I have lived in the UK for four months and for the last two worked as a hotel receptionist. I need a bank account to get paid and, since I spent the first two months at temporary addresses, I have been unable to open one. I now have a tenancy agreement but the two banks I have applied to online have rejected my application. CC, London
Strict money-laundering regulations and rising identity fraud have made banks extra nervy, but some are more obliging than others. A utilities bill is usually acceptable as proof of address along with a passport or ID card and if your employer has given you a contract or payslip with your address on it, you may be able to use that. If you are on PAYE your tax code notice will do.
Another obstacle will be a lack of credit history. A prepaid card does not need a credit check and once you have loaded money on to it you can use it like a debit card and some allow you to have your wages paid directly to it. The downside is there’s usually a fee and you are not protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
If you need help email Anna Tims at your.problems@observer.co.uk or write to Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Include an address and phone number.
