Banking and money
A UK current account you can be paid into and pay rent from.
The decision here
Can an employer pay you next Friday without a workaround?
What to know before you act
- Proof of address is the usual sticking point; some banks accept a university or employer letter.
- App-based banks are legitimate and often faster, but check the account accepts salary payments and direct debits.
- Do not let anyone else use your account to move money — that is money laundering, whatever they call it.
Do this
- Open step
Open a UK bank account
Get a current account so you can be paid and pay rent.
If you get stuck
Rejected for lack of proof of address
Usually because: No tenancy or utility bill yet.
Do this instead: Ask your employer, university, or council for a letter, or open with a bank that verifies via your eVisa.
Official sources
Where this comes from
- Source
- MoneyHelper (government-backed guidance)
- Applies to
- UK-wide
- Last checked
- 12 September 2026
- Next review
- 12 October 2026
- Rule status
- Current guidance
- Risk
- Medium risk
Why this applies to you: You need somewhere to receive wages and pay rent from.
Agumba explains and orders official guidance. It is not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm the detail on the official page before acting.
Something to help you finish this
Your First 30 Days in the UK
The foundation tasks of your first month, in order, without information overload.
What you end up with: A written order of your first-month tasks and what each one unlocks.