barkus

Hello, in the UK now and need to open a bank account, been to about 4 banks so far but because we are new to the uk it is hard to open an account even though they have "new to the UK accounts".
Problem is we rent as live in guardians all inclusive, no utility bills, and the banks don't recognize these companies as accepted letting agencies. We have tv license which fits one of the requirements but not much else. Can't get a land line because we need a direct debit account a bank, can't get a bank account because we don't have a land line. The circle continues..
Any strong suggestions on what to do to get over this hurdle? TIA Barkus

yellowroom

Have you registered to vote? If Council Tax is included in your rent, do you have correspondence from them for other things - eg getting a library card? Have you a driving license - even getting a provisional one may fit the bill? Do you have a mobile phone account? Have you registered with a GP - do you have correspondence from them on headed notepaper?

These may not be "on the list" of accepted documents at the bank, but they are all good quality evidence of identity/address from reputable sources that should be accepted by one of the institutions if you can get past the "computer says no" to a human being with common sense.

barkus

" Problem is we rent as live in guardians all inclusive, no utility bills, "
I should have been more specific, it is for my son, he is on an ancestry visa so he cannot register to vote. We are in the process of registering with the GP. Also waiting on our NI appointment. I saw a video on youtube about a bank that was hassle free, but have not been able to find it again. still looking. Barkus

BritInParis

If your son is on a UK Ancestry visa then he is a Commonwealth citizen and is entitled to register to vote.

barkus

ok thanks. will look in to this, would he need proof of address to do this? is Guardianship living contract acceptable as proof of address? The banks do not accept this saying that they are not approved letting agency. Thanks Barkus

BritInParis

https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

The banks will set their own policies. Try Nationwide.

barkus

Thanks. We have registered. Will try nationwide . will keep you all updated on how it goes. Thanks again Barkus

barkus

Went to Nationwide, was a lot smoother that the other banks, but still need hard proof of address. Tried to contact TV licensing by phone for hard copy to be mailed to my address for required proof but no answer, sent email and hoping for response within three days. Going to post office to apply for a provisional license as this is accepted proof also, but takes two weeks to get it. Seems there is no fast way beyond those online card banks, one which I applied for just to see what it is about, but from the reviews they are touch and go. Barkus.

scot47

https://www.alrayanbank.co.uk/


I used this bank when it was still called "The Islamic Bank of Britain" User-friendly.

barkus

thanks will check it out Barkus

R I C H

I arrived back in the UK this spring after 14 years living in Canada. It took over 4 months to get a bank account - no address, no driving licence, no cell phone etc etc. The whole process was stressful and incredibly frustrating. Lloyds ultimately allowed me to open an account as a result of my parents intervention and threat of closing their own long-standing accounts. The whiff of a £500k house sale equity deposit seemed to appeal to their better nature, and their rules suddenly became more flexible

barkus

No go for this bank. Went to the location, they need utility bills etc.

barkus

Update, Nationwide needed mailed to address tv license. Still waiting for it to come after a week.
Went to HSBC and almost got the account but the PDF Invoice for my BT account would not load on my phone, Had to make an appointment again for next week when I should get it. For my son he will try to get a job letter which they will accept. So looking good so far for HSBC. Will update. Barkus

BritInParis

Given the choice I would go with Nationwide over HSBC.

barkus

He will, if the tv license ever shows up. Thanks. Barkus