[usr1106]

I understand those are more expensive than normal accounts on commercial basis, bad value for the money. It's only that the bank cannot refuse to open a basic account because they don't like the customer's business. I doubt a debit card is included. Those accounts are needed because all wages and even social benefits are only paid by bank transfer in most EU countries.

Disclaimer: Haven't checked the details now.

[pjc50]

> Disclaimer: Haven't checked the details now.

Well that's dumb. The UK version is fee-free and of course it includes a debit card; how would you use the account otherwise? Passbook account like the 1970s? They don't want you tying up valuable cashier time.

[usr1106]

I assume the motivation was that banks don't have to offer free service and make losses on it, they can charge "a reasonable" price.

In practice they charge less "for good customers", i.e. where they do or at least assume to make more money by selling other products or by paying a non-competitive interest rate on higher balances.

A quick Web search brings up a ruling that a German bank was ordered by court to pay back the fee difference between a commercial account and a basic account. But I understand the practice continues more or less hidden. Few of the basic account customers would claim their rights.

I would guess most basic accounts come with an ATM card.

[throwaway2037]

    I doubt a debit card is included.

Is it possible to get a bank account now without a debit card? ATM card only must be incredibly rare. Plus, the bank makes more money on debit card purchases than cash (that was withdrawn from ATM).

[usr1106]

> Is it possible to get a bank account now without a debit card?

Absolutely. I have one myself.

I have the had the account for nearly 30 years and maybe I should completely close it. But for "historic reasons" some senders know only that account and some direct debit is still active there. But I have cancelled my cards a decade ago when I intended to close the account.