Need an account to receive
Universal Credit?
Universal Credit
The DWP pays Universal Credit directly into a UK account — but not everyone can get one from a high street bank. Suits Me® opens in minutes, with no credit check and no verified proof of address needed.
✅ No credit check
✅ No verified proof of address
✅ Open in ~3 minutes
✅ Same-day account details
Free Mastercard® · UK sort code & account number issued same day · KYC & AML checks on all applications
Universal Credit
The DWP pays Universal Credit directly into a UK account — but not everyone can get one from a high street bank. Suits Me® opens in minutes, with no credit check and no verified proof of address needed.
✅ No credit check
✅ No verified proof of address
✅ Open in ~3 minutes
✅ Same-day account details
Free Mastercard® · UK sort code & account number issued same day · KYC & AML checks on all applications
Open My Accountℹ️ You need a UK account to claim Universal Credit. The DWP does not pay Universal Credit in cash or by cheque — payments go directly into a UK account. If you can’t open a traditional bank account, Suits Me® is your solution.
Who can claim Universal Credit?
- UK residents aged 18 or over (some exceptions for 16–17 year olds)
- Unemployed, on a low income or unable to work
- You and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings
- You or your partner are under State Pension age
- You have a UK account to receive payments into
ℹ️ The DWP requires a UK account number and sort code to make Universal Credit payments. Without an account, you may be placed on the Payment Exception Service — a temporary cash-based arrangement the DWP expects you to move away from quickly.
About Universal Credit
How Universal Credit works
Universal Credit is a monthly government payment from the DWP that helps with your living costs. It replaces six older benefits and is paid directly into your UK account.
- You apply online at gov.uk
Applications are made through the government’s online portal. You’ll need to provide personal details, your housing situation and employment status. - Your first payment takes 5 weeks
There is a built-in 5-week wait for your first payment. You can request an advance payment from the DWP if you can’t wait that long. - Payments go into your UK account monthly
Universal Credit is paid monthly, directly into your account. In Scotland you can request twice-monthly payments if that helps you budget. - Payments vary based on your situation
The amount you receive depends on your age, housing costs, whether you have children, a disability, or start earning wages. The DWP adjusts payments as your circumstances change.
Why Suits Me®
Everything you need — in one account
Suits Me® is an alternative to a bank account for everyday use. Open in minutes. No credit check. No verified proof of address.
UK account number & sort code
Give your Suits Me® details to the DWP and your Universal Credit will land directly in your account.
No credit check
Your credit history — good, bad, or non-existent — will not affect your application.
Free contactless Mastercard®
Pay in stores, online and at ATMs. Accepted in over 30 million locations worldwide.
Direct Debits & standing orders
Set up automatic payments for rent, energy, phone and bills — and access better tariffs.
Mobile app & real-time notifications
See exactly when your Universal Credit arrives. Manage your money 24 hours a day from your phone.
PayPoint cash top-ups
Add cash to your account at thousands of PayPoint locations — the same network used by the Payment Exception Service.
Instant cashback at partner retailers
Earn money back automatically when you shop at hundreds of partner brands. No vouchers or codes needed.
Support in 11 languages
Speak to a real person in your own language — Monday to Friday, by phone, email or live chat.
Free Mastercard® included · Account details issued same day · No credit check
How to get started
Start receiving Universal Credit in 5 steps
Open your Suits Me® account
Takes around 3 minutes. Done entirely on your phone or computer.
Verify your photo ID
Upload a passport, driving licence, or other accepted ID document and a selfie.
Get your account details instantly
Once accepted your UK sort code and account number are issued the same day — usually within minutes.
Give your details to the DWP
Log into your Universal Credit journal or call 0800 328 5644 and update your payment details.
Universal Credit arrives in your account
From your next payment date, your Universal Credit lands directly in your Suits Me® account.
Managing your money
Make the most of your Universal Credit
Universal Credit payments can vary month to month. Suits Me® gives you the tools to stay in control no matter what.
