Can Italians open a UK bank account without UK credit history?

Yes. Many banks accept passport or national ID plus UK contact details. If you lack proof of address, use alternatives like a tenancy, employer letter, or C/O wording. Digital banks often approve faster.

What if I was rejected by a UK bank?

Check why: blurry ID photo, address mismatch, name spelling, or missing UK phone. Fix the issue, wait a short time, and try again—or switch to a bank with easier KYC. A branch visit with the right script also helps.

Do I need a National Insurance Number to open a bank account?

Not always. Many banks do not require a NIN to open an account. Apply for a NIN as soon as possible for payroll records.

Can I open an account with a C/O address (care of a friend)?

Some banks accept a C/O line when you are new in the UK. Use clear wording and get permission from the host. Update your address later when you move.

Which is better for newcomers: digital banks or high-street banks?

Digital banks are fast and simple for ID checks. High-street banks are useful for cash deposits and in-branch support. Start digital, add a high-street account later.

How can I avoid account freezes?

Use your own device and UK SIM. Keep transfers simple at first. Avoid sudden large amounts from unknown sources. If the bank asks for documents, reply fast with clear scans.

Open a UK bank account without credit history — simple steps for Italians

MONEY • KYC

Rejected by UK Banks? Fix KYC & Open Your Account (Easy English)

Short steps, calm language. Pass checks, avoid freezes, and pick the bank that works today.

Start now ↓Get the branch script

Updated for 2025 • Written for Italians in the UK

Why this guide (and who it’s for)

Clear steps

What to do first, what to say, what to show.

Fix rejections

Find the reason, fix it fast, retry the right way.

Stay safe

Avoid freezes and common mistakes in the first weeks.

1) Who can open & quick requirements

If you are Italian and living in the UK (or moving now), you can usually open a basic bank account. No UK credit history needed. You need identity, a UK mobile number, and a correct address format.

Minimum you need

Italian passport or Carta d’Identità (valid)
UK mobile number (SIM in your name)
Email you keep for years

Helpful extras

Proof of address (tenancy, employer letter, C/O)
UK payslip or job offer (optional)
Backup ID (driving licence)

Strategy

Open a digital account first for speed
Add a high-street account for cash deposit
Keep both clean for future credit

2) Documents that work (with C/O wording)

Many accounts open with just your ID and UK mobile. Some banks still ask for proof of address. If you don’t have bills, use a tenancy, an employer letter, or a C/O (care of) line when staying with a friend—ask permission first.

Accepted items (common)

Passport or Carta d’Identità (photo + MRZ visible)
UK mobile number for SMS
Tenancy agreement or agent/landlord letter
Employer letter with your address
Official letter to your UK address (council, HMRC, GP)

C/O wording (care of)

Line 1: C/O <HOST SURNAME>
Line 2: house number + street
Town/City + exact postcode
Host labels mailbox with your name
Update address when you move

Copy your name exactly like your passport. Remove accents if the app rejects them.

3) Digital banks vs high-street banks (which first?)

Start where approval is easiest today; add the other later.

Bank type	Pros	Cons	Best when
Digital bank (app)	Fast KYC, easy app control, quick cards	Cash deposit limited; support online only	You just arrived; need account number fast
High-street bank (branch)	Cash deposit, in-person help, formal letters	Slower onboarding; stricter address rules	You need cash services or prefer a branch

Strategy: open digital now; add high-street after stable proof of address.

4) Pass KYC first time (photo rules & name matching)

Photo & selfie

Daylight near a window; no backlight
Clean the lens; hold still
No glasses or hats; hair back
Full passport/ID page; fingers off the MRZ
Neutral face; follow the app guide

Name & address

Spell your name exactly like your passport
If accents fail, remove them everywhere consistently
Address: house number, street, town, postcode
Use your own UK SIM; same email across finance apps

If the first try fails, wait a little, then re-submit in better light.

