What you need to open a bank account
Can I apply for a bank account?
We offer a range of bank accounts, with different features that may fit your needs.
For most of our current accounts, you need to be;
- Aged 18+
- A resident
There are a few exceptions. Our Adapt account is for young people; you can apply between the ages of 11 - 17. For our Student bank accounts, you need to be aged 17+.
Some of our accounts have extra eligibility criteria required to apply. If applicable, you can find these on the webpage for the account you're interested in, or in our Current Account Terms & Conditions
How do I prove my identity online?
We want to get your account up and running as soon as possible, so, if we can, we'll ask you to upload some documents as part of your application.
This is important, as it helps us check you are who you say you are.
We'll probably ask for;
- Photo ID, such as: Drivers licence, Passport or EU ID card
- A short video or selfie to compare with your photo ID
- We might also need to see a proof of address, such as: a Drivers Licence, Utility bill, Bank statement or Tax document
Please make sure the documents you use exactly match the information you enter in your application.
If you don't have your documents with you, you can select to do this later. Once you've finished your application look out for an email and text from us and our security partners, HooYu or DigiDocs.
Documents we can accept
The quickest way to get an account is to apply online, but if you haven't got the documents for online ID, we accept others when you return your documents to one of our branches or send them in the post to us. You'll need one item to confirm your identity and another document that we can accept as proof of your address. You may, however, use your Full or Provisional Driving Licence as proof of both your identity and address
Documents we can accept in branch:
Proof of identity we accept for adults in branch
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be the original document
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact date of birth used when applying
Be valid / in date
Must have at least 6 months left to run on Visa (if Visa is required) for all non-EU applicants presenting a foreign passport
EU nationals include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Romania and Bulgaria
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Issued by DWP. Scottish public pensions agency, local authority, UC welcome letter, pensions benefits, housing benefits, child benefits, disability and sickness benefits.
Specific to the individual about benefits currently being received
Must Include either NI number or DOB
Must confirm the customer is currently in receipt of benefit.
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
A benefits letter that is addressed to a carer but is for the person opening the account can also be used but only as a last resort. The applicants name must be mentioned in the letter and the carer must reside at the same address as the applicant.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The documents we can accept are:
A notice of tax coding or
A National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 12 months
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
An immigration and National Directorate (IND) Registration Card:
Must match the exact name used when applying
Must match all other personal details used when applying
Only be provided if applicant is unemployed
A travel document issued by the Government of the Northern Ireland:
Must match the exact name used when applying
Must match all other personal details used when applying
Be issued in the prior to 31 Dec 2004, if presented with a Grant of Status Letter or Entry Clearance Visa providing indefinite right to remain.
Still be in date, and have more than 3 months left to run.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full or provisional photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in the UK
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
If the address on your Full or Provisional Driving Licence matches your application, you can use this one document for both proof of identity and proof of address.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in EU member countries, or in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
Proof of identity we accept for students in branch
Along with proof of ID, we also need you to provide proof of your student status.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be the original document
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact date of birth used when applying
Be valid / in date
Must have at least 6 months left to run on Visa (if Visa is required) for all non-EU applicants presenting a foreign passport
EU nationals include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Romania and Bulgaria
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be for a customer who is:
- 20 years old and under with no other form of ID
- Have special circumstances e.g. (Applicants in care homes, sheltered accommodation, permanent care, children's homes, in care and living at home).
Must exactly match the name used when applying
Must exactly match the date of birth used when applying
Be a Full or Abbreviated Birth Certificate or a Certified Copy of an Entry from the General Registry Office (England and Wales) or an Extract of an Entry in the Register of Births (Scotland)
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full or provisional photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in the UK
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
If the address on your Full or Provisional Driving Licence matches your application, you can use this one document for both proof of identity and proof of address.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in EU member countries, or in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The documents we can accept are:
A notice of tax coding or
A National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 6 months or for the current tax year
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
Proof of identity we accept for under 18s in branch
ID options:
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be the original document
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact date of birth used when applying
Be valid / in date
Must have at least 6 months left to run on Visa (if Visa is required) for all non-EU applicants presenting a foreign passport
EU nationals include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Romania and Bulgaria
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be for a customer who is:
- 20 years old and under with no other form of ID
- Have special circumstances e.g. (Applicants in care homes, sheltered accommodation, permanent care, children's homes, in care and living at home).
