Opening a bank account without UK address history or credit file

trailingspouse

We were in exactly the same boat, returning to the UK in 2010 after 5 years away. No credit history (they wouldn't accept that we'd been running a bank account and credit card blemish-free in the country we returned from, even though it was part of the EU) - couldn't even get a mobile phone contract!! And we were hoping to buy a house!!! I think the system would have actually coped with a bad credit record better than no credit record at all. We'd kept our UK bank account going, as we had commitments over here, so didn't have this particular problem but - nightmare.

Who did you bank with when you lived here previously? That might be the best starting point, particularly if you can give them account numbers and so on (although they should be able to find the details just based on your name and the address you were at at the time). You could try asking if they have any advice as to what you should do (and explain about needing to get paid by bank transfer) - point out that you can't be the only people who have ever done this. Because you certainly aren't.

jonesMUFCforever

For two banks to refuse the OP a bank account would suggest there must be information om the CRA's spooking them.
I would advise him to get copies of his credit files and even see if there is any CIFAS marker on him.

xylophone

https://www.bba.org.uk/publication/leaflets/opening-a-bank-account-if-you-are-new-or-returning-to-the-uk/
might be worth a look.

d123

kingblah wrote: »

I'm struggling to open up a UK bank account - I've moved back to the UK after being abroad for 5 years (I'm a UK citizen). I'm employed also full time.

I tried opening up an account with Co-Op, I received an email saying they'd like to see ID etc, then I received a letter the day after saying my application was rejected and they didn't provide a reason. I tried opening an account with Lloyds, I was asked to come in and provide ID, so I provided my passport, 10 days later receive an email saying the application has been accepted and provided me with a sort code and account number, then 30 mins later receive a text saying my application was unsuccessful. In branch they confirmed I failed the credit check. I told them I didn't want an overdraft or any credit facility, and I do not have a credit record as I've been out of the UK, and they said they need to do a credit check for ID purposes, even though I already provided them proof of address and my passport!

How on earth do I open an account? I'm going to run out of banks at this rate, and I'm worried I'll be unable to get my salary paid as my company only pays via BACS as far as I'm aware!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Have you tried going into a branch and asking about a basic account at Barclays?

muhandis

I moved to the UK from a non-EU country in 2010-11, took me a few weeks to realise that opening a bank account as a new resident is a huge bureaucratic nightmare and that I couldn't start work without one.

I spent a day walking in and out of most of the banks on my high street carrying all the IDs and documents I had (passport, visa, tenancy agreement) and asked to speak to manager or someone senior. I was eventually able to open a basic account at Nationwide and Halifax (after sending them a letter threatening to complain to the FOS) using these documents. All the other banks were asking for lots of additional documents which I clearly couldn't provide and/or pushing me to apply for non basic accounts which I definitely wouldn't get.

If anything, being a British citizen, the process should be easier for you.

Good luck, I totally get your frustration, it's a right pain in the behind!

PS: Friends who moved here through their employer always open their first account at HSBC based on their passport+visa+letter from employer, maybe that is an option?

kingblah wrote: »

I'm struggling to open up a UK bank account - I've moved back to the UK after being abroad for 5 years (I'm a UK citizen). I'm employed also full time.

I tried opening up an account with Co-Op, I received an email saying they'd like to see ID etc, then I received a letter the day after saying my application was rejected and they didn't provide a reason. I tried opening an account with Lloyds, I was asked to come in and provide ID, so I provided my passport, 10 days later receive an email saying the application has been accepted and provided me with a sort code and account number, then 30 mins later receive a text saying my application was unsuccessful. In branch they confirmed I failed the credit check. I told them I didn't want an overdraft or any credit facility, and I do not have a credit record as I've been out of the UK, and they said they need to do a credit check for ID purposes, even though I already provided them proof of address and my passport!

How on earth do I open an account? I'm going to run out of banks at this rate, and I'm worried I'll be unable to get my salary paid as my company only pays via BACS as far as I'm aware!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.