What do you need to open a bank account?
What do you need to open a bank account?
Proof of identity and address
If you’re applying for a bank account, we’ll need certain documents to prove your identity and address.
You’ll need to show us one document to prove your identity, and another document to prove your UK address (you can’t use the same document twice).
What proof of identity do I need?
- Passport – a full and valid UK or foreign passport with a machine readable zone – made up of two rows of letters, numbers and chevron ‘<’ characters, and is on most passports
- Driving licence – the following licence types are fine. A full UK, European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) photocard driving licence, a provisional UK photocard driving licence or a UK paper driving licence (as long as the address is current)
- National identity card – a centrally issued EU and EEA national identity card with a machine readable zone. We can't accept ID cards from Romania or Greece
- UK biometric residence permit – a valid residence permit issued in the UK with a machine readable zone
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- A benefit entitlement letter less than 12 months old, confirming the benefit you’re receiving at the time of issue
- A UK blue disabled driver’s pass (with photo)
- A UK Armed Forces identity card
- An HMRC tax notification dated within 12 months
- A Home Office immigration status document or application registration card
- A valid Northern Ireland voter's card
- An introduction from a parent or guardian who banks with us
- A Young Scot National Entitlement Card (only for applicants under 18)
What proof of UK address do I need?
- Driving licence –A full UK, European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) photocard driving licence, a provisional UK photocard driving licence or a UK paper driving licence (as long as the address is current)
- Bank statement – from another bank, dated within the last three months. This can be from a bank in another country, as long as it shows a UK address
- Credit card statement – from a UK credit card company, dated within the past three months
- Utility bill – from a UK gas, electricity, water or landline phone bill, dated within the past three months
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- A UK, European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) mortgage statement, as long as it shows a UK address
- A council tax bill, demand letter or exemption certificate, issued within the last 12 months
- A tenancy agreement from a local council or housing association, dated within the last 12 months
- A universal credit benefit statement less than 12 months old*
- A benefit entitlement letter (other than universal credit) less than 12 months old, confirming the benefit payable at the time of issue
- An HMRC tax notification dated within the last 12 months
- A UK credit union statement dated within the last three months
- An introduction from a parent or guardian who banks with us
If you’re a student or graduate, you can find out what to bring.
If you’re unable to provide these documents, please call us on 0345 734 53451
*We can only accept this if you bring a driving licence, passport or national identity card, or if you log in to the universal credit portal and verify your document.