Bank Account Rules

Hope you guys can help regarding rules on opening a bank account. I don't want to do anything that can cause problems and need to know what my rights are. I don't have any bills I can show to prove where I live or who I am. All the bills are paid by someone else and are in their name. I'm not sure how I can do it. I've only got letters from the gp surgery, etc., and maybe a catalogue company. I've got a bond to put away but I'm not sure where I can cash and keep it. I can't open a bank account in my country because I'm not there but it doesn't seem likely that I can do it here either. Inbetween a rock and a hard place.

Many thanks

P.S. Hope this is the right place to pu this topic, wasn't sure where to post, and thought this was the best place.

Prove who you are and that you are legally in UK (Passport & visa if possible)
Prove where you live (driving license, utility bill (which you say you don't have) or even a letter from your employer - I specifically know that Lloyds TSB will accept a letter from your employer as proof of address)

Thanks mulderpf. I appreciate you reading my message and for the help given. Unfortunately that is my problem - I don't have any documents. I've written about my problem before so I won't go into detail again, and bore you guys, but I can't go that route unfortunately. I haven't a clue if I should try and get a bank account from the country I was born in, even though I'm here, is that wrong to do? My dad suggested that I could give him my cheque to cash in his account but I have a friend, who used to work at a bank years ago, and they said you can't do that. I don't understand how it's against the law if I'm willing to give my cheque to my dad. Apologies if this sounds confusing - it is to me. I just don't want to do anything wrong. I've already made enough stupid mistakes because of my naivety in the past. Thanks again.

Ok, I read some of your previous posts now and if I understand correctly, you are not legally resident in the UK. You will not be able to open any normal UK bank account in that case as banks will require this from you.

I am not sure about the rules to open an account in your home country, so I cannot comment on that.

Oh and in terms of the cheque cashing issue - I'm not sure whether or not it's against the law, but generally a cheque has to be deposited into the person's account named on the cheque, so it might not be illegal, just not possible.

I wasn't feeling hopeful about it before. Looks like I might not be able to cash it. At least the bond company will be happy. I don't think it's funny, just trying to cheer myself up... I thought this bond would be a problem but my dad was trying to do something nice for me 10 years ago.. Hopefully I can get a bank account in my own country.. I will also try finding out the rules for handing over a cheque to someone else... Not hopeful about it though.

I really appreciate your help, for taking the time to read back and answering me.

Thanks again

Oh, if it is simply to get a cheque cashed, then you might have some options. I know I have done it once before, but cannot for the life of me remember how or where (this was about 10 years ago) - but I do seem to remember it was a bank. Obviously there will be fees involved...but it might be worth it rather than the stress and worry to open an account.

Hi mulderpf,

Apologies for getting back later.

Seems familiar that you can get a cheque cashed for a fee, thanks for reminding me! Maybe I should ask the bank if they can do this. Hopefully the fee won't be ridiculous. Wonder if different banks would charge different fees? I also had a bank account from my country but it's probably closed by now - though I have enquired about it.

I'll let you know if they can do this. Be good for everyone to know. Thanks again for being so helpful.