Must exactly match the name used when applying
Must exactly match the date of birth used when applying
Be a Full or Abbreviated Birth Certificate or a Certified Copy of an Entry from the General Registry Office (England and Wales) or an Extract of an Entry in the Register of Births (Scotland)
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be for an existing pupil of the school providing the letter
Be addressed to the Bank
Be on headed paper or stamped by the school
Match the name on the application exactly
Match the date of birth on the application and be for a customer who is 18 years old or under
Match the address the application
Be issued by a known school
Please note that one letter is sufficient to cover both proof of identity and proof of address for the same application.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full or provisional photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in the UK
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
If the address on your Full or Provisional Driving Licence matches your application, you can use this one document for both proof of identity and proof of address.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in EU member countries, or in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
To be accepted, this document must:
The documents we can accept are:
- A notice of tax coding or
- A National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 6 months or for the current tax year
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
Proof of address we accept for adults in branch
For your Driving licence to be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full or provisional photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in the UK
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
If the address on your Full or Provisional Driving Licence matches your application, you can use this one document for both proof of identity and proof of address.
For your Driving licence to be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in EU member countries, or in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
We can accept the following documents:
Council Tax bill , including reminders
Council Tax adjustment notice letter
Current council tax arrears letter
Council tax letter for Direct Debits
Council tax exemption letter
Council Tax payment card accompanied by a letter issued by the council which confirms the council tax reference.
Council Tax benefit letter provided it has been sent to your current address and shows the Council Tax reference. This can be accepted to confirm either your identity or address. Not both.
Be less than 12 months old
Be for the property you reside at & match the exact address used when applying
Have your name in the addressee part of the document.
The name must match the exact name provided when applying
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Council tax is used this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification.
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you have not used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Council Tax as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The original, sent to your current home address
An online PDF statement
A Post Office statement
All must:
Be less than 6 months old
Match the exact address used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Bank/Building Society statement is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Bank/ Building Society statement as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Issued by DWP. Scottish public pensions agency, local authority, UC welcome letter, pensions benefits, housing benefits, child benefits, disability and sickness benefits.
Specific to the individual about benefits currently being received
Must Include either NI number or Date of birth
Must confirm the applicant is currently in receipt of benefit
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
A benefits letter that is addressed to a carer but is for the person opening the account can also be used but only as a last resort. The applicants name must be mentioned in the letter and the carer must reside at the same address as the applicant.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your documentation from the Benefits Agency is used, this can only be used when one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your documentation from the Benefits Agency as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The name and address must match the application
Please ensure the Credit Union appears as approved / authorised on the FCA search page (Opens in New Window)
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The documents we can accept are:
A notice of tax coding or
A National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 12 months
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications & correspondence is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national identity Card
Military ID Card
If you have not used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications and correspondence as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be less than 6 months old
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be a:
- Utility bill
- Utility statement
- Reminder bill
- A letter on headed paper from the utility company confirming direct debit payments
- A Utility bill for internet services that confirms the price to be paid each month
An e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Utility bill/ statement can only be used when one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Utility bill/ statement as address verification.
We cannot accept:
Mobile telephone bills
TV licences
A utility bill that is addressed to a different address to where the utility is being provided
A delivery bill for oil, coal, logs
To be accepted, this document must:
Be the original and less than 12 months old or
Be a pdf/e-bill/e-statement of your mortgage statement and be less than 12 months old
Match the exact name and address used when applying
The letter can be addressed to your previous address however the document must relate to the purchase of the property address which is used in your application.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your mortgage statement is used this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Idenity ID Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your mortgage statement as address verification
To be accepted, this document must either:
Be a current local council tenancy agreement
Be a Housing association tenancy agreement
Be a valid temporary tenancy agreement
All documents must:
Be issued by a recognised local authority, or from a well known housing association
Be on headed paper and bear the stamp of the relevant council/housing association
Match the exact name and address used in the application
Proof of address we accept for students in branch
Along with proof of address, we also need you to provide proof of your student status.
