Eligibility depends on the provider and account, but you’ll usually need to meet its age and UK residency requirements and provide identification and proof of address. Some accounts require a minimum opening deposit, regular payments or an existing current account, while savings applications generally do not involve a credit check. If you have a low income, limited documents or a poor credit history, a basic savings account may still be available, although the provider decides. Check the account’s terms and confirm that the bank or building society is FCA-authorised and covered by the FSCS where applicable.