My daughters partner has been trying to open a bank a/c & is having problems. He was living in Tenerife for 7 years until tail end of last year, so hasn't been UK resident for long.

When he tried to open a bank a/c recently they asked if he'd been UK resident for last 3 years & when he answered the Q with no, they asked for evidence of where he's lived for past 3 years. Well, having been renting a place out in Tenerife cash in hand I think providing evidence of past residence is a non-starter, no one keeps records of that sort of thing out there, it's somewhat more relaxed than the UK! As it was "everything included" he has no old bills like council tax, or utilities etc etc.

So my Q is, do any of the UK banks not require proof of address for last 3 years, all he wants is an account he can pay money/cheques into & preferably be able to make online transfers etc., he doesn't want or need any borrowing facility, overdraft, debit/credit card etc - I really can't see why residency anywhere has any relevance when you're trying to pay money in, not borrow it!

He has Uk passport & UK driving licence for ID purposes & letters from tax people & social security no., does anyone know of a bank that will open a current a/c with just ID, but not 3 years residency (or proof thereof)?

Any ideas welcomed!

I believe post office accounts tend to be the easiest to open? Just checking on their website shows they need proof of the person and proof of the address, no mention of history or anything.

Did he not have a bank account in Tenerife and can he not, therefore, simply ask his previous bank to provide a reference and confirmation of the address(es) he used whilst banking with them?

No, never had an account on Tenerife - it was always cash in hand & paid for everything in cash.

I will suggest he checks out the P.O. tho' that's a good idea which we hadn't thought of.

Any other ideas or suggestions?

Has he ever had a uk bank account of so in the past it maybe worth having word with them ?

How about opening one in Tenerife with HSBC (or similar global brand) and then get them to transfer it to the UK when he moves here. This is the sort of service that they all advertise on the TV, not sure how easy it is in reality through.

Nope, never had an account in the UK (yes, I know, all our kids had accounts from a very early age, some youngsters don't get the same help & guidance!) & no longer going to Tenerife, so no easy way of opening an a/c over there & transferring.

Thanks for your input, but P.O. is starting to look like only likely option!

Try Santander, I opened one a few months ago and cannot recall such a question, only whether I was obliged to pay tax in another country.

First bank he tried was Santander, they were the ones that asked that Q!