UK bank customers have substantial legal protections that many people are entirely unaware of.

📋 Key points
  • Unauthorised transaction protection
  • Authorised push payment fraud
  • Complaining about your bank

FSCS protection

The FSCS now protects up to £120,000 per person per institution (increased from £85,000 in December 2025). Spread savings above this level across different institutions.

Unauthorised transaction protection

Your bank must refund an unauthorised transaction promptly — by the end of the next business day — unless you acted fraudulently or with gross negligence. Report suspected fraud immediately and in writing.

Authorised push payment fraud

The PSR's reimbursement rules require banks to reimburse most APP fraud victims up to £85,000. Report to your bank promptly.

Complaining about your bank

Give your bank eight weeks to resolve a complaint. If unsatisfied, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), which is free and can award compensation.

Overdraft rules

Since 2020, banks charge a single annual interest rate rather than complex fee structures. If you use an overdraft regularly, a personal loan at a lower rate is often cheaper.

Bottom line

Your rights as a bank customer are substantial. Know them, use them, and do not hesitate to use official complaints channels when things go wrong.