If you just arrived in the UK whether as an immigrant, international student or visitor, one of the issues you would need to solve is how to quickly open a UK bank account without having proof of address document.
You can open a UK bank account without proof of address with online banks like Monzo, Revolut and a few physical banks even as a non-resident. You just need to provide a residential address and an alternative document.
Therefore, find out in this post how to successfully open a UK bank account as a newcomer without having this document.
What is Proof of Address in the UK?
Proof of address is a document that verifies you live in a particular residence. Such a document must show the full residential address to be considered valid. In the UK, institutions such as banks, hospitals and jobs do request a kind of proof of address before you sign up. Therefore, proof of address shows you are a UK resident.
The following are proof of address examples to open a UK bank account:
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, water, etc.)
- Bank statement within 3 months.
- Rental agreement
- Recent credit card statement
- Council tax bill
- Valid UK driving license.
- Mortgage statement.
The truth is not all banks request these kinds of proof of address to open an account. Examples are Monzo and Revolut. And some banks will open an account for international students without submitting a proof of address document.
Read: How to Open Uk Bank Account as an International Student.
UK Banks that do not Need Proof of Address
Monzo and Revolut are popular banks in the UK that do ask for any proof of address document to open an account. All you need is to enter a UK address even as a non-resident. This means, for instance, you can use the address you are staying in temporarily to open Monzo or Revolut account.
Caveat: That these banks do not ask for a proof of address document does not mean you should input any UK address.
For instance, although Monzo bank does not ask for a proof of address document, the bank will send your debit card for free to the residential address you entered during account opening. And until you get the debit card and enter the activation code on the Monzo app, you cannot use your bank account.
Likewise, Revolut does not ask for a proof of address document when opening an account. And within some minutes, you get a UK bank account in your name. However, just like Monzo, when you request a debit card, Revolut will send it to your UK address.
How to Open Monzo Account Without Proof of Address
Opening a Monzo bank account in the UK is as easy as downloading the app, and creating and verifying the account within some minutes. Interestingly, Monzo gives 5 GBP referral bonus when you sign up.
Here is how to open a Monzo bank account without proof of address:
- Download the bank app through this Monzo link.
- Create an account.
- Verify your identity with a Photo ID and a selfie video.
- Select Account type.
- Lastly, activate your account with a debit card.
Monzo will send you a Mastercard debit card to your residential address for free within 5 working days.
To get more information, read on How to Open Monzo Bank Account
How to Open Revolut Account Without Proof of Address
Revolut makes it easy to open a UK bank account online even as a non-resident. Really, it takes a few minutes to complete the registration and have your UK account number.
Follow these steps to open a Revolut account without proof of address:
- Download the Revolut app.
- Create an account
- Verify your identity with a valid Photo ID.
- Lastly, select an account plan: free or paid
Indeed, you can open a Revolut account the day you arrived in the UK for the first time.
Read: How to get Revolut Sign up Bonus
Can you Open a UK Bank Account without a UK address?
You cannot open a UK bank account without having a UK residential address. You may not give a document to back it up but you must enter a UK address when opening a bank account.
How to get UK Proof of Address Quickly
Opening an online bank like Monzo or Revolut can quickly get you proof of address in the UK, which is your account statement. In less than a month of using the account for transactions, you can generate a bank statement and use it for any application requesting a proof of address document.
Another way to quickly get proof of address in the UK is by renting an apartment and getting a rental agreement document. This can be gotten within some days from your agent or landlord after moving in. However, getting an apartment quickly can be difficult, especially for immigrants due to location, apartment scarcity and documentation issues.
Final Thoughts
In summary, It is possible to open a UK bank account without proof of address. For instance, online banks like Monzo and Revolut do not ask for this document. And other UK banks may accept an alternative document. Interestingly, you can use your statement of account from these banks for other applications requesting proof of address.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Therefore, try it and let me know your experience by leaving a message in the comment section below.
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