account

nektia001 · Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

I've been told that opening up a UK bank account was hard, but i never realised that it would be as difficult as it is.

Does anyone have any suggestions, advice etc or can point me in the right direction on how to open a bank account with minimal hassle?

I currently live with a cousin (who's married to a brit)...and they won't change any of their bill into my name. I received a pay-as-you go mobile from a friend who had two. So those two methods are out of the question.

Help...anyone?

Bubble · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 2179 Location: SW London

Do you have a job? Surely your employer has written to you?

Do you have a NI number? Then the NI people will have written to you?

Otherwise get your cousin to make up some kind of lease for your room and use that.

nektia001 · Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

I have an appointment letter, but i took it to HSBC, and they declined it. *sigh*.

Have booked an for an NI evidence of identity interview; so... will my NI document be ok?

I don't really know about other banks, but HSBC needed two forms of identity from 2 categories.

Bubble · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 2179 Location: SW London

Unfortunately most banks do require that.

One proof of address, one proof of idenitity.

I think First Contact can help you open bank accounts, but Im not sure tbh.

There are some banks that are international, so if you have an account with one back home, then they may be able to open one here easier? I dunno

nektia001 · Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

Yea i have an account back home, but it's with ANZ.

First Contact...? I'll check them out. Wink

thanks.

It's just so damn difficult and stressful.. Sad

Bubble · Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 2179 Location: SW London

Try posting in the London forum, they might have an idea

cscs · Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 14

e-Mail your address (and landline tel no.)

gumtree.forum@cscs.port5.com

Tel.: 08700 61 36 69

rai~ · Joined: 09 Jun 2006 Posts: 1208 Location: Brighton

If I'm not mistaken Lloyd's offer accounts for newly arrived foreigners where you just need a proof of identity (which can be your passport or a driver's license). It's a basic account though and you won't be offered a debit or credit card but just a solo card. You have to provide a proof of residence within a couple of months which I'm not sure about. Another possibility would be Citibank who offer British accounts for customers who already have one in their home country with them but they are not very common here I think.

Had no problems opening an account with HSBC but I had rented a flat already a day before so a proof of residence was provided.

nektia001 · Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Posts: 6

cscs · Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 14

so as we know where to post an info pack and application forms...