Opening A Bank Account (Kafka Sytle)

People have warned me that opening a bank account in the UK is not going to be a simple task. Well, they were certainly right.

In order to open a bank account in the UK, one should provide an OFFICIAL proof of address (a letter from your parents won't work) and preferably salary slips, etc. There are some alternatives for newcomers (such as yours truly) who are not able to provide such documents. For example, HSBC has a scheme called 'Passport Account' for which you should provide evidence of your home-country address (before moving to the UK). The rational is preventing money laundering.

I won't get into too many details but after going to HSBC 3 times, for different documents, and getting refused I decided to go with plan B. This plan costs 35£ but is (1) simple (2) quick (3) actually works. I used the services of an agency called 1stcontact. This agency handles various things - from tax refunds, money transfer to (drums roll ...) - opening back account. They offer (for those above mentioned 35£) the KickStart package - which includes an orientation meeting in which you meet a representative of the bank (HSBC / Barclays / Loyds, whatever you choose), fill out some forms and that's it. Your account and debit card are ready in a few days.

Just be aware of this plan B, in case you start losing it ...