Opening a bank account - difficulties

Thomask

Hi

My partner has recently moved over from Latvia and we are finding it difficult to open a bank account for her.

- None of our utility bills are in either of our names and this cannot be changed.

- Tenancy agreement is in my name only.

- She has a passport however doesn't seem to have any of the other required forms of ID as published on the lists the banks produce.

1. Is it true the lists differ in terms of acceptable ID bank to bank? This seems to be what I have found. Seems strange as I would have thought it would be consistent with anti money laundering requirements?

2. I noticed some banks will allow less ID to be given and open a more basic account however this seems to come at a cost - something she would like to avoid. Again, how can they get round anti money laundering rules doing this?

3. Does anyone from Latvia or Eastern Europe (or anyone at all!) know if she can apply for any of the acceptable types of ID? I saw mention of some form of National ID card however neither of us are familiar with this. Does it cost?

4. Any suggestions on the easier banks to open accounts with when taking ID requirements into consideration?

Thanks again.

MoneySavingUser

1. yes
2. Most 'basic' bank accounts don't have a monthly cost but might have higher charges for returned transactions
3. National ID Cards are no longer issued
4. I think I have read here before that Barclays and co-op are more relaxed but I'll let others who know better confirm this

Does she drive? a provisional driving license can be used as 2nd piece of ID (but you will have to pay for one http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_10012514)

edit: also see https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/319736

and

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2724587

specifically:

book12 wrote: »

Try Barclays. They only need a UK passport.

[Deleted User]

co-op cashminder is a very good account!

pinkdalek

Halifax Easycash can be opened with a passport.

Go to their website for more info or ask at your branch for an Easycash pack - you get Visa Electron debit card with it.

After 6mths - 1yr it may be possible to upgrade to the Reward/Ultimate Reward account too as a relationship would have been created with the bank.

ses6jwg

Santander will allow her to open Basic Account with just a Latvian Passport, as long as it is in date, as Latvia is part of the EU.

Only a cash card facility but has online banking and direct debit facilities.

DavidHayton

If she is an EU citizen then she should get herself on the electoral roll ASAP. http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/

Banks can check this electronically and many use it to verify proof of address. Together with an EU passport (to prove identity) she should then be able to open an account.

If you still draw a blank then try a branch close to a big university. The local staff will have heaps of experience opening accounts for anyone from Riga to Timbuctu.

David

book12

Try Lloyds TSB. They seem to accept a EU passport on its own, without proof of address. http://www.lloydstsb.com/stand_alone/proof_id.asp

Barclays, LTSB, RBS/Natwest seems to be foreigner friendly.

Don't go for Santander, as they have bad customer service.

jonesMUFCforever

If the passport is not enough can she not apply for a provisional driving licence here?

oldwiring

This http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/personal/current-accounts/passport
any interest?

Thomask

Thanks for your help so far.

No luck so far.

Going to give Loyds a try - anyone have any experience with them and opening an account only using a passport and no proof of address?

Also, does one need to have applied for an NI number before they commence work if the employer is happy taking someone on before they get one?

MME_2

You can use a letter of introduction at LTSB for proof of address. There are specific criteria that need to be met first though for it to be accepted.