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opening a bank account
Opening a Bank Account
A Guide for
Non-UK
Interns or Students
Added 3 December 2004
Non-UK citizens who have lived in the UK for less than three years can open a current account with a cash card with most British banks.
What you will get:
-
Standard current account with a cash card.
What you will not get:
-
Student account
-
Debit card (e.g. Switch / Maestro)
-
Credit card
-
Overdraft
-
Loan facilities
In order to open an account, the applicant should go to their local bank and take as many of the following items of identification that they possess:
-
UK Driving Licence (photocard or full paper only)
-
Full Passport
-
EU National Identity Card (issued by the European Community Countries)
-
Proof of address, e.g. utility bill no more than three months old
Some banks will also require a letter from the applicant's UK college or employer confirming that they are employed by them (or a student with them) and giving the duration of the employment / course. It would be a good idea to ask your college or employer to supply you with such a reference in advance, rather than waiting for the bank to ask for it.
KL/December 2004
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