Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

Hello All,
Is it sufficient to provide your old National Insurance number in order to open a bank account?
I have not used this number for almost 40 years.
Do they lapse?
Thanks for any help here.
Jules ;)

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

I don't believe they lapse. (In the event of someone's death I guess the authorities deal with cancelling/deleting the N.I. number)

You could contact https://www.gov.uk/

If you are concerned.

Look up the bank you want to open an account with and see what they want from you with regard to opening an account. I mean, apart from money, of course !

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

Many thanks for that.

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

They don't lapse so can be used but you will also need proof of person (a passport) and proof of residence (drivers licence if it has your current address on it, or a utility bill in your name).

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

Note that if you are not resident in the UK, it is difficult to open a new UK bank account. Banks have tightened up on opening new accounts for non-UK residents.

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

This isn't recent. Most banks have not wanted to open new accounts for non-residents for a long time.

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

Of course, I first left in 1983, so any trends I talk about could be any time in the past decade. ;)

I first encountered this in 2002 when my own bank would not open a new account for me. I had an ISA and savings account with them but they wouldn't open a current account.

That was my friendly local Smile bank :):rolleyes:

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

I had this problem back in 2010. Fortunately I was with HSBC where I live overseas and they have a system for opening an account with HSBC in UK without you even intending to live there.

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

+1. I have HSBC accounts in Canada & France and have decided to open another one in the UK just in case I might need it one day.

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

Your NI number does not expire.

( If one has lost/forgotten it, one can apply to retrieve it by following the instructions provided at https://www.gov.uk/lost-national-insurance-number.

Note that one may be asked seemingly bizarre questions regarding one's application: cf Q: "what is your claim to British citizenship?"A: "You have all my details, including a copy of my British passport. I'm not claiming citizenship, I'm asking for my NI records. Please inform me if my citizenship is in question". NI number received, no further questioning regarding citizenship.)

Some banks are more receptive than others regarding opening bank accounts back in the UK than others. There are a number of threads here on BE where members (including myself) mention successes/difficulties. If one is re-establishing residence in the UK, there should not be a problem. Anecdotal evidence suggests banks which were former Building Societies may be easier; and/or those where family members hold accounts.

You will need proof of identity & address, in addition to your NI number.
S

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

I made it back on a shoestring.

Another expat advised me to look at opening a UK Yorkshire Bank account online (it opens as Clydesdale their stablemate). It turned out to be simple.

My decision because funds were not high was to transfer Ausbank to UKbank. I decided it would alleviate some of the stress, by just walking into my bank and getting them to do it. At my financial level the charges were worth it.

I knew I could not access my meagre savings once they were in my UK bank, so did it 3 days before leaving, keeping some cash back which I changed into Sing$ & UK£. (Making a list of appx what I would need for taxi-Aus/transit hotel-Sing/taxi&rail UK).
It worked out well. I planned it like a kid allocating pocket money!

I visited my bank the next day and got my card etc. Piece of doddle!

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

What can you provide if you happen to be living with someone else at the time? (That is, no utility bill in applicant's name, etc.)

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

Get yourself on the electoral register using the address you are staying at. You will need proof of address so you could try a rental agreement if possible. You should check with the bank where you want to open the account as to what they will accept. Banks differ in what they will accept but you will need something that proves that you live there.

Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
 

I've seen anecdotal evidence out there that suggests the opposite - building societies and former building societies have often been the most difficult to deal with from a non-U.K. point of view. As opposed to mainstream banks which are used to having cross-border customers, usually corporate, but the culture is reflective of this.