Bank Accounts

A basic bank account

This easy to use account is available at most bank and some building societies. Your Housing Benefit and other incomes and benefits can be paid straight into it. You can make withdrawals from cash machines and in some cases over the counter from branches of the bank or building society itself.

Some basic bank accounts also offer you a debit card and with some accounts you may also be able to withdraw cash and check your balance at the Post Office. Please check with the bank or building society for details. A basic bank account might be a suitable account for you if you failed to clear a bank’s credit checks to open a current account. As a basic bank account holder, you can also pay your bills by direct debit or standing order, but as there are no overdraft facilities, you'll need to make sure you have enough money in your account to pay them or the payment will not be made and you may incur a bank charge.

A current or savings account at any bank or building society

These accounts offer a wide range of banking services. A current account offers the same facilities as the basic bank account and you may also receive a cheque book and a debit card. In some cases you can earn interest on your balance. You can also pay bills by direct debit and standing order. You can avoid paying bank charges as long as you don't go overdrawn. The bank or building society will decide whether to offer you a basic or current account depending upon your circumstances.

Opening a bank or building society account

Just get in touch with the bank or building society of your choice. You can visit the branch in person or in some cases you can do it by phone. You'll need to provide proof of who you are and where you live. The bank or building society will tell you which documents they accept - for example, a passport, full current driving licence or a recent council tax or utility bill. Tell them you need an account that money can be paid into directly.

As bank and building society accounts can vary, it's a good idea to compare different accounts to see which one suits you best. Some current accounts let you withdraw your cash from the Post Office. Some accounts are accessed using a cheque book and card and some also allow you to use a plastic card and Personal Identification Number (PIN) so that only you can take cash out.

If you have a current or a basic bank account, you can use your card at a cash machine to get money out or check your balance. With most accounts you can take your card into a branch and ask the cashier to give you some or all of your cash, and also ask how much is in your account.

Tips to help you choose an account that is right for you

1. Choose a bank with a branch that is conveniently located for you
2. If you prefer to use a plastic card to get your cash from a machine make sure you choose an account that provides you with a plastic card and a PIN number
3. If you want to pay your rent to your landlord by standing order or direct debit choose an account that offers these facilities
4. Find out what charges your bank will make. Most banks make charges, but many banks offer the services that you will need without making charges
5. Ask how you can avoid incurring charges
6. Some accounts may pay you interest on your savings, and if you are going to leave a balance in your account, it may be worthwhile looking around for the best interest rates

Check that you have proof of your identity and address with you when you go to the bank.

Southwark Credit Union

Southwark Credit Union is a 'community bank' which offers a range of financial products exclusively to those who live or work in Southwark. Southwark Credit Union offers a current account which includes features such as ATM cash card, debit card, and the facility to set up direct debits and standing orders.

To find out more about Southwark Credit Union you can call at one of their offices, addresses for which are set out below

79 Denmark Hill
London
SE5 8RS

221 Rye Lane
Peckham
London
SE15

18 Pilgrimage St
Bermondsey
London
SE1

Web: http://www.creditunion.co.uk
Tel: 020 7787 0770

You can also speak to a representative of Southwark Credit Union at any of Southwark Council’s One Stop Shops.

Bank website pages for basic bank accounts

Abbey
Alliance & Leicester
Barclays 
Co-Operative Bank
Halifax
HSBC
Lloyds TSB
Nationwide
NatWest
Royal Bank of Scotland

Local Information about banks and building societies

Peckham

Abbey
97 Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 0845 765 4321

Barclays
28 Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 0845 755 5555

Co-Operative Bank
151 Lewisham High St
London
SE13
Tel: 0845 721 2212

Halifax
24 Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 020 7599 0312

HSBC
47 Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 0845 740 4404

Lloyds TSB
76 Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 0845 300 0000

Nationwide
18a Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 020 7599 0700

NatWest
65 Peckham High St
London
SE15
Tel: 0845 600 2803

Royal Bank of Scotland
54 Lime St
London
EC3
Tel: 020 7929 2670

Walworth

Abbey
Unit 335-336
Shopping Centre
Elephant & Castle
London
SE17
Tel: 0845 765 4321

Alliance & Leicester
81-82 Cheapside
London
EC2
Tel: 0207283 5331

Barclays
28 Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 0845 755 5555

Co-Operative Bank
80 Cornhill
London
EC3
Tel: 0845 721 2212

Halifax
24 Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 020 7599 0312

HSBC
23 Denmark Hill
London
SE5
Tel: 0845 740 4404

Lloyds TSB
25 Camberwell Green
London
SE5
Tel: 0845 300 0000

Nationwide
259 Walworth Rd
London
SE17
Tel: 020 7301 9300

NatWest
65 Peckham High St
London
SE15
Tel: 0845 600 2803

Royal Bank of Scotland
36 New Bridge St
London
EC4
Tel: 020 7489 8078

Bermondsey

Abbey
210-212 Southwark Park Rd
London
SE16
Tel: 0845 765 4321

Alliance & Leicester
85 Gracechurch St
London
EC3
Tel: 020 7283 5331

Barclays
28 Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 0845 755 5555

Co-Operative Bank
9 Prescot St
London
EC3
Tel: 0845 721 2212

Halifax
28-29 Surrey Quays Shopping Centre
London
Tel: 020 7200 9234

HSBC
28 Borough High St
London
SE1
Tel: 0845 740 4404

Lloyds TSB
253-255 Southwark Pk Rd
London
SE16
Tel: 0845 300 0000

Nationwide
13a Borough High St
London
SE1
Tel: 020 7403 2123

NatWest
Borough High St
London
SE1
Tel: 0845 600 2803

Royal Bank of Scotland
54 Lime St
London
EC3
Tel: 020 7929 2670

East Dulwich

Abbey
97 Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 0845 765 4321

Barclays
28 Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 0845 755 5555

Co-Operative Bank
151 Lewisham High St
London
SE13
Tel: 0845 721 2212

Halifax
24 Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 020 7599 0312

HSBC
66 Lordship Lane
London
SE22
Tel: 0845 740 4404

Lloyds TSB
364-366 Lordship Lane
London
SE22
Tel: 0845 300 0000

Nationwide
18a Rye Lane
London
SE15
Tel: 020 7599 0700

NatWest
65 Peckham High St
London
SE15
Tel: 0845 600 2803

Royal Bank of Scotland
59 Streatham High Rd
London
SW16
Tel: 020 8677 9641

Contact us

By telephone

020 7525 1880 - housing and council tax benefit
020 7525 1850 - council tax

By post

Council Tax Section
London Borough Of Southwark
P.O. Box 782
Bromley
BR1 3YE

Please indicate which department your query is for.

In person

Bermondsey One Stop Shop
Spa Road
Bermondsey
SE16 3QN

Peckham One Stop Shop
Ground Floor
Peckham Library
122 Peckham Hill Street
SE15 5JR

Walworth One Stop Shop
151 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1RY

Dulwich Area Housing Office
41-43 East Dulwich Road
Dulwich
SE22 9BY

All one stop shops are open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. In addition, Peckham one stop shop is open on Saturday, 9am to 1pm.

By email

Housing/council tax benefit: Souhousingbenefitsuk@Liberata.com
Council tax: Soucounciltaxuk@Liberata.com