Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2013
Location: Canberra, ACT
Posts: 6
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
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
#2
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 !
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 !
Last edited by Snap Shot; May 1st 2014 at 6:14 am. Reason: linky
#3
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2013
Location: Canberra, ACT
Posts: 6
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 !
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 !
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 800
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).
#5
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.
#6
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.
#7
Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
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
#8
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.
#9
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.
#10
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Joined: May 2012
Location: Qc, Canada
Posts: 3,787
Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
( 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
#11
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 862
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$ & UKĀ£. (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!
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$ & UKĀ£. (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!
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,100
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.)
#13
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 800
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.
#14
Re: Obtaining Bank Account in UK/National Insurance Numbers
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.