Choosing a bank account

Whether you're opening your first bank account or switching from your existing one, we have a range of accounts to suit all your needs. We have three convenient accounts to choose from:

Current Account Keyway Account Linksave Account

for an easy and straightfor­ward way of banking; complete flexibility for those who demand a little extra; for those who are ready to take control of their cash.

To find out more about each of these accounts, read on. Then once you've decided which one best suits your needs, just call Freecall 0500 11 77 11 to apply, or fill in and return the appropriate application form.

1. You can enjoy the ease and convenience of an Alliance & Leicester Giro Current Account just as long as you're 15 years of age or over. Take a look at what it offers, you:

• A cheque book and a range of cards to suit you. - Apply for an Alliance & Leicester Giro Delta Card -a debit, cash and £ 50 or £ 100 cheque guarantee card all in one. You can use it as a debit card instead of writing cheques whether you see the Delta or Visa symbols.

• Alternatively you may receive a £ 50 cheque guarantee card and a LINK ATM card.

• Withdraw up to £ 100 from LINK ATMs (or up to £ 250 by prior arrangement subject to status). - Check your balance at any LINK machine. - Print out mini-statements at Alliance & Leicester Croup LINK machines.

• Go up to £ 10 overdrawn without getting charged.

• If you are 18 or over and pay at least £ 200 a month into your account, you can request an overdraft (has a monthly fee and interest charges).

• Arrange for regular automated credits (such as your salary) to go direct to your account.

• Pay bills by standing order or direct debit.

• A useful Welcome Pack to help you get your account up and running.

2. You may do your banking at your local post office. You may bank by phone, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can also enjoy instant access to your cash at over 14, 000 LINK cash machines. You also can do your banking by post and be even supplied pre-addressed envelopes.

To open a Keyway Account, you have to pay at least £ 400 into your account each month (£ 300 if you're over 55) and be 18 or over. Once you've been accepted, you can look forward to all these benefits:

• Enjoy the convenience of an Alliance & Leicester Giro Delta Card - a debit, £ 100 cheque guarantee and cash card all in one. You can use it as a debit card .instead of writing cheques wherever you see the Delta or Visa symbols.

• Cash up to £ 100 per day at any post office.

• Withdraw up to £ 100 from LINK ATMs (or up to £ 250 by prior arrangements).

• Look forward to earning interest on the money in you account.

• Go up to £ 20 overdrawn without getting charged.

• Automatic overdraft of £ 200 (has a monthly fee and interest charges). A larger overdraft can be requested

• Receive regular monthly statements. Or weekly statements can be sent out for a small charge.

• Make regular payments, such as you mortgage, gas bills or HP installments by standing order or direct debit.

• A useful Welcome Pack to help you get your account up and running.

3. You can open a Linksave Account with as little as £ 1, providing that you're 11 years of age or over. Then you can take advantage of all this:

• Look forward to earning interest on the money in your account.

• You'll be sent a Linksave card.

• For added security, your PIN number will be sent separately.

• Withdraw up to £ 100 from LINK ATMs (or up to £ 250 by prior arrangement subject to status).

• Check your balance at any LINK machine.

• Print out mini-statements at Alliance & Leicester Group LINK machines.

• Arrange payments to go into your account, such as student grant, your wages.