5) If rejected — find the reason & fix fast

Common reasons

Blurry ID or glare
Wrong address format / missing postcode
Foreign SIM or borrowed device
Name mismatch between ID and app
Too many attempts quickly

Fast fixes

Retake photos in daylight on a flat surface
Correct the address; add C/O if staying with friends
Use your own UK SIM
Copy your exact passport name
Wait 24–48 h before retrying if blocked

Switch plan

Try another digital bank (different KYC flow)
Or book a branch with documents ready
Bring an employer letter if you have one

6) Branch script (easy English) — what to say

Hello, I am Italian and new to the UK. I would like to open a basic current account.
Here are my documents:
• Passport / Italian ID (original)
• UK mobile number
• Address: C/O <Host Surname>, <house number and street>, <postcode> (I will update when I move)
• Employer letter / Tenancy (if available)

I am happy to complete any checks. Which account can I open today?

If they refuse C/O, ask which exact document they accept and return with that.

7) Proof of address without bills (realistic options)

Options

Tenancy agreement with your name
Employer letter on letterhead
University/college letter
Official letter from council / GP

C/O tips

Host puts your name on mailbox/buzzer
Keep a short host permission note
Update the bank when you move

Each bank has its own list. If one says no, try another newcomer-friendly option.

8) Starter credit score moves (build trust slowly)

Month 1–2

Use the account weekly for small purchases
Receive salary if possible
Keep the same address across services

Month 3–4

Add a simple bill in your name (SIM/broadband)
Start a savings pot (monthly)
Avoid overdrafts early

Month 5–6

Add a high-street account if needed
Always on-time payments
Consider credit only when stable

9) Fees, limits, and transfers (basics)

Common fees

Card delivery/replacement (some banks)
Cash deposit or partner-shop fee
Overseas ATM or FX conversion

Limits

Daily card limits for new accounts
Transfer caps (raise later after checks)
Cash deposit caps per month

If a transfer is blocked, pause and read the message — don’t spam attempts.

10) Security & how to avoid account freezes

Do this

Use your own phone and UK SIM
Enable app lock, Face/Touch ID, 2FA
Reply fast to document requests
Keep transactions simple at first

Avoid this

Receiving money from strangers
Letting others use your account or card
Sending scans to random emails
Clicking suspicious links

Templates: scripts, letters, and notes (copy-paste)

A) Branch intro (no bills yet)

Hello, I am Italian and new to the UK. I would like to open a basic current account.
I have:
• Passport / Italian ID
• UK mobile number
• Address: C/O <Host Surname>, <house number and street>, <postcode>
I will update my address when I move.

Could you please advise the simplest account I can open today?

B) Employer letter request (proof of address)

Subject: Letter for bank account — proof of address

Hello <HR/Manager>,

Could you provide a short letter on company letterhead confirming:
• My name: <Name Surname>
• Employment status: <Job title / start date>
• Current address: <C/O Host Surname, number street, postcode>

The bank asked for a letter to open my account. Thank you!

C) Host permission note (C/O)

To whom it may concern,

I, <Host Name>, give permission to <Your Name> to receive correspondence at:
<house number, street, town, postcode>.
They currently stay with me.

Signed,
<Host Name>  <Date>

D) App rejection follow-up

Hello support,

I tried to open an account and received a rejection. I am Italian and new to the UK.
Could you confirm the reason? I can re-submit clearer photos and the correct address format:
C/O <Host Surname>, <house number and street>, <postcode>.

Thanks for your help!
<Your name>

E) Address update to bank (after moving)

Subject: Address update

Hello, I moved to a new address. Please update my records to:
<New house number and street>
<Town/City>
<Postcode>

Thank you,
<Your name>

Document naming tip

Save files as surname_document_YYYY-MM-DD (e.g. rossi_passport_2025-01-15.jpg).

Quick FAQ

Do I need a job to open a UK bank account?

Not always. A basic account is possible without a job. If you have a job offer, bring the letter—it helps show stability.

Will a digital bank be enough for my salary?

Usually yes. Many employers pay into digital banks. If your employer prefers a high-street bank, open that second account.

Can I use a friend’s address for the bank?

Ask permission and use a C/O line. Some banks accept it, some do not. Be ready to update your address later.

My app keeps crashing during selfie. What now?

Close other apps, clean the camera, use daylight, and hold the phone steady. If it still fails, try your own second device or open in branch.

Want same-day help passing KYC and choosing the right bank?

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General information, not financial advice. Policies change; follow the latest instructions in your bank app or branch.