Hi, I will be taking bank details only, just sort code and account number and I am unsure if i need an SSL. Everywhere I read people talk about it only being for credit/debit card detail. The site will only take them on the basis of a financial credit check, no card details at all!
Anytime you are processing or storing sensitive banking or payment information a SSL certificate is needed.
The SSL Certificate will protect your customers from scamming sites who stolen your template and make a clone.
Nope that isn't correct. Having an SSL installed over a domain would encrypt the communication between your server and the users web browser. This ensures that the information is passed across via. a secure channel. So if you are asking your visitors/customers to populate certain fields with confidential details such as contacts, emails, credit/debit card etc. you can be rest assured that it isn't hijacked in between.
You'll need SSL to ensure that the traffic from your customer to your website cannot be sniffed (for example if the customer uses an open wireless network in a coffee shop). It also allows your user to check that they are visitng the right site (see Phishing site and DNS poisining). But you also need to worry about keeping the bank information safe. That's why most website use a 3rd party service (PayPal, Stripe, etc.) to offload the management of CC information.
For keeping secure banking details you must need SSL certificate.SSL certificate help you to protect your most valuable assets, your customers and your brands, by protecting them from phishing scams and online fraud.
In regards to your opening question, the short answer is no. Visitors will still be able to provide the information that you requested on your site. The long answer is yes. The reason behind that statement is that most people will not provide such information on a site that is not secured. I have seen many sites just with a simple submit form for just general information and the site is encrypted with an SSL cert. It comes down to ensuring customer confidence. Let customers know their details are safe and protected. In addition the cost is very minimal , a basic SSL Cert costs around $50 per year. It helps minimize the probability of a visitor/client to leave your site based on lack of security.
Do you force users to login your website.? If your answer is yes, than you must have SSL on your website. In my suggestion, whether you are accepting credit card details, their confidential details or you just requires basic bank details; any of above phase you should encrypt your site with SSL. You should encrypt login details of your valuable clients and install an SSL Certificate wont have any disadvantage. It will help your website to gain visitor trust.