Opening a Bank Account
There are around 20 major commercial banks in the UK, many of which also have branches overseas. The four largest are Lloyds TSB, Barclays, Nat West, and HSBC. Other institutions also offer banking services. These include the Post Office, various savings banks, cooperative and building societies. Most banks provide a range of additional services including mortgage lending and investment advice. Many offer Internet and banking facilities. There are ATM machines located at most banks and in most Supermarkets.
Bank opening hours are generally from 0930 to 1630 on weekdays. They are closed on public holidays and at weekends.
There are Moneygram and Western Union Agents through out the UK who offer competitive rates for immediate international money transfers.
Below you can find few additional details about some of the Banks and their requirements for opening a Bank Account.
Abbey - www.abbey.com They require ID or Passport and utility bill or any other proof of address. Bank does not accept a letter from employer and from a College. They also require you to have been resident in the UK for more than 6 months.
Alliance & Leicester - www.alliance-leicester.co.uk
They require ID or a Passport and utility bill or any other proof of address. Bank does not accept letters from an employer or from a college.
Barclays - www.barclays.co.uk
They require ID or a Passport and utility bill or any other proof of address. Bank does not accept letters from an employer or from a college. There are many branches which provide services in Polish language.
Halifax - www.halifax.co.uk
They require ID or a Passport and utility bill. Bank does not accept letters from an employer or from a college.
The Bank Account you can only open if you earn more than £1000 a month - they require a letter you’re your employer confirming that.
HSBC - www.hsbc.co.uk
They require ID or Passport and utility bill or any other proof of address. They will also accept a letter from employer.
LLoyds TSB - www.lloydstsb.com
They require ID or Passport and utility bill or any other proof of address. They accept a letter from employer; (for Poles they have introduced a new scheme which allows them to open a Bank Account with only ID or a Passport). Website and info in Polish www.lloydstsb.com/polska
Nationwide - www.nationwide.co.uk
They require ID or Passport and utility bill or any other proof of address. Bank does not accept letters from an employer or from a college.
Natwest (National Westminster) - www.natwest.com
They require ID or a Passport and utility bill or any other proof of address. You need to fill an application form. They also provide advice in Polish language on 08452467979 and www.natwest.com/welcome.
Royal Bank of Scotland - www.rbs.co.uk
They require ID or a Passport and utility bill or any other proof of address. Bank does not accept letters from an employer or from a college.
