Need A Bank, Can't Leave My House.

ChrisMoneySaver

Hello, my name is Chris. It recently came to my attention that I needed a bank account to claim benefits for a disability that prevents me from leaving the house. But that's the issue, I can't leave the house to go into a branch to create a bank account. I have been told by many people that I can get an account online, but I need to verify that I am myself, and to do so I need to go to the bank with ID.

Currently a family member receives my benefits but I haven't seen any money since I started claiming. I need an account to directly claim so everything is done to my knowledge.

So my question is; How can I get a bank account without leaving my house? Is it even possible? And where would be the best place to go to?

Additional notes: I'm 17 years old and I live in England. Posting something like "Just go into a branch" is un-helpful as I haven't left my house in 3 years.

Drp8713

Are you sure it's you that needs to take the ID into branch and not just that somebody needs to?


I'm pretty sure when my brother opened his account with Nationwide that he was too busy with work to get into a branch so my mum just took his offer letter and his passport and they opened it.

TheTracker

Hi Chris, I open accounts all the time without needing to visit a branch. You often need to send back forms in mail though, is that a problem? Is there a risk of intercepted mail if there is a family trust issue?

I think your problem may be that you are 17 and a less known financial risk. When I apply for accounts the bank checks credit reference agencies and the electoral register and seeing everything is OK and matches they lower their perception of me as a risk and do not ask for physical proof. There are threads on MSE for bank accounts for young people with little history that you may search for.

When I have had to visit a branch, due to a failed lookup or heightened bank alert, they tended to just take a copy of ID, certify, and send it to branch. I imagine there are options to have it formally certified and sent, perhaps by a home visit solicitor? Reading between the lines you may not trust other household members. If you live near a local bank and explain the situation, then even in this day and age they may visit for the ID.

If I were you I'd call each bank and explain your situation and ask for advice. I'd also ask the benefit provider if there are other avenues for payment if you suspect fraud or poor behavior. The nature of the situation which causes you to be home bound may allow for such assistance.

fuzzgun19

How about First Direct, they only deal over the phone/internet?

colsten

Have you spoken to your Social Worker or a Disability Charity?
Did you try the CAB (online: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/debt_e/debt_banking_e/getting_a_bank_account.htm)

BTW, how does your carer get paid?

System

• A young persons current account might be an option in your circumstances. Santander and NatWest allow online applications.

• Yorkshire and Coop banks both allow telephone applications for their standard current accounts at 16+

Armorica

I'd suggest a teenage/young persons account too or simply a savings account. The id checks tend to be highest where a credit application will be undertaken/for an adult current account.

Your income probably isn't high enough for first direct, but it would be worth choosing a bank with a good telephone banking service.

Given your age and circumstances, you may, for example, need a letter from a doctor/social worker as ID.

Archi_Bald

fuzzgun19 wrote: »

How about First Direct, they only deal over the phone/internet?

You have to be 18 to apply for an FD account. The OP is 17.

Flugelhorn

Can you really not leave the house, it would be a lot easier if you can for this sort of thing?

eskbanker

Flugelhorn wrote: »

Can you really not leave the house

If only OP had already dropped some subtle hints about this....

ChrisMoneySaver wrote: »

Need A Bank, Can't Leave My House

ChrisMoneySaver wrote: »

a disability that prevents me from leaving the house

ChrisMoneySaver wrote: »

that's the issue, I can't leave the house to go into a branch

ChrisMoneySaver wrote: »

So my question is; How can I get a bank account without leaving my house?

ChrisMoneySaver wrote: »

Posting something like "Just go into a branch" is un-helpful

B_G_B

Hi Chris

I to, am limited by disability, and although not impossible for me to visit branch, it would be nightmarish. Best option that I have found is to call local branch (not the main telephone banking number) and talk to them. Some banks publish numbers on their website branch finder. Others have needed a physical visit by a friend. I have found that local branches have been more than helpful to accommodate, although the way that they go about these things vary. I have particularly found Lloyds, Nationwide and Barclays helpful using the talk to local branch method. Not sure about your age, but again, branch staff should be able to guide you.

Good luck