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New to the UK with no credit history? How to open a basic bank account

A basic bank account lets you receive wages and benefits and pay bills, but has no overdraft or cheque book. Shelter says you do not need to pass a credit check to get one, and MoneyHelper says basic accounts are free to use, although some charges can apply, for example when using your card abroad.

Reviewed 08/11/2026 · Applies to: UK-wide (Citizens Advice guidance used here is for England)

Who this helps

Newcomers, students, workers and others in the UK who cannot get a standard current account because they have little or no UK credit history.

What to do

  1. Ask the bank or building society about a basic bank account if you cannot get a standard current account. Most high street banks and some building societies offer them, and a bank must tell you whether it does.
  2. Gather your documents. Most banks ask for a passport or driving licence and proof of address, such as a recent bill.
  3. No usual proof of address? Ask what else the bank accepts. MoneyHelper lists letters from the Department for Work and Pensions, your local council, your GP, or your employer, college or training provider, and notes international students, migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers may have other documents.
  4. If you are eligible, register to vote, as some banks use this as part of their identity checks.
  5. Expect a soft search of your credit file. Shelter says this does not affect your credit score.
  6. If you are refused, ask why. MoneyHelper says you should be told the reason unless the bank suspects fraud or money laundering. You can complain to the bank, which has eight weeks to respond, and then to the free Financial Ombudsman Service.
  7. If you have no ID at all, MoneyHelper suggests a prepaid card account, where ID is not usually required, as a stop-gap.

Before you act

  • Banks must carry out immigration status checks and cannot open an account for someone who needs permission to be in the UK but does not have it.
  • You need to be at least 16 to open an account, or 18 with some banks.
  • Citizens Advice guidance quoted here applies to England; there are separate versions for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • This is general information, not financial advice.

Take the next step

Continue to the provider’s website to check the latest details and use the service.

MoneyHelper guide to basic bank accounts ↗

Destination: www.moneyhelper.org.uk

Sources

MyAgumba explains the sources above. Eligibility and availability depend on your circumstances and the provider’s current rules.