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Bank accounts

Ukrainian refugee account opening

To apply for this account you must be 18+, a temporary UK resident and hold either an in date Biometric Residence Permit, Ukrainian international passport or Ukrainian national ID card (see below for details).

Welcome to the UK

We know this is a difficult time for you and your family and we hope your loved ones are safe.

We're here to help make opening a bank account as simple and straightforward as possible, so we'll be with you every step of the way to help you get started.

What you'll get with your account

  • Basic bank account with no monthly fee
  • Use of our mobile app to easily manage your account anywhere and anytime
  • Pay however you want to with Apple Pay, Google Pay™ and Contactless Debit Card. Limits apply
  • Send fee-free international payments to friends and family easily with our mobile app (criteria apply)

How to apply for your account

Email address

To apply for this account online, you'll need an email address. This is so we can ask you for any documents we need and to keep you updated on the progress of your application. 

Mobile number

We recommend having a valid phone number set up in your name. This is not essential, but will help you access your account via Mobile or Digital Banking.

Apply online

Take a moment to read what you'll need to open your account before you apply, so you'll be all set to complete your application.

Need support with your application?

If you're struggling to apply for an account online, you can visit your local branch where a member of staff will help you through the application.

Don't worry if you don't speak english, we have an interpreter service available in our branches to support you. Find your nearest branch using our branch locator and don't forget to bring along the documents we need to open your account.

Ukrainian and Russian translated account opening pages

український переклад

Натисніть кнопку нижче, щоб переглянути цю веб-сторінку українською

Information Message

Русский перевод

Нажмите на кнопку ниже, чтобы просмотреть эту веб-страницу на русском языке

Information Message

UK charity support for refugees

As well as helping you with your day to day banking, we want you and your family to get the help you may need. Here are a few charities which may be able to help you through this difficult time.

Refugee Council

A UK charity to support refugees entering the country.

British Red Cross

A range of practical support, advice and services for all refugees.

Refugee Education UK

A range of resources to support your child's education in these difficult times.

Frequently asked questions

Get ready to apply

Before you apply for a bank account with us, please make sure you’ve read the important information below. 

First things first. You can apply if you:

  • Are 18 or over and a temporary UK resident
  • Have valid documents to prove I.D and right to reside in the UK
  • If  you're applying online today, you must also have an email address we can reach you on. Remember, if you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply for an account in branch without one. 

 

Now please take a look at the important legal info.

Need additional support with your banking?

Banking My Way is a free service that allows you to record information about the support or adjustments you need to make banking easier. You can also let us know any additional support you may need to ensure all of our colleagues are aware of this. The information will be shared on our internal systems and therefore you will not need to repeat these requirements every time you interact with us.

Once your account is open, you can record this through Digital Banking or with our colleagues in branches or over the phone.

Learn more about Banking My Way

How your information might be used

It's important for you to understand how we use and share your information. Please read this short summary before you continue with your application.

Are you all set? Lets start your application for a bank account

To help speed up your application, we just need to do a few final checks with you. They’ll only take a minute.

Are you a Ukrainian refugee?
Please select which of the following photo I.D documents you will be using for your application:
Please only select the one you will provide as proof of I.D. Also please note we can only accept your photo I.D if it is in date and hasn’t expired. If none of the below documents are in date, please select “None of the above”.
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below, and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid UK mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a UK based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

Do you also have one of the following documents:
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid UK mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a UK based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch

Branch locator

Do you have an email address we can contact you on?

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid UK mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a UK based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

 

Do you have an email address we can contact you on?

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid UK mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a UK based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch Locator

Before we continue

We will need one of the below before we can open an account for you:

A passport insert issued by UK visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

A passport stamp issued by UK Border Force confirming your right to enter the UK

A confirmed visa application issued by UK visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

Would you like to continue your application today?
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable to upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid UK mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a UK based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

We’re sorry to hear your not able to continue your application today

If you are able to get the documents needed, you can re-apply at any time. We hope to hear from you soon.

If you and your family need further support during this difficult time, you can find detail of UK support available on this webpage. See our UK charity support for refugees section above.

Do you also have one of the following documents:
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid UK mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a UK based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

Do you have an email address we can contact you on?

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid UK mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a UK based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

Do you have an email address we can contact you on?

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid UK mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a UK based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

Before we continue

We will need one of the below before we can open an account for you.

A Passport insert issued by UK visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

A passport stamp issued by UK Border Force confirming your right to enter the UK

Confirmed visa application issued by UK visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

Would you like to continue with your application today?
Do you have an email address we can contact you on?

You're all set

You just need to start your online application below and fill in a few personal details.

Once submitted we will send you an email  within 1 working day with a link to upload your documents digitally, so we can open your account.

We recommend where possible to upload your documents digitally as it is the fastest and easiest way to get your account open.

However we will also send you a paper pack through the post within the next 3-5 working days, which you can use instead.

You only need to fill this in if you are unable upload your documents digitally using the email we send. Once filled in simply post or return it to a branch.

Acceptable Ukrainian refugee I.D docs

Please Note:

If you do apply via the paper pack, you will only need to supply the documents listed on the above link. You will not need to send in any proof of address requested on the form.

We recommend having a valid UK mobile phone number set up in your name when applying. It being a UK based number is not essential, but will help us get your account open.

You will need a valid email address to apply online

We recommend setting one up, as applying online is the fastest and easiest way to set up your account.

However if due to your circumstances you are unable to set up an email address, you can apply in branch without an email.

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have set up an email address, or use the link below to find your local Branch.

Branch locator

We’re sorry to hear your not able to continue your application today

If you are able to get the documents needed, you can re-apply at any time. We hope to hear from you soon.

If you and your family need further support during this difficult time, you can find detail of UK support available on this webpage. See our UK charity support for refugees section above.

We are unable to proceed with the application at this time

We’re sorry, but we can’t proceed with this application unless you have a Biometric Residence Permit issued by the UK government, or alternatively a Ukrainian international passport or Ukrainian national ID card in your name, and one of the following:

Passport insert issued by UK visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

Passport stamp issued by UK Border Force confirming your right to enter the UK

Confirmed visa application issued by UK visa application centre confirming your right to enter the UK

We want to be able to support you at this difficult time with your day to day banking. Please do return to this page to complete your application once you have these documents.

We hope to hear from you soon.

I am a refugee from another country

We’re sorry, but we can’t proceed with this application unless you are a Ukrainian refugee.

We want to help you open an account, please visit your local branch and a member of our team will help you get this sorted.

Find your nearest branch

Return to current accounts

 

Once you've applied...

Once your account is open, you'll receive confirmation from us along with your account details and information on accessing your account. You have a number of options to access your account, including Digital Banking and our Mobile app. We've included some useful links below to help get you started.

Get help with budgeting

Need to start budgeting your living expenses in the UK? Our budget calculator can help you work out all the living expenses you will need while in the UK, and how much money you have left for you and your family.

Managing your account

The below link can help you get the most out of your new account. It includes information on our online and mobile banking options, and has Ukrainian and Russian translations for your welcome email.

Safety and security

We want to make sure you have the information you need to protect yourself and your account against fraud. To help you, we have put together some information and support guides on types of fraud to look out for.