CIFAS Markers Bank Account
If you’ve been told you have a CIFAS marker, you might already know how hard it can be to open a traditional bank account. Most high-street banks will automatically decline your application, even if the marker isn’t related to fraud you committed.
The good news? You still have options. Suits Me offers a no-credit-check current account that can be opened online in minutes, even if you have a CIFAS marker.
Suits Me have helped lots of people open a fresh start account with CIFAS markers.
Rewards as standard
What is a CIFAS Marker?
A CIFAS marker is a warning placed on your credit file to help prevent fraud. It’s added by the UK’s national fraud prevention service, CIFAS (Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System). There are different types of CIFAS markers. Some are to protect you from identity theft and others are placed by financial institutions if they believe fraud has been committed. Key facts:
- A CIFAS marker stays on file for up to six years.
- It can make it difficult to open bank accounts, apply for loans, or get credit cards.
- You have a legal right to see the details of your marker and challenge it if it’s incorrect.
How a CIFAS Marker Affects Your Banking
When you apply for a bank account, most high-street banks carry out a credit check. If a CIFAS marker shows up, your application will likely be refused automatically, even if your finances are otherwise in good shape. We know how frustrating that can be. A marker can also affect:
- Mortgages – most lenders will decline applications while a marker is active.
- Loans & Credit Cards – often unavailable until the marker expires.
- Overdrafts – usually refused.
The impact depends on the type of marker you have. For example, a Protective Registration may still allow you to open certain accounts, but you’ll have to go through extra verification steps.
Can You Open a Bank Account With a CIFAS Marker?
Yes – but your options are limited. The steps to take are:
- Check your marker – request your CIFAS record and understand its type and expiry date.
- Gather ID documents – you’ll still need proof of ID and address.
- Apply to a provider that doesn’t run credit checks – such as Suits Me.
With Suits Me, there’s no credit check, so your CIFAS marker won’t automatically stop you from opening an account.
Why Suits Me® is an Option for People With a CIFAS Marker
✅ No credit checks – we do things differently.
✅ Fast setup – apply online and get your account details instantly.
✅ Contactless debit card – sent to your home.
✅ Multilingual support – our UK team speaks over 15 languages.
✅ Cashback rewards – earn instant cashback from major retailers.
✅ Transparent fees – no hidden charges.
How can Suits Me help?
Suits Me are not members of CIFAS, which is a not-for-profit organisation. We do not report into CIFAS, nor use their data. What we do at Suits Me is use advanced technology to prevent Fraud. We have zero tolerance towards fraudulent acts, however we also have an inclusive approach to those who have been victims of fraud and found themselves with a CIFAS marker because of it.
As we do not conduct credit checks at Suits Me, your CIFAS marker will not stop you from opening an account to manage your money.
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Essential
Best for occasional use
Pay as you go /month
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Essential is our pay as you go card. An instant account to give you flexibility and control when you need a separate account. Our customers who need an account to use now and again rather than as a main account choose Essential. Although there is no set monthly fee, individual charges are higher than the other account types. Overall monthly costs can be higher than our other account types if used as a main account or high volumes of payments.
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Essential is our pay as you go card. An instant account to give you flexibility and control when you need a separate account. Our customers who need an account to use now and again rather than as a main account choose Essential. Although there is no set monthly fee, individual charges are higher than the other account types. Overall monthly costs can be higher than our other account types if used as a main account or high volumes of payments.
Premium
Best for basic use
£4.97 /month
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Our Premium account is packed with extras. This account will let you do everything you need to manage your money whilst giving you cashback and discounts. Customers who need a basic and functional account for wages and benefits or have multiple payments into their account choose Premium.
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Our Premium account is packed with extras. This account will let you do everything you need to manage your money whilst giving you cashback and discounts. Customers who need a basic and functional account for wages and benefits or have multiple payments into their account choose Premium.
Premium Plus
Best for main account
£9.97 /month
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Our Premium Plus account is loaded with value plus you receive our VIP queue jump service. This account is a favourite with our customers with its inclusive package. The Premium Plus account is normally the cheapest option for those who want a fully functional bank account replacement as average usage is all included.
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Our Premium Plus account is loaded with value plus you receive our VIP queue jump service. This account is a favourite with our customers with its inclusive package. The Premium Plus account is normally the cheapest option for those who want a fully functional bank account replacement as average usage is all included.
