MoneyHelper
Government-backed guidance about bank accounts, borrowing, credit and managing money.
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A basic bank account is designed for people who may not qualify for other accounts.
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OPEN HELPHMRC, Banking Rights, Credit Scores, Budgeting, Savings, Financial Planning and Protection From Illegal Lending Purpose: This guide provides factual information based on UK law, official government guidance, financial regulators, and recognised independent organisations. It explains banking rights, credit records, budgeting, household finances, savings, and protection from financial exploitation. Important: HMRC does not regulate banks or credit providers. However, HMRC records can affect income verification, tax calculations, benefits, self-employment records, and certain financial applications.
Contents
- Basic Bank Accounts
- Understanding Credit Scores
- Managing Credit
- Savings and Emergency Funds
- Budgeting Basics
- Managing Household Finances
- Financial Planning
- Avoiding Loan Sharks
- Banking Complaints and Consumer Rights
- Data Protection Rights
- Independent Advice and Support
1. Basic Bank Accounts
What is a Basic Bank Account?
A basic bank account is designed for people who may not qualify for other accounts.
Most basic accounts allow:
- Receiving wages and benefits
- Direct Debits
- Standing Orders
- Cash withdrawals
- Debit card use
They generally do not include overdraft facilities.
Official guidance:
Access to Banking
UK banks should consider applications fairly and follow anti-discrimination and financial regulations.
Relevant protections include:
- Equality Act 2010
Official information:
2. Understanding Credit Scores
What Is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a number produced by credit reference agencies using information from your credit history.
Lenders may use this information when deciding whether to offer:
- Loans
- Credit cards
- Mortgages
- Finance agreements
Factors That May Affect Credit Records
Examples include:
- Payment history
- Credit usage
- Existing borrowing
- County Court Judgments (CCJs)
- Electoral register information
Different agencies may use different scoring systems.
Official information:
Your Rights
You may have rights to:
- Access your credit information
- Challenge inaccuracies
- Request corrections
Official resources:
3. Managing Credit
Good Credit Management Practices
Examples include:
Paying Bills on Time
Avoiding Unnecessary Borrowing
Checking Statements Regularly
Monitoring Credit Reports
Reporting Fraud Quickly
If You Are Struggling With Credit
Contact lenders early.
Many lenders have support arrangements for customers in financial difficulty.
Official guidance:
- Financial Difficulties and Debt (FCA)
4. Savings & Emergency Funds
Why Savings Matter
Savings can help with:
- Unexpected bills
- Job loss
- Household emergencies
- Car repairs
- Essential expenses
Emergency Funds
Many financial advisers suggest building an emergency fund gradually where possible.
The amount required varies according to personal circumstances.
Official guidance:
- Saving Money (MoneyHelper)
Tax-Free Savings
Examples may include:
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs)
Official guidance:
5. Budgeting Basics
Creating a Budget
A budget helps track:
Income
- Wages
- Benefits
- Pensions
- Self-employment income
Expenses
- Housing
- Utilities
- Food
- Transport
- Debt repayments
Budgeting Tools
MoneyHelper
6. Managing Household Finances
Shared Finances
Households may wish to review:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utility bills
- Food costs
- Childcare expenses
- Insurance
- Debt obligations
After Separation
Individuals may need to review:
- Benefit entitlement
- Child maintenance
- Housing support
- Council Tax discounts
Official guidance:
7. Financial Planning
Areas to Consider
Savings
Insurance
Pension Planning
Debt Reduction
Emergency Planning
Estate Planning
Pension Information
Official guidance:
Pension Guidance
MoneyHelper
8. Avoiding Loan Sharks
What Is a Loan Shark?
A loan shark is someone lending money without proper authorisation.
Loan sharks may:
- Charge excessive interest
- Use threats or intimidation
- Operate illegally
Warning Signs
- No paperwork
- Unclear repayment terms
- Threatening behaviour
- Cash-only arrangements
- Requests to hand over bank cards or documents
Reporting Illegal Lending
England Illegal Money Lending Team
Financial Abuse and Coercive Control
Financial abuse can include:
- Controlling access to money
- Forcing debt
- Restricting bank account access
- Withholding financial information
Support may be available through specialist organisations.
Refuge
- Refuge Support Services
Banking Complaints and Consumer Rights
If You Have a Complaint
Step 1
Complain to the bank or provider.
Step 2
Use internal complaints procedures.
Step 3
Refer unresolved complaints to:
Financial Ombudsman Service
Official guidance:
Consumer Protection
Relevant legislation includes:
- Consumer Rights Act 2015
- Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
HMRC and Financial Records
HMRC information may be relevant for:
- Mortgage applications
- Self-employment verification
- Income verification
- Tax calculations
Official guidance:
Data Protection Rights
Banks, HMRC, lenders and financial organisations must comply with:
- UK GDPR
- Data Protection Act 2018
Individuals generally have rights to:
Access Their Information
Correct Inaccuracies
Request Explanations
Make Complaints
Official resources:
Independent Advice and Support
Government Information
Financial Guidance
Debt Advice
Consumer Advice
Financial Regulation
Financial Complaints
Additional Support People Often Miss
Pension Credit
Council Tax Reduction
Benefits Calculators
Cost of Living Help
- Help for Households
Key Legal Principles
Under UK law, individuals have rights to fair treatment by banks, lenders, HMRC, and financial institutions. Financial organisations must comply with consumer protection legislation, financial regulations, equality duties, and data protection laws. People have rights to access information held about them, challenge inaccuracies, make complaints, and seek independent review through regulators and ombudsman services. Good budgeting, record-keeping, and seeking advice early can help prevent financial difficulties from becoming serious debt problems.