Article: Top Reasons to Use a Bank

Top reasons you need a bank account 

There are lots of reasons why you might need a bank account

1. Automatically pay bills

- Rather than remembering when you need to pay bills every month, having an account means you can automate payments to come out at a fixed time, so you'll never forget.

2. Keep your cash safe

- While keeping your money under the mattress may feel like a safe place - it's not protected from things like a fire, flood or theft. In a bank however, your money is insured, which means it's safe.

3. Get your wages

- Many employers will only pay your wages into a bank account, instead of giving you your wages in cash, which is sometimes called 'cash-in-hand payment', so having one means there are more places for you to try when you're looking for a job.

4. Statements

- Managing your money is easier when you can see what you're spending it on. Every month you'll receive a statement through the post - or you can look online - this lists when and where money goes out and comes in.

5. Debt free living

- With many basic bank accounts, they'll tell you when you try to get money out at a cashpoint or pay for something that you're out of cash, so you don't have to worry about getting into debt - on some accounts you can even set up an alert, so if you're getting near empty, you get a text to warn you.

6. Mobile banking

- Need to lend your friend some cash but the banks are closed? You can now use apps on your smartphone to transfer cash to friends or family instantly and keep an eye on your balance to see how much money you have in your account.

7. Receive benefits

- The government has stopped paying benefits via cheque - so having a bank account makes it essential for receiving your money if you've signed up to receive benefits.

8. Shop online

- Having an account means you can pay for things - in many cases cheaper than on the high street - online, saving time and money.

9. Safe from thieves

- Carrying cash in your pocket makes it an easier target for thieves. Carrying a debit card means your money sits behind a PIN code that only you know.

There is a useful guide to bank accounts and products from the Money Advice Service.