Opening account

naf123

Given the difficulty opening an UK bank account if moving to the uk from abroad , would the quickest way be to buy a TV licence and use that as proof of address ?

eskbanker

Each bank will have its own ID verification processes, with variations regarding exactly which supporting documents are accepted, but the sticking point is more likely to be the credit check than the ID one, and there isn't any way of working round that, other than going for basic accounts....

naf123

A basic account would do. No need for credit . What's the easiest cheapest way of getting documents with proof of address - changing name on utility bill at the address is tricky as the person is locked into contracts .....

eskbanker

naf123 said:

A basic account would do. No need for credit . What's the easiest cheapest way of getting documents with proof of address - changing name on utility bill at the address is tricky as the person is locked into contracts .....

As above. check with individual banks to see what their published ID verification policies are, as there isn't a recognised standard, but many will accept HMRC or DWP correspondence for example.

blue.peter

naf123 said:

A basic account would do. No need for credit . What's the easiest cheapest way of getting documents with proof of address - changing name on utility bill at the address is tricky as the person is locked into contracts .....

As @eskbanker says, there isn't a recognised standard. Every institution sets its own rules. However, my experience is that banks will either (a) verify your identity online or (b) require physical evidence. It sounds as if electronic verification is unlikely to work in your situation, in which case you'll be onto physical evidence. They'll typically want two forms of ID:

1. photo ID - either passport or driving licence; plus

2. address ID - typically a bill for council tax or a utility, less than 12 months old. Council tax seems to be the favourite. You'll also find that some won't accept printed copies of online bills. TSB told me that they won't accept water bills - apparently they're too easy to forge! However, other banks might view them more kindly. Some will accept other bits of paper, such as a tenancy agreement from a council or housing association.

Some publish their requirements on their websites, so it might be worth looking at what candidate banks require and seeing which you'll be able to satisfy.

colsten

blue.peter said:

Some publish their requirements on their websites

All of them do, actually.