Track every payment in real time
The Suits Me® mobile app shows you exactly when your Universal Credit arrives — often in the early hours of your payment date. You’ll get an instant notification the moment it lands.
Set up bills automatically
Use Direct Debits to pay rent, energy, phone and subscriptions automatically from your account. Never miss a payment — and access cheaper tariffs that require a Direct Debit.
Budget across the month
Universal Credit is paid monthly. Use the app to set aside money for specific expenses — rent, food, bills — so you always know what’s available to spend.
DWP deductions — what to know
The DWP can deduct up to 30% of your Universal Credit for things like advance repayments or overdue bills. If deductions leave you short, you can contact the DWP to request a reduction.
What customers say
Trusted by thousands of people across the UK
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"Suits Me was quick, efficient, and easy to use. Through financial problems out of my control I was refused an account everywhere but Suits Me — I was accepted in minutes."
Marc, Suits Me® customer · Verified Trustpilot review
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"What a great account — got my card straight away, easy set up. I struggled getting a card for my wages and this was by far the best. Highly recommend."
Keith, Suits Me® customer · Verified Trustpilot review
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"This was my last chance and I am glad to have an account. Suits Me is a life saver — easy to use, reliable, and the customer service team genuinely care."
Michael, Suits Me® customer · Verified Trustpilot review
Questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive Universal Credit into a Suits Me® account?
Yes. Suits Me® provides a UK account number and sort code — which is all the DWP needs to pay Universal Credit directly into your account. Simply update your payment details in your Universal Credit journal or call the DWP on 0800 328 5644.
Do I need a credit check to open a Suits Me® account?
No. Suits Me® does not carry out credit checks. Your credit history — good, bad, or non-existent — will not affect your application. We carry out standard KYC and AML identity checks as required by our regulators, but these are not credit checks.
What time does Universal Credit arrive in my Suits Me® account?
DWP payments are credited to your account as soon as Suits Me® receives them from the DWP — often in the early hours of your scheduled payment date. Most customers find their money arrives between midnight and 6am. If your payment date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the DWP usually processes it on the last working day before.
Will the DWP check my Suits Me® account?
The DWP has powers to check bank and personal accounts as part of fraud prevention. This applies to all accounts — not just Suits Me®. If your benefits are legitimate, having them paid into a proper account creates a clear, traceable record of every payment, which works in your favour. Suits Me® is not currently on the DWP’s list of accounts included in their automated data-gathering programme.
Can I request an advance on my first Universal Credit payment?
Yes. If you can’t wait the standard 5 weeks for your first payment, you can request an advance through your Universal Credit online account or by asking your Jobcentre Plus work coach. The advance is repaid from your future Universal Credit payments over up to 12 months, with no added interest.
What if the DWP is deducting too much from my Universal Credit?
The DWP can deduct up to 30% of your Universal Credit for things like advance repayments, overpayments or overdue utility bills. In exceptional cases they can go above 30%. If deductions are leaving you unable to cover essential living costs, you can contact the DWP in writing or through your online journal to request a reduction.
Is Suits Me® an personal account or a bank account?
Suits Me is a personal account, not a bank account. They are an e-money distributor for IDT Financial Services who is a regulated bank, licensed by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.
Related situations
Dealing with other financial challenges too?
Suits Me® supports people in a wide range of difficult financial situations — not just Universal Credit claimants.
Related page
On the Payment Exception Service?
The DWP designed the Payment Exception Service as a last resort. Find out how to move to a proper account quickly.
Related page
Worried about your credit history?
Suits Me® doesn’t run credit checks. A poor credit history will not affect your application in any way.
Don’t let banking barriers
delay your Universal Credit
Open a Suits Me® account in minutes and give the DWP your account details today. No credit check. No proof of address. Same-day account number and sort code.
Free Mastercard® included · Account details issued same day · KYC & AML checks completed on all applications · Suits Me® is an personal account, not a bank account · Funds not protected by the FSCS