Not everyone can open a bank account. The banks will not open an account for you if you are not able to provide them with certain information that proves who you are and where you live, for example.
to open an account you will need to:
Decide on the type of account you want. There are many different types of accounts, but you will probably be looking to open one of the following accounts:
type of account
main features
Basic account
No cheque book
Account card
Standing orders and direct debits
No overdraft
Current account
Cheque book
Account card
Standing orders and direct debits
Overdraft by agreement
Savings account
No cheque book
Interest on balance
Get together the following evidence before you go to the bank:
evidence about
types of evidence
Who you are
Passport
Full driving licence
Where you live
Utility bill
Where you work
Letter from employer
Pay slip
how and where to open a bank account
high street bank: If you visit a high street bank, go to the reception desk and tell the receptionist that you want to open an account.
the internet: If you apply on the internet you will need to download an application form or complete it online. You will also have to send the evidence they require at a later stage.
other methods: There are other methods of opening accounts – for exampleby phone or post. Whichever method you use you will still need to provide the necessary evidence.
case study
Rachel lost her purse while out shopping for the day, but immediately she got home she
called her bank to cancel her bankcard. They later sent her a new card and PIN, but
she discovered that the last £180 had been taken out of her account. She went to the
CAB to see what her rights were about getting the money back. The CAB advised her to
use the bank’s internal complaints procedure, and helped her draft a letter to them.
They also gave her the address of the Financial Ombudsman Service, who offers a free
advice and can investigate any issues concerning financial products and services. Under
the Banking Code, a client is normally only liable for the first £50 incurred as a result
of a lost or stolen bankcard, providing that they haven’t been careless or acted fraudulently.