Connexions Tameside

You’ll need to have a bank account if you go to college, university or go into training or get a job. It’s best to open one as soon as you can.  There’s no legal age limit at which you can open a bank account, but the bank has the right to decide to allow you to open an account. There could be restrictions on opening some types of accounts.  Bank accounts are a good way to ‘save’ money. 

Here are a few tips on what to do:

• You can open an account with a bank, a building society or the post office

• You often don’t need to pay in any money to set up an account, or perhaps just £1.00.

• You will need proof of identity. 
  
  

Usually the bank will ask to see something like a

• Passport

• Driving licence

• A household bill (something that has your proof of address on it).

Your bank will be able to tell you what they need.  If providing this kind of proof is difficult don’t worry, some banks/building societies will accept something else such as an original letter or statement from a responsible person who knows you, like a social worker, teacher or Personal Adviser.

They’re also a good way to save money, so if you’ve not already got a bank account set one up now!  It’ll allow:

• you to pay money into your account and

• get cash out by card.  You don’t get a cheque book and can’t get overdrawn. 
  

There’s more information about bank accounts on Moneymadeclear