Open Your Account in Minutes
New to the UK and struggling to open a bank account with a traditional bank due to not meeting all their requirements? Open a Suits Me® account today and gain instant access to your account details, online money account and mobile apps to start managing your money and finances.
New to the UK Banking
If you’ve just arrived in the UK, or you’ve been living abroad for a long period of time, you might be wondering what your options are.
Alternative Banking
Suits Me® e-money current accounts are the perfect solution for those that are new to the UK and don’t meet the requirements expected from the Traditional High Street Banks.
Suits Me® New to the UK Suitable Accounts
Are you new to the UK and struggling to open a UK bank account?
Opening a Suits Me® accounts gives you access to a UK online money account without the need proof of address, saving time and giving you access to an e-money account if you need one. You’ll also get a debit card as well as automatic access to our mobile app.
Every Suits Me® account holder has access to a variety of features, such as bank transfers, UK Faster Payments and payment automation facilities with direct debits and standing orders. You can also send money internationally through our partner available in the Suits Me® app.
Is a Suits Me® Account Right for You?
A Suits Me® account is ideal for you if;
- You’re new to the UK
- You’re an expat
- You’re a migrant worker
- You’re an International Student
- You’re struggling to get a bank account with a high street bank
- You have no credit history
Financial Inclusion
Many migrant workers, expats and international students are effectively financially excluded from many traditional high street banks as they can’t meet the requirements that are needed for a bank account. At Suits Me® we believe in equality and financial inclusion and that anyone should be able to have access to a banking solution. We aim to provide the underbanked and unbanked access to fair and transparent banking solutions and financial services.
FAQs
What do I Need to Open a Regular, UK High Street Bank Account?
To open an account with a traditional UK bank that you’d find in the town centre, they will need to check for a few things:
Identity
This is an essential security measure to protect against fraudulent activity. You’ll be asked for your Passport or another photo-ID such as a Driving Licence.
Address
Traditional Banks will only allow people to open accounts with UK addresses. They’ll check it by using a previous bank statement you’ve been given or a utility bill to your address. Students can send in their confirmation letter from their University or college, this will confirm they’re a student whilst proving their address.
Financial History
If a credit facility (overdrafts, credit cards and interest) is offered, banks check your financial history to make sure they’re not taking a risk. This means that if you’ve got a poor credit score, you’ve been bankrupt or been in an Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA) you might struggle to open an account.
These requirements can stop a lot of people from accessing banking in the UK, especially if you’re new to the country.
Can I use my Home/Foreign Bank Account in the UK?
If you’ve got a bank account in your home country you can use your account in the UK, but you will likely be charged. ATM withdrawals will cost, as will bank transfers across countries.
You will face longer waits too, international bank transfers when made from bank to bank take a lot of admin time, driving up the price.
Can I Open a UK Account Without Proof of Address?
Regular high street banks will not offer an account without explicit proof of address.
At Suits Me®, we only need proof of ID and an address you know you can collect your Mastercard® debit card from safely. We don’t carry out credit checks either.