need help concerning opening bank account.

DanielClark

ok, first off I should explain that I have never had a bank account, I have always managed up to now having my cash on me, or tucked away "under the floorboards" so to speak.

however, I have been looking at the potential step of opening a bank account.

I don't know the first thing to do about it, so any advice would be of great help.

what sort of proof will they ask for? I don't have a drivers licence, or a passport, and because I am lodging, I don't have a utility bill with my name and address on.

what other document could I submit as proof as to who I am?

also, I would like to be able to make purchases online, so what sort of account would I need to set up for that?

naturally, I'm worried about online fraud and the prospect of finding out that my account has been fleeced by some faceless entity. what sort of cover would I be expecting from a bank? do they cover online purchases made by debit card in the event of fraud, or is that sort of thing only limited to credit card?

Lith

To open an account, (current account visa debit card etc) <

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Thats the one you want the curent account no FEE visa debit card buy online etc.

1: Choose which bank you want to go with, i recommend HSBC or Barclays
2: ID, That being British Passport UK Driving License
3: Proof of address (A Bill that is very recent) water bill electric bill etc.
4: Don't be worried about fraud, just be careful in your self, and dont get careless

DanielClark

1. I already have an idea what bank I am going to go with.
2&3. did you actually read what I typed?
4. I'm always worried about fraud, it would be stupid not to be. I am always careful and am never careless, but that doesn't guarantee that I will not fall foul of something somewhere.

Lith

DanielClark wrote: »

1. I already have an idea what bank I am going to go with.
2&3. did you actually read what I typed?
4. I'm always worried about fraud, it would be stupid not to be. I am always careful and am never careless, but that doesn't guarantee that I will not fall foul of something somewhere.

Of course i read what you typed, but with out those documents... the chances of you getting a Visa Debit card is very LOW..

why cant you get a Provisional driving license?

(just get the form fill it pay £50 and your done.) doesn't matter if ya living with friends etc.

as for proof of address? well surely you have some letters going to ya place? anything at all?

as for fraud? yes people worry all the time, but if you have a an idea what sites ya buying from etc you should be fine, but in your case (yes the banks will cover you) to some extent...

Mrs_Arcanum

DanielClark wrote: »

1. I already have an idea what bank I am going to go with.
2&3. did you actually read what I typed?
4. I'm always worried about fraud, it would be stupid not to be. I am always careful and am never careless, but that doesn't guarantee that I will not fall foul of something somewhere.

Have you got a birth certificate or medical card? Also something with your photograph on as ID might help (could be work related)? A wage slip/P60 is also helpful. Do you have any bills paid that have your and your address on? Also are you on the electoral roll as this is very useful.

Fraud is always a worry but if you take sensible precautions and keep a weather eye on your account any problems will be picked up fairly quickly.

ses6jwg

I would consider applying for a provisional driving license even if you don't want to drive as they are useful to have.

Otherwise, you need something such as a letter from HMRC sent to your current address, something from the Jobcentre or DWP.

Failing that, you'll need to visit your GP, a solicitor or police officer etc, and get them to write you a "letter of identity confirmation" on headed official paper, that will allow you to open the most very basic accounts.

agrinnall

I would think that if you're not on the electoral register you may find it quite difficult to open a bank account, especially without the other forms of identification mentioned by others.

You really shouldn't worry too much about online fraud, the important things are to be careful what you do and to keep a regular eye on your account so that if anything you're not expecting happens you can inform the bank as soon as possible so that they can swiftly resolve it. If you want to know more about staying safe online have a look here Bank Safe Online.

Lith

agrinnall wrote: »

I would think that if you're not on the electoral register you may find it quite difficult to open a bank account, especially without the other forms of identification mentioned by others.

You really shouldn't worry too much about online fraud, the important things are to be careful what you do and to keep a regular eye on your account so that if anything you're not expecting happens you can inform the bank as soon as possible so that they can swiftly resolve it. If you want to know more about staying safe online have a look here Bank Safe Online.

Im not on the electoral register, but i managed to open 4 bank accounts with no problem.

No bank can deny the power of the 'British Passport' :rotfl: