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Apply for your new bank account

Ukrainian refugee account opening

To apply for this account you must be 18+, a temporary resident and hold either an in date Biometric Residence Permit, Ukrainian international passport or Ukrainian national ID card (see below for details).
On this page
Features of this account
How to apply for your account
Page translation options (український & Русский)
Refugee support services
Frequently asked questions
Ready to apply

Welcome to the

On behalf of all of us at Shostra Bank we would like to welcome you.

We know this is a difficult time for you and your loved ones, and we hope your family is safe. 

Here at Shostra Bank we want to help, and for us this means giving you access to free and simple banking and support both online and in our branches with our basic bank account designed around you.

What you'll get with your account

Basic bank account with no monthly fee

Use of our mobile app to easily manage your account anywhere and anytime

Pay however you want to with Apple Pay, Google Pay™ and Contactless Debit Card. Limits apply

Send fee-free international payments to friends and family easily with our mobile app (criteria apply)

App available to customers aged 11+ with a compatible iOS and Android device and an international mobile number in specific countries. Ukrainian mobile numbers not compatible.

How to apply for your account

1. Email address

To apply for this account online you will need an email address we can reach you on. This is so we can ask for any documents we need and give you updates on your application.

2. Mobile number

We recommend having a valid phone number set up in your name. This is not essential, but will help you access your account via Mobile or Online Banking.
See accepted phone numbers

3. Apply online

Read through the important information about your account, and fill in a quick online form with some personal details.
Ready to apply

Need extra support with your application?

If you are struggling with applying for an account online, you can go into your local branch where a member of staff will be able to help you through the application.

Don't worry if you do not speak English, we have an interpreter service for both Ukrainian and Russian available in our branches.  Use the below link to find your nearest branch, and don't forget to bring in the documents we need when visiting.

Branch locator

Ukrainian and Russian translated account opening pages

український переклад

Натисніть на кнопку нижче, щоб побачити цю веб-сторінку українською мовою.

Відкриття рахунку біженця українською мовою

Русский перевод

Нажмите на кнопку ниже, чтобы увидеть эту веб-страницу на русском языке.

Открытие счета беженца на русском языке

charity support for refugees

As well as helping with your day to day banking, we want you and your family to get the support you need. Here are a few charities which may be able to help you through these difficult times.

Refugee Council

A charity to support refugees entering the country.
Ukrainian refugee specific support

British Red Cross

A range of practical support, advice and services for all refugees.
Red Cross support for Refugees

Refugee Education

A range of resources to support your child's education in these difficult times.
Child education support

The above links are to external, third party websites, and we are not responsible for their content.

Frequently asked questions

Get ready to apply

Before you apply for a bank account with us, please make sure you've read the important information below.

First things first. You can apply if you:

  • Are 18 or over and a temporary resident
  • Have valid documents to prove I.D and right to reside in the UK

If applying online today, you must also have an email address we can reach you on. Remember if you are unable to set up an email address, you can go apply in branch without one. 

Now please take a look at the important legal info.

If you carry on applying, it means you're happy with what's in these documents, including the FSCS information sheet. Please take some time to review, print and/or save the important information.

Need additional support with your banking?

Banking My Way is a free service that allows you to record information about the support or adjustments you need to make banking easier. You can also let us know any additional support you may need to ensure all of our colleagues are aware of this. The information will be shared on our internal systems and therefore you will not need to repeat these requirements every time you interact with us.

Once your account is open, you can record this through Online Banking or with our colleagues in branches or over the phone.

Learn more about Banking My Way

How your information might be used

It's important for you to understand how we use and share your information. Please read this short summary before you continue with your application.

Are you all set? Lets start your application for a bank account

To help speed up your application, we just need to do a few final checks with you. They’ll only take a minute.

Continue
Are you a Ukrainian refugee?
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Please select which of the following photo I.D documents you will be using for your application:
Please only select the one you will provide as proof of I.D. Also please note we can only accept your photo I.D if it is in date and hasn’t expired. If none of the below documents are in date, please select “None of the above”.
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Do you have an email address we can contact you on?
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You're all set

You just need to start your online application below, and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

Previous

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

Previous
Do you also have one of the following documents:
Previous
Next
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?
Previous
Next

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

Previous

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch

Branch locator

Previous
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?
Previous
Next

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

Previous

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

 

Previous
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?
Previous
Next

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

Previous

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch Locator

Previous

Before we continue

We will need one of the below before we can open an account for you:

A passport insert issued by visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

A passport stamp issued by Border Force confirming your right to enter the UK

A confirmed visa application issued by visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

Previous
Next
Would you like to continue your application today?
Previous
Next
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?
Previous
Next

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

Previous

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

Previous

We’re sorry to hear your not able to continue your application today

If you are able to get the documents needed, you can re-apply at any time. We hope to hear from you soon.

If you and your family need further support during this difficult time, you can find detail of support available on this webpage. See our charity support for refugees section above.

Previous
Do you also have one of the following documents:
Previous
Next
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?
Previous
Next

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

Previous

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

Previous
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?
Previous
Next

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

Previous

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

Previous
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?
Previous
Next

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

Previous

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

Previous

Before we continue

We will need one of the below before we can open an account for you.

A Passport insert issued by visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

A passport stamp issued by Border Force confirming your right to enter the UK

Confirmed visa application issued by visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

Previous
Next
Would you like to continue with your application today?
Previous
Next
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?
Previous
Next

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

Previous

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

Previous

We’re sorry to hear your not able to continue your application today

If you are able to get the documents needed, you can re-apply at any time. We hope to hear from you soon.

If you and your family need further support during this difficult time, you can find detail of support available on this webpage. See our charity support for refugees section above.

Previous

We are unable to proceed with the application at this time

We’re sorry, but we can’t proceed with this application unless you have a Biometric Residence Permit issued by the government, or alternatively a Ukrainian international passport or Ukrainian national ID card in your name, and one of the following:

Passport insert issued by visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

Passport stamp issued by Border Force confirming your right to enter the UK

Confirmed visa application issued by visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have these documents.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Previous

I am a refugee from another country

We’re sorry, but we can’t proceed with this application unless you are a Ukrainian refugee.

We want to help you open an account, please visit your local branch and a member of our team will help you get this sorted.

Find your nearest branch

Return to current accounts

 

Previous

Once you've applied...

We will confirm once your account is open and send your account details to you with information on accessing your account. There are a number of ways you can access your account, including Online Banking and our Mobile app. Below are some useful links to help get you started.

Get help with budgeting

Need to start budgeting your living expenses in the UK? Our budget calculator can help you work out all the living expenses you will need while in the UK, and how much money you have left for you and your family.
Budget calculator

Managing your account

The below link can help you get the most out of your new account. It includes information on our online and mobile banking options, and has Ukrainian and Russian translations for your welcome email.
Getting the most out of your account

Account safety and security

We want to make sure you have all the information to protect yourself and your account against fraud. To help you, we have put together some information and support guides on types of fraud to look out for.
Protect your account against fraud