How do I open a bank account in England with no proof of address? What is a basic account?

Who does this apply to?

• This is general information, not advice. It covers England, one nation of the UK. The Citizens Advice page applies to England only; there are separate pages for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Every bank applies its own rules. What follows is the general rule.
• People with no fixed home address are not covered separately in this post.

Details

What do banks usually ask for?

• According to Citizens Advice, banks usually ask for two separate documents. One shows who you are (for example a passport). The other shows where you live (for example a recent bill).
• If you do not have these, a bank should accept a letter from a responsible person who knows you. Examples: a GP, a teacher, a social worker or a probation officer.
• The same page says banks carry out status checks. A bank is not allowed to open an account for someone who needs leave (permission) to be in the UK but does not have it. Such a person also cannot be added as a joint holder, signatory or beneficiary.
• People who are bankrupt or have a record of fraud usually cannot open an account.

Examples of proof of address

• According to Shelter (page last updated 19 December 2022), examples are: a utility bill, a council tax bill, a mortgage statement, an HMRC letter, and a UK bank or credit card statement.
• The same page lists these alternatives: a tenancy agreement, a university accommodation acceptance letter, an employment contract or payslip, and a letter from a hostel, refuge or sheltered accommodation warden. Not every bank will accept them.
• Shelter says documents must be originals and letters should be recently dated.
• Shelter says a friend's or relative's address can be used as a temporary address. It warns this could affect that person's benefits if the DWP (the benefits department) thinks they live with you. It is important to give the bank true information.

Basic account

• According to Citizens Advice, basic accounts are for people with a poor credit rating or a low income. Banks must tell you whether they offer them.
• You usually do not need money to open one and there are usually no fees. You can receive wages and benefits, pay by direct debit and take out cash at machines.
• There is no cheque book and no overdraft. You might be charged if a direct debit cannot be paid.
• The page does not say basic accounts need fewer documents. Ask the bank about its identity rules.

Things to watch out for

• A bank can refuse an application and often does not give a reason. It cannot discriminate on grounds such as race, sex, disability or religion (Citizens Advice).
• For people with an eVisa, GOV.UK describes a "share code" as a way to show status. It lasts 90 days and can be used more than once before it expires. You give the person your date of birth too. The page names employers and landlords as examples and does not mention banks. The bank decides what it accepts.
• On complaints, Citizens Advice says you must give the bank at least eight weeks. This is shorter if the bank sends a "letter of deadlock" (a letter saying it can do nothing more) earlier.
• You then have six months to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service. The six months start from the deadlock letter, or from the end of the eight weeks if no letter comes.
• Rules and banks' practice can change. The Shelter page is old.

What can you do?

1. You could ask the bank: Which ID and address documents do you accept? Do you accept a letter from a responsible person? Do you offer a basic account? Do you accept an eVisa share code?
2. If your immigration status or permission to stay is unclear, you can ask a regulated adviser. According to GOV.UK: Find an immigration adviser, advisers must be registered with the Immigration Advice Authority or belong to an approved professional body. You cannot get your money back from an unregulated adviser.
3. The Citizens Advice page points to Citizens Advice for help proving immigration status.
4. This post is not immigration advice. Do not rely on it for your own immigration position; use the official pages and an adviser.