Opening a bank account - No proof of address

beatle2078

My 18 year old niece who normally lives in Switzerland is looking to open a bank account in the UK so that she can cash a cheque from Premium Bonds and also be able to withdraw money when she comes over to this country.

She has both UK and Swiss passports but does not have a driving licence, nor pay any bills. She is having real difficulties in finding a bank that will accept her for an account. Can anyone help?

bengal-stripe

It has become virtually impossible to open a current account, if you are not resident in this country. (If you’ve got lots of dosh, there is always an off-shore account.)

It might be easier to open a savings account where your niece could put the cheque through and withdraw cash if she is in this country. Although with money-laundering legislation, proof a address is still required, the bank might accept her Swiss address.

fawinds

She could open an Easycash account with the Halifax. It is a basic bank account, but she will be offered all facilities but the chequebook and overdraft.

They just usually ask for a photocopy of your passport and a signed declaration of the address. It must be an UK address though, but she could use yours.

Tubbss

HI

Cashminder account with Co-op is also an option - basic bank account with debit card.