Lesson 6. Bank accounts

Most people have an account with a bank or a building society. Money is kept safely in the bank. Bills can be paid directly from the bank or with a debit card. Cash can be withdrawn or cheques can be used.

Writing a cheque

Note

– the amount in words must match the amount in figures

– the cheque much be used within six months of the date

– if you make a mistake when filling out a cheque, you may correct it so long as you write your signature by the mistake

– the bank will not pay the money for your cheque if you do not have enough money in your bank account

Cheque guarantee card

Once you are over 18, your bank may allow you a cheque guarantee card. If the cheque guarantee card number is written on the back of the cheque, the dank will definitely pay the money (the maximum amount is usually £100).

Being overdrawn

If you spend more money that is in your bank account without arranging with the bank beforehand, you will go overdrawn. The bank will charge you extra money and you will owe them even more money. You will then have to sort it out quickly or you could run into even greater difficulties.

To keep track of your monty? The bank or building society will send you a regular ‘statement’.

Test lesson 6

• Test

Other lessons:

Lesson 1. Wages
Lesson 2. Wages-overtime
Lesson 3. Pricing your holiday
Lesson 4. Money for your holiday
Lesson 5. Mobile phones
Lesson 7. VAT - Value Added Tax
Lesson 8. Electricity, gas and water
Lesson 9. Credit - 1
Lesson 10. Credit - 2
Lesson 11. Credit - 3
Lesson 12. Which is better value?
Lesson 13. Car insurance
Lesson 14. Income tax
Lesson 15. Buying a house
Lesson 16. Council fax
Lesson 17. Old age pension