bank will send you a bank
statement regularly, probably every month, or every three months.
You can choose which
suits you better.
It is a good idea to check your statement
every month. It's boring but you may find that there is a mistake
or that something has gone wrong.
For example, someone might find out your
card number and use it to buy things online or by phone.
If you would like to learn more about bank
statements and how to read them, the 'What
is a financial statement' page in the 'Financial records
and information' section will help.
Once you have opened a bank account you
will probably want to write cheques, we have a separate section
on how to write
cheques.