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Your account safety, money and personal data is our highest priority. We ensure your identity, funds and personal information is safeguarded at all times.
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With no credit checks, your bad credit score doesn’t stop us opening you an account.
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Receive and send money in the UK and abroad easily. Our Faster Payments are seriously fast and can all be done self serve via our app.
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Access our exclusive customer discounts with top brands when you have an account with Suits Me. New partners are added every week for you to enjoy.
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Save money when you use your Suits Me card with our partners, in store and online. Get unlimited cashback into your account with partners like Argos, Sainsbury’s ASDA, B&Q, Foot Locker, New Look and more.
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There are no minimum deposits or balances required to open a Suits Me account and enjoy all the benefits.
Standing orders & Direct debits
You can pay Direct Debits and set up Standing Orders from your account.
Cash top ups
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Our Mobile App allows you to manage your finances on the go. Instant notifications on spending and deposits to your account.
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Sent via first class post and often received the next day. Your contactless debit card allows you to use it anywhere you go. Just search for the contactless symbol.
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With our preferred partner, Remitly, you can easily make international payments and receive international transfers into your Suits Me account.
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Provide your sort code and account number to your employer or benefits provider to have funds transferred directly into your Suits Me account.
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Account Benefits
Payments and Transfers
Receive and send money in the UK and send money abroad easily. Have wages or benefits sent directly to your account, send a faster payment or cash top up at any PayPoint store.
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Save money when you use your Suits Me card in our partner retail stores or when you shop online. You’ll get cashback back in to your Suits Me account.
Discounts with top brands
Access our exclusive customer discounts with top brands. We have different partners every week for you to enjoy great-money off deals.
24/7access
Instant access to your account wherever, whenever with the Suits Me App.
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Refer your friends to apply and use their Suits Me card, and earn £25 per friend! No limit on the number of friends you refer.
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Join in our exclusive account holder competitions every month for the chance to win cash prizes, amazing discounts and much more.
Life After a CIFAS Marker
A CIFAS marker isn’t forever but it can follow you around for up to six years, showing up whenever a bank or lender checks your file.If you think it’s there by mistake, you’re not stuck with it. Start by asking CIFAS to review the evidence. Still not happy? The Financial Ombudsman can give you a final decision.
While it’s active, your best move is to show you can handle money well. Get your wages paid in regularly, pay bills on time, and steer clear of unplanned overdrafts. Suits Me accounts don’t include overdrafts – that’s why our customers love to use our accounts for money management and better financial habits!
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FAQs
What is a CIFAS marker and how does it affect your credit?
A CIFAS marker is a fraud warning linked to your personal details. It’s there to alert banks and lenders of possible risk. It doesn’t directly lower your credit score, but it can lead to declined applications because providers may refuse to open accounts or offer credit while the marker is active.
Can you open a bank account with a CIFAS marker?
Yes – but your options are limited. Most high-street banks will reject applications, even for basic accounts. Providers like Suits Me don’t run credit checks, so a CIFAS marker won’t automatically stop you from opening an account.
How long does a CIFAS marker last?
Most markers stay on your file for up to six years. The exact duration depends on the type of marker. You can check this by requesting your CIFAS record.
What banks accept people with a CIFAS marker?
Few mainstream banks will accept applications while a marker is in place. Your best options are e-money or prepaid account providers that don’t run credit checks, such as Suits Me.
How can you remove a CIFAS marker from your record?
Contact CIFAS to request a review and see the evidence. If you think it’s incorrect and the review doesn’t fix it, you can take your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service for an independent decision.
What’s the difference between protective registration and a fraud marker?
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Protective registration: Added at your request to protect against identity theft – it warns providers to take extra steps to confirm your identity.
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Fraud marker: Added by a bank or lender when they believe fraud has been committed.
Will a CIFAS marker stop me getting loans or mortgages?
In most cases, yes, while the marker is active, most lenders will decline applications for loans, mortgages, or other credit products.
What documents do I need to open an account with a CIFAS marker?
Suits Me accepts a range of documents, such as passports, driving licences, utility bills, or bank statements.
Does Suits Me report to credit reference agencies?
No – as an e-money account provider, we don’t offer credit facilities, so your account activity isn’t reported to credit reference agencies.