Top 10 Best Scottish Banks in 2024 | Deposit, Account Types, Rates
Top 10 Best Scottish Banks | Deposit, Account Types, Rates for Banks in Scotland. Scotland’s banking system is very sophisticated and offers some unique advantages, such as not paying bank fees if you remain on your account credit. You have the possibility to choose between various types of accounts, depending on the services offered.
The UK has a vast number of banks (over 300 banks), with good interest rates, minimum deposit, and outstanding account types and there are 14 banks in Scotland that are solving the problem of financial transactions while delivering a delightful banking experience.
Can you open a Bank Account in Scotland, UK?
Yes, you can open a bank account in Scotland even if you just moved to the country newly. If you are an EU / EFTA citizen, you have the right to open a basic account, which allows you to perform basic banking functions. However, the process of opening a bank account can be complicated or expensive depending on your nationality.
How to Open a Current Scottish Bank Account?
If you are a citizen of a third country, you do not have the right to open a basic account, so you must wait at least three months and open a “current” account.
Documentation may vary by bank, but generally, the following is required:
- Current photo.
- Proof of identity (valid passport).
- Proof of residence in the UK in the form of an electricity bill issued within the last 3 months.
- Pass a credit check.
- Details of your current job, income, or savings (including those in your home country).
- A substantial deposit to be made into your new Scottish bank account, the exact amount of which varies from bank to bank.
What are the Best Banks in Scotland?
1. Bank of Scotland
Bank of Scotland is dedicated to helping Scottish households, businesses and communities prosper. The bank presence is efficient in all major towns and cities in Scotland. Basically, the Bank of Scotland operates on three different account types; Classic, Platinum, and Youth and Student Accounts. To open an account, you need a minimum deposit of £1 with a 1.50% AER interest rate on balances between £4,000 and £5,000.
2. Halifax
Halifax is a division of Bank of Scotland plc. This bank understands that people like you save money for different reasons, hence, they have different account plans. The Halifax range of bank accounts can offer you simplicity when managing your everyday spending, or a little bit more, with accounts that include a wide range of insurance benefits.
4. HSBC
HSBC is a bank that will manage your money easily with its current account. You also have a lot to consider with their access to a linked savings account, overdraft, and digital banking. This bank operates on two major account types; Current and Savings account. The current account includes Premier, Advance, Bank, Student, Children’s, while the savings account is Regular and Fixed Rate Saving account which extends to children too.
5. Clydesdale Bank
Clydesdale Bank is one bank in Scotland that stands to help you achieve your ambitions and enjoy the security and confidence that saving can bring you, whether you want to save a little regularly or have a lump sum to invest. Whether you’re looking for an everyday account, something with perks, great digital tools, or something else, their accounts are designed to help you stay in control of your finances. To open an account with Clydesdale Bank, you must deposit at least £1 to open the account.
6. Barclays
Barclays is always proud to support businesses across Scotland. This bank operates on two major account types; Current and Savings account. You need a £1 minimum deposit fee to open an account with Barclays while you stand to enjoy a 0.01% interest rate in their Everyday savings account.
The current account includes Everyday account comprising Barclays Bank, Premier Current, Basic Current, and Joint Accounts; Student accounts comprising Student addition and Higher Education Accounts; Young people comprising Children’s Bank and Young Person’s Account; and Foreign currency account. While the savings account is a Regular and Fixed Rate savings account which extends to children too.
7. Royal Bank of Scotland
Royal Bank of Scotland has a history of making life easier for its customers through its fully-fledged internet banking service. Royal Bank of Scotland has over three account types with additional account types, namely; Everyday bank account, Joint, and Foundation accounts. The additional account type include Reward, Student, Child & Teen bank account. There is no minimum deposit but you can expect to pay a 3% Gross / 3.04% AER interest rate on balances up to £1,000.
How to Open a Basic Bank Account in Scotland
To open a basic account, you don’t need proof of Scottish employment or credit history (which of course you won’t have yet). You will need the following to open a “basic” bank account:
- Current photo.
- Proof of UK address in the form of an electricity bill issued within the last 3 months
- Proof of identity (valid passport or European identity card).
- After six or twelve months, you can switch to a “current” bank account.
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