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Virgin Money: Essential Current Account reviews

Name: Essential Current Account
Rating: 3.06 (142 reviews)

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3.05

Based on 142 reviews, last reviewed 28th Jan 2026

No new 5 star reviews

in the past 90 days

No new 1 star reviews

in the past 90 days

38%

13%

37%

Latest highest rating:

4

Branch has a car park, and parking is normally possi... Branch has a car park, and parking is normally possible. Internal cash machines usually operational and available. Queue at tellers desk normally arou... Read more Reviewed on: 28th January 2026

Latest lowest rating:

1

Completely useless, l have been on the phone for ove... Completely useless, l have been on the phone for over two hours no response Reviewed on: 4th June 2024

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About this product

The Virgin Money Essential Current Account is no longer available to new customers.

Virgin Money reviews help you find out what it’s really like to be a customer. If you’ve used Virgin Money before, you can also leave a review and share your experience.

Virgin Money Essential Current Account reviews (142)

Review of the Virgin Money, Essential Current Account:

Just godawful.

Just godawful. Consistently on hold for at least 40 mins. One alert where they asked me to contact them. After over an hour on hold, I gave up and tried another number. They looked at the account and said there was nothing wrong - although they verified that the alert had indeed come from them. Then online account was blocked - again, spent ages on hold on a Sunday when their hours were showing as open. But then it had to be referred to another department and they weren't open until Monday. So tried again on Monday and got everything resolved in about 5 mins - but was on hold for 45 mins to get there. So many problems with their new system. I really hope they get this sorted soon because it's a miserable experience having to deal with their very inaccessible customer support and appalling wait times. Reviewed on: 15th August 2022

friendly staff

always helpful and will recommend products Reviewed on: 8th November 2018

Does what it says on the tin. Sadly no smartphone app, yet!

In the 15 months since opening the account the account has performed fine & on the occasion I've been in to the Bolton branch the staff have been super. Called customer services 3 times & they were superb, sorted out my very slight issues, one of them was down to me being a complete t1t. VM change their card supplier from Visa to MasterCard & the new card was a contactless card, of which I didn't want. So I called CS asked if that feature could be disabled. I was advised that at the time it could not but the adviser did tell me that a lot of people were asking the same. He put my name down to be advised of when the ability to switch off the contactless feature was available. A few months later and I was notified & it was disabled. Reviewed on: 5th November 2018

Reply from Virgin Money Good to hear from you Will. I'm pleased to hear you're happy with the account. There's no app available at the moment but I'll certainly pass your feedback on to the team. You know where I am if you need anything. Thanks, Holly Response date: 6th November 2018

Usability very poor

I cannot believe what this account has to offer. Can only be taken out in store only. If you want to amend or set up a direct debit or standing order, you have to go in store. Every bank I know you can do almost everything online other than this account. The CEO of virgin money really needs to review and update his products. Reviewed on: 28th March 2018

Reply from Virgin Money Hi Phil, thanks for your feedback! I'll be sure to pass that on to the relevant teams for you, just let me know if there's anything else I can help with. Thanks, Jane Response date: 28th March 2018

Very basic banking

Very basic banking account,online mamangement terrible, can view account but that’s it. Cannot transfer,look at direct debits etc. Some of these things such as transferring money to another person or company you cannot even do on the phone,you have to go in branch to do.would not recommend Reviewed on: 8th February 2018

Reply from Virgin Money Hi Sarah, thanks for your feedback. We’ll let you know right away if there’s any updates to the account. In the meantime if you have any questions just shout up. Thanks, Lindsay Response date: 10th February 2018

excellent

been with them for some time and never had any problems 100% professional Reviewed on: 8th February 2018

Reply from Virgin Money Hi, that’s great to hear Clare. Thanks for sharing that with us! Lindsay Response date: 10th February 2018

Virgin Banking

Great bank with clear, easy to use banking online. Style of wording and set out of all publications are useful but not dull and make you feel positive and happy. Reviewed on: 26th January 2018

Fantastic, personable service

I've been with virgin for over two years and they constantly amazed me with how they go out of their way to help. Whether it's following up on issues, helping to arrange things, or simply saying "leave it with me, I'll sort that for you" so I can get on with my day. They are 100% supportive of me and I would (and have) recommend them to everyone and anyone! Reviewed on: 23rd January 2018

Ghastly bank - one of the worst

I inherited this account since I was previously a happy Northern Rock client until they were taken over by Virgin. I tolerated them for a few years hoping they would be taken over or absorbed into another bank. No such luck. After poor service, lack of facilities and awareness that customers are important, I gave up and closed the account. Not recommended. Reviewed on: 17th January 2018

Basic but brilliant

It may be basic but the Virgin Essential Account is number 1 on my personal list of must -haves. As a part- time worker, I really value not having to fret about fees or charges when I might be inadvertently overdrawn or there’s a problem with my direct debits. Not like some other banks I could mention! Plus I get to earn monthly interest on my balances, and it‘s handy to be able to manage my account online, via phone or through visits to the plush Virgin money lounges. I’ve visited the lounges on many occasions for advice and the staff bend over backwards to help you. The coffee is also excellent! More importantly, this account recognises diversity of income in being open to people on Universal Credit. I feel that this product and its benefits are bringing the humanity back into banking at a time when it is being stripped away by other providers. Reviewed on: 23rd December 2017

Welcoming

The staff are easy to talk to. The atmosphere is welcoming. The staff know the meaning of the phrase 'personal banking' and never make you feel that you are wasting their time, no matter what the query is. I'm so glad to have opened my account with them. Thank you. Reviewed on: 21st November 2017

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