For your Driving licence to be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full or provisional photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in the UK
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
If the address on your Full or Provisional Driving Licence matches your application, you can use this one document for both proof of identity and proof of address.
For your Driving licence to be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in EU member countries, or in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
We can accept the following documents:
Council Tax bill , including reminders
Council Tax adjustment notice letter
Current council tax arrears letter
Council tax letter for Direct Debits
Council tax exemption letter
Council Tax payment card accompanied by a letter issued by the council which confirms the council tax reference.
Council Tax benefit letter provided it has been sent to your current address and shows the Council Tax reference. This can be accepted to confirm either your identity or address. Not both.
Be less than 12 months old
Be for the property you reside at & match the exact address used when applying
Have your name in the addressee part of the document.
The name must match the exact name provided when applying
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Council tax is used this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you have not used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Council Tax as address verification
To be accepted, the document must either be:
The original, sent to your current home address
An online PDF statement
A Post Office statement
All must:
Be less than 6 months old
Match the exact address used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Bank/Building Society statement is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Bank/ Building Society statement as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Issued by DWP. Scottish public pensions agency, local authority, UC welcome letter, pensions benefits, housing benefits, child benefits, disability and sickness benefits.
Specific to the individual about benefits currently being received
Must Include either NI number or Date of birth
Must confirm the applicant is currently in receipt of benefit
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
A benefits letter that is addressed to a carer but is for the person opening the account can also be used but only as a last resort. The applicants name must be mentioned in the letter and the carer must reside at the same address as the applicant.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your documentation from the Benefits Agency is used, this can only be used when one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your documentation from the Benefits Agency as address verification.
The simplest way to prove your student status is to enter your UCAS Status Code into the application form. (This is a 16 digit code emailed to you by UCAS. If you have misplaced this email please contact UCAS who will reissue within 24 hours)
Other documents we can accept are:
UCAS/NMAS Letter:
The letter must be on headed paper
It must include the UCAS/NMAS application number and match the address on the application form
Must match the address used when applying
Student Loan Company/LEA/SAAS Award Letter:
The award letter must match the address on the application form
Be on headed paper
University/College Letter of Acceptance/Enrolment Offer/Enrolment Certificate:
Letters should be on headed paper and addressed to the Bank or to you at your application address.
It can be an original letter, an email or an internet print
The letter must confirm you are onto the course and match the address on the application form
It must be issued by a Government/LEA/SAAS funded University/College.
If issued by anyone else this is not acceptable.
Letters from a language schools are not acceptable.
The course must still have six months left to run for the letter to be accepted unless it’s an English course.
Where an English course is less than six months, confirmation of both courses is required and the total length must be more than six months.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The documents we can accept are:
A notice of tax coding or
A National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 6 months or for the current tax year
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications & correspondence is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national identity Card
Military ID Card
If you have not used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications and correspondence as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be less than 6 months old
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be a:
- Utility bill
- Utility statement
- Reminder bill
- A letter on headed paper from the utility company confirming direct debit payments
- A Utility bill for internet services that confirms the price to be paid each month
An e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Utility bill/ statement can only be used when one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Utility bill/ statement as address verification.
We cannot accept:
Mobile telephone bills
TV licences
A utility bill that is addressed to a different address to where the utility is being provided
A delivery bill for oil, coal, logs
To be accepted, this document must either:
Be a current local council tenancy agreement
Be a Housing association tenancy agreement
Be a valid temporary tenancy agreement
All documents must:
Be issued by a recognised local authority, or from a well known housing association
Be on headed paper and bear the stamp of the relevant council/housing association
Match the exact name and address used in the application
Proof of address we accept for under 18s in branch
Proof of address options:
For your Driving licence to be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full or provisional photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in the UK
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
If the address on your Full or Provisional Driving Licence matches your application, you can use this one document for both proof of identity and proof of address.
For your Driving licence to be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be a full photocard licence (the paper counterpart is no longer valid as legal ID), issued in EU member countries, or in Iceland, Norway, Switzerland or Liechtenstein
Match the date of birth used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
To be accepted, the document must either be:
The original, sent to your current home address
An online PDF statement
A Post Office statement
All must:
Be less than 6 months old
Match the exact address used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Bank/Building Society Statement is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Bank/ Building Society statement as address verification.
