Can you open a bank account with bad credit? Opening a bank account usually requires a credit check and each bank will have its own requirements as to the types of customers and credit profiles that they will accept. If you have serious defaults, CCJs or have been bankrupt, then you may find it harder to be accepted for a standard bank account. Basic bank accounts are available from 15 UK banks and usually only require a credit check in order to identify you. Another alternative is guaranteed bank accounts, which are card-based accounts that offer banking services. They too are more lenient on accepting those with lower credit scores compared to a standard bank account. Guaranteed bank accounts are available from fintech companies and not banks. They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and have to operate to UK regulations, but if they fail, they are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and this might place your money at risk or delay you being able to access it.