help and advice needed

crispess

I need a basic bank account, I have in the past and still have several debts. I am self employed and very often get paid by cheque and it has come to the point where it can be embarrassing to ask to have it made out to someone elses name. Here lies my problem every bank I look at need documents that I just don't have. I don't have a utility bill addressed to me or anything like that. I have a driving licence but apparently thats not acceptable for evidence as to where I live. Any advice would be helpful.

book12

A list of basic bank accounts, please view this website: http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/pdfs/bank_accounts.pdf

I would recommend the Barclays Cash Card Account. Just bring one piece of photo ID, that's all you need (i.e. passport or drivers licence).

If you don't want to open a account with Barclays, there are other good banks for basic bank accounts like LTSB, RBS/Natwest, and Halifax. See their ID requirements for more details on their website.

If you have a passport, that could be your ID. Then have your drivers licence to prove your current address. If you don't have a passport, you could still use your drivers licence to prove your ID (as it has a photo), despite having a different address.

Your address documentation could be a tax coding from HM Revenue, benefits letter, bank statement, council tax bill, and tenancy agreement. Each bank will have a similar list. Again, see their website for more details. Also, get yourself on the voters roll if you are not on it. If you are on it, they could verify your address using it.