To be accepted, the document must:
Be addressed to the Bank
Match the exact name on the application
Match the exact address on the application
Match the date of birth on the application and be for a customer who is aged 18 years old or under
Be confirmed as genuine*
*This can be done by a social worker being in the branch, with staff identification that confirms they are from the council, or an independent call back needs to be made.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The documents we can accept are:
A notice of tax coding or
A National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 6 months or for the current tax year
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications & correspondence is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national identity Card
Military ID Card
If you have not used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications and correspondence as address verification.
To be accepted, the document must:
- Be for an existing pupil of the school providing the letter
- Be addressed to the Bank
- Be on headed paper or stamped by the school
- Match the name on the application exactly
- Match the date of birth on the application and be for a customer who is 18 years old or under
- Match the address on the application
- Be issued by a known school
Please note, one letter is sufficient to cover both proof of identity and proof of address for the same application.
Documents we can accept by post:
Proof of identity we accept for adults by post
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Issued by DWP. Scottish public pensions agency, local authority, UC welcome letter, pensions benefits, housing benefits, child benefits, disability and sickness benefits.
Specific to the individual about benefits currently being received
Must Include either NI number or DOB
Must confirm the customer is currently in receipt of benefit.
Match the exact name used when applying
Match the exact address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
A benefits letter that is addressed to a carer but is for the person opening the account can also be used but only as a last resort.The applicants name must be mentioned in the letter and the carer must reside at the same address as the applicant.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The documents we can accept are:
A notice of tax coding or
A National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 12 months
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
An immigration and National Directorate (IND) Registration Card:
Must match the exact name used when applying
Must match all other personal details used when applying
Only be provided if applicant is unemployed
A travel document issued by the Government of the Northern Ireland:
Must match the exact name used when applying
Must match all other personal details used when applying
Be issued in the prior to 31 Dec 2004, if presented with a Grant of Status Letter or Entry Clearance Visa providing indefinite right to remain.
Still be in date, and have more than 3 months left to run.
Proof of identity we accept for students by post
Along with proof of ID, we also need you to provide proof of your student status.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be for a customer who is:
- 20 years old and under with no other form of ID
- Have special circumstances e.g. (Applicants in care homes, sheltered accommodation, permanent care, children's homes, in care and living at home).
Must exactly match the name used when applying
Must exactly match the date of birth used when applying
Be a Full or Abbreviated Birth Certificate or a Certified Copy of an Entry from the General Registry Office (England and Wales) or an Extract of an Entry in the Register of Births (Scotland)
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The documents we can accept are:
A notice of tax coding or
National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 6 months or for the current tax year
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
Proof of identity we accept for under 18s by post
ID options:
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be for a customer who is:
- 20 years old and under with no other form of ID
- Have special circumstances e.g. (Applicants in care homes, sheltered accommodation, permanent care, children's homes, in care and living at home).
Must exactly match the name used when applying
Must exactly match the date of birth used when applying
Be a Full or Abbreviated Birth Certificate or a Certified Copy of an Entry from the General Registry Office (England and Wales) or an Extract of an Entry in the Register of Births (Scotland)
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be for an existing pupil of the school providing the letter
Be addressed to the Bank
Be on headed paper or stamped by the school
Match the name on the application exactly
Match the date of birth on the application and be for a customer who is 18 years old or under
Match the address the application
Be issued by a known school
Please note that one letter is sufficient to cover both proof of identity and proof of address for the same application.
To be accepted, this document must:
The documents we can accept are:
A notice of tax coding or
A National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 6 months or for the current tax year
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
Proof of address we accept for adults by post
We can accept the following documents:
Council Tax bill , including reminders
Council Tax adjustment notice letter
Current council tax arrears letter
Council tax letter for Direct Debits
Council tax exemption letter
Council Tax payment card accompanied by a letter issued by the council which confirms the council tax reference.
Council Tax benefit letter provided it has been sent to your current address and shows the Council Tax reference. This can be accepted to confirm either your identity or address. Not both.
Be less than 12 months old
Be for the property you reside at & match the exact address used when applying
Have your name in the addressee part of the document.
The name must match the exact name provided when applying
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Council tax is used this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification.
