UK Bank Account Declined

Hi Everyone,

My application to open an everyday current account with Santander has been declined... I had a feeling that would happen what with having no credit history in the UK. I provided all the necessary documentation (my name added to a utility bill, etc) and the associate at Santander didn't think I'd have a problem with the Everyday account because it was so basic. I have another appointment scheduled to talk over my options. There is one other account I could apply for with this bank that does not require a credit check but only comes with a cash card for ATMs and a 'top-up debit card'. Not ideal, but if there's no other option that's perhaps what I'll do. Wondering what others have done in this situation?

Also, those of you who were successful with opening an account, may I ask which bank you used?

Thank you!

We used HSBC.

https://www.hsbc.co.uk/international/moving-to-the-uk/

I used Lloyds when I moved here.  I'm with Barclays now.  Lloyds was pretty good with expats back in the day.  Certainly could have changed since though.

I opened a Lloyd's current account in the summer of 2013.

I came over on a fiancee visa.  I did not attempt to open an account until after we were married and I'd switched to FLR(M).  I don't know if I would have been successful when I was still on my fiancee visa.  It was a bit annoying on FLR(M), anyway... the process wasn't as relaxed and easy-going as my experiences were in the US.

I used HSBC and didn't have an issue (but that might've been because my husband already had an account there as well so we opened a joint account off his account and then a separate one off of that for just me). Just needed the appropriate documentation that you also had provided to Santander, but this was back in 2013 and I'm sure there have been regulations since that may have made it more difficult.

Back in the day, I didn't have too much hassle opening my first UK bank account with Barclays.  That was 9 years ago though, so no idea what it is like now.  Best of luck!

I opened an account with Lloyd’s within a week of arriving on a spouse visa in 2014. I would try them, go into a branch.

Hi Everyone,

My application to open an everyday current account with Santander has been declined... I had a feeling that would happen what with having no credit history in the UK. I provided all the necessary documentation (my name added to a utility bill, etc) and the associate at Santander didn't think I'd have a problem with the Everyday account because it was so basic. I have another appointment scheduled to talk over my options. There is one other account I could apply for with this bank that does not require a credit check but only comes with a cash card for ATMs and a 'top-up debit card'. Not ideal, but if there's no other option that's perhaps what I'll do. Wondering what others have done in this situation?

Also, those of you who were successful with opening an account, may I ask which bank you used?

Thank you!

I would explore the other account that Santander is offering plus try other banks. Looking at the account you were denied it would appear that a credit history is needed because the Everyday Current Account offers "A four month fee-free Arranged Overdraft when you switch to us"

https://www.santander.co.uk/info/current-accounts/everyday-current-account

I obtained an account with RBS in 2017, no problems. It's a basic account - direct debits in (and out, as arranged) a debit card, paper checks (at my request). After having been with them a while I was given the option to apply for an overdraft scheme, but don't want one. I also have a savings account with them. Six months in with them I applied for and was given a Mastercard with a decent enough starter credit limit, for the odd online purchase. Since then it's been raised twice.

Thank you everyone so much for your replies and advice!! I have another appointment set up with Santander to explore the other bank account option that does not require a credit check. They are the handiest option location-wise and I was told I can open that account, have it for a couple months or so, and then potentially switch to the other one. I’ll see how it goes. Thank you again for all the help!


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