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you have not used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Council Tax as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The original, sent to your current home address
An online PDF statement
A Post Office statement
All must:
Be less than 6 months old
Match the exact address used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Bank/Building Society statement is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Bank/ Building Society statement as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Issued by DWP. Scottish public pensions agency, local authority, UC welcome letter, pensions benefits, housing benefits, child benefits, disability and sickness benefits.
Specific to the individual about benefits currently being received
Must Include either NI number or Date of birth
Must confirm the applicant is currently in receipt of benefit
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
A benefits letter that is addressed to a carer but is for the person opening the account can also be used but only as a last resort. The applicants name must be mentioned in the letter and the carer must reside at the same address as the applicant.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your documentation from the Benefits Agency is used, this can only be used when one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your documentation from the Benefits Agency as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The name and address must match the application
Please ensure the Credit Union appears as approved / authorised on the FCA search page (Opens in New Window)
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The documents we can accept are:
A notice of tax coding or
A National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 12 months
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications & correspondence is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national identity Card
Military ID Card
If you have not used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications and correspondence as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be less than 6 months old
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be a:
- Utility bill
- Utility statement
- Reminder bill
- A letter on headed paper from the utility company confirming direct debit payments
- A Utility bill for internet services that confirms the price to be paid each month
An e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Utility bill/ statement can only be used when one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Utility bill/ statement as address verification.
We cannot accept:
Mobile telephone bills
TV licences
A utility bill that is addressed to a different address to where the utility is being provided
A delivery bill for oil, coal, logs
To be accepted, this document must:
Be the original and less than 12 months old or
Be a pdf/e-bill/e-statement of your mortgage statement and be less than 12 months old
Match the exact name and address used when applying
The letter can be addressed to your previous address however the document must relate to the purchase of the property address which is used in your application.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your mortgage statement is used this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Idenity ID Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your mortgage statement as address verification
To be accepted, this document must either:
Be a current local council tenancy agreement
Be a Housing association tenancy agreement
Be a valid temporary tenancy agreement
All documents must:
Be issued by a recognised local authority, or from a well known housing association
Be on headed paper and bear the stamp of the relevant council/housing association
Match the exact name and address used in the application
Proof of address we accept for students by post
Along with proof of address, we also need you to provide proof of your student status.
We can accept the following documents:
Council Tax bill , including reminders
Council Tax adjustment notice letter
Current council tax arrears letter
Council tax letter for Direct Debits
Council tax exemption letter
Council Tax payment card accompanied by a letter issued by the council which confirms the council tax reference.
Council Tax benefit letter provided it has been sent to your current address and shows the Council Tax reference. This can be accepted to confirm either your identity or address. Not both.
The document must
Be less than 12 months old
Be for the property you reside at & match the exact address used when applying
Have your name in the addressee part of the document.
The name must match the exact name provided when applying
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Council tax is used this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you have not used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Council Tax as address verification
To be accepted, the document must either be:
The original, sent to your current home address
An online PDF statement
A Post Office statement
All must:
Be less than 6 months old
Match the exact address used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Bank/Building Society statement is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Bank/ Building Society statement as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Issued by DWP. Scottish public pensions agency, local authority, UC welcome letter, pensions benefits, housing benefits, child benefits, disability and sickness benefits.
Specific to the individual about benefits currently being received
Must Include either NI number or Date of birth
Must confirm the applicant is currently in receipt of benefit
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be valid/in date
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
A benefits letter that is addressed to a carer but is for the person opening the account can also be used but only as a last resort. The applicants name must be mentioned in the letter and the carer must reside at the same address as the applicant.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your documentation from the Benefits Agency is used, this can only be used when one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your documentation from the Benefits Agency as address verification.
The simplest way to prove your student status is to enter your UCAS Status Code into the application form. (This is a 16 digit code emailed to you by UCAS. If you have misplaced this email please contact UCAS who will reissue within 24 hours)
Other documents we can accept are:
UCAS/NMAS Letter:
The letter must be on headed paper
It must include the UCAS/NMAS application number and match the address on the application form
Must match the address used when applying
Student Loan Company/LEA/SAAS Award Letter:
The award letter must match the address on the application form
Be on headed paper
University/College Letter of Acceptance/Enrolment Offer/Enrolment Certificate:
Letters should be on headed paper and addressed to the Bank or to you at your application address.
It can be an original letter, an email or an internet print
The letter must confirm you are onto the course and match the address on the application form
It must be issued by a Government/LEA/SAAS funded University/College.
If issued by anyone else this is not acceptable.
Letters from language schools are not acceptable.
The course must still have six months left to run for the letter to be accepted unless it’s an English course.
Where an English course is less than six months, confirmation of both courses is required and the total length must be more than six months.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The documents we can accept are:
A notice of tax coding or
A National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 6 months or for the current tax year
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications & correspondence is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national identity Card
Military ID Card
If you have not used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications and correspondence as address verification.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
Be less than 6 months old
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be a:
- Utility bill
- Utility statement
- Reminder bill
- A letter on headed paper from the utility company confirming direct debit payments
- A Utility bill for internet services that confirms the price to be paid each month
An e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Utility bill/ statement can only be used when one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Utility bill/ statement as address verification.
We cannot accept:
Mobile telephone bills
TV licences
A utility bill that is addressed to a different address to where the utility is being provided
A delivery bill for oil, coal, logs
To be accepted, this document must either:
Be a current local council tenancy agreement
Be a Housing association tenancy agreement
Be a valid temporary tenancy agreement
All documents must:
Be issued by a recognised local authority, or from a well known housing association
Be on headed paper and bear the stamp of the relevant council/housing association
Match the exact name and address used in the application
Proof of address we accept for under 18s by post
Proof of address options:
To be accepted, the document must either be:
The original, sent to your current home address
An online PDF statement
A Post Office statement
All must:
Be less than 6 months old
Match the exact address used when applying
Match the exact name used when applying
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your Bank/Building Society Statement is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport/Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA National Identity Card
Military ID Card
If you haven't used one of the above as your identification, you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your Bank/ Building Society statement as address verification.
To be accepted, the document must:
Be addressed to the Bank
Match the exact name on the application
Match the exact address on the application
Match the date of birth on the application and be for a customer who is aged 18 years old or under
Be confirmed as genuine*
*This can be done by a social worker being in the branch, with staff identification that confirms they are from the council, or an independent call back needs to be made.
To be accepted, the following criteria must be met:
The documents we can accept are:
A notice of tax coding or
A National Insurance Confirmation letter
The document must:
Specific to the individual
Must include either NI number or date of birth
Match the exact name and address used when applying
Be issued in the last 12 months
Can only be used as proof of identity or proof of address. Not both.
Where an e-statement/e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications & correspondence is used, this can only be used where one of the following has been used as identification:
Passport, Foreign Passport/Visa
Driving Licence
EU/EEA national identity Card
Military ID Card
If you have not used one of the above as your identification you cannot use an e-statement/ e-bill or pdf of your HMRC tax notifications and correspondence as address verification.
To be accepted, the document must:
- Be for an existing pupil of the school providing the letter
- Be addressed to the Bank
- Be on headed paper or stamped by the school
- Match the name on the application exactly
- Match the date of birth on the application and be for a customer who is 18 years old or under
- Match the address on the application
- Be issued by a known school
Please note, one letter is sufficient to cover both proof of identity and proof of address for the same application.
Looking to open a savings account?
If you want to open one of our Instant Access savings accounts, you must be a current account customer. If you want to open one of our Fixed Term accounts, or ISA's, you'll need to provide proof of ID and address.
New to the UK?
If you're new to the are arriving soon, you'll need to know your new address before applying, and enter this during your application.
Once you've applied, we'll ask you for proof of identity and proof of address, which we'll need to verify before we open your account.
Why do banks ask for proof of ID and address?
It's important that banks work hard on processes that help prevent money laundering. This is when criminals try to disguise money that has been made illegally, to use it for their own future purposes.
To do this, criminals often attempt to open a bank account using fake or stolen ID. We try to stop this by verifying all of our new customers as genuine, by asking for proof of identity and often current address.
If you are applying online, we try our best to complete this electronically, using our security partners Digidocs or HooYu, so the process is as easy as possible for you. This is why we ask you to have your ID at hand before you begin your application.