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What you will need to open a bank account
If you're looking to open a bank account, you can apply online, in branch or by phone.
We offer bank accounts for all types of needs - from basic to packaged bank accounts. This guide provides you with details of the documents and information you may need to open a bank account.
Who this guide is for
This guide will apply to customers who are opening a Halifax current account. If you have never opened a bank account online before, read our guide to opening a bank account online.
Please note: This guide is not part of the application process. It is a checklist to help you prepare to open a bank account. While it contains the essential information and documents that all banks will most likely ask, we may ask for more information, either for regulatory purposes or if you need other products and services.
Why we need this information
- To gather the right information so your account can be opened accurately
- To correctly identify you and check your address so we can carry out credit and other checks
- To make sure we meet tax and financial-crime regulations
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We will need to carry out identification and verification checks on you, as well as anyone else who will be authorised to operate your account.
In most cases you will only need to produce one of the following:
- A current UK photo driving license
- Passport from the United Kingdom
- Biometric Residence Permit card
If you are an existing customer, you can use your existing bank card with Chip & Pin to verify your identity.
The Biometric Residence Permit card may not be accepted in all our online journeys. You may need to provide additional documentation.
If you cannot provide one of the items above, you will need to bring two documents. You can find a full list of acceptable documents on our Proving your identity webpage.
If you do not have any of the items listed here, or if you currently don't have a fixed address, don't worry - we may be able to accept other items. Just ask a member of our branch staff or call us.
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Preferred Title
For example, Mr, Mrs, Ms, Mx
Name
As well as any previous names
Date Of Birth
Gender
Marital Status
Nationality
Including any dual nationalities and Immigration Status For NonUK Nationals
Country of Birth
Tax Residence
Which countries you are a tax resident in, or have been in the last two years. A Tax Identification No (TIN) should be entered for each non UK tax residency.
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Current Home Address
Details of full current address inc Postcode
Where address is BFPO (British Forces Post Office)
Service Number, Rank, Unit, Regiment, Operation Name (if applicable) and BFPO Number will be required.
When did you move to your current address
If you have lived in your current address for less than 3 years, you will also be asked to provide details of any previous addresses you've held during this period
Residential Status
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Main phone number
Including Other phone number
Email address
Marketing Preferences
Marketing opt in to specify marketing preference via (Email / SMS / Post / Phone)
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Your total monthly income (after tax)
Will your monthly income be paid into this account?
How will you fund the account?
e.g. Bank Transfer, Electronic payments, Cash or Cheques
How will you use the account?
e.g. Bank Transfer, Electronic payments, Cash or Cheques
Employment status
If Employed (Occupation type, name of employer, start date). If self employed (Occupation type, company/ organisation name/ start date)
Your total amount of savings
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What arranged overdraft limit would you like?
How many people who live with you depend on you financially?
Your monthly share of mortgage or rent payments
What do you spend each month on childcare, maintenance and education?
Are you aware of any upcoming changes in your circumstances?
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Do you already have travel insurance or another packaged bank account?
Do you need world wide travel insurance?
Are all account holders and family members below 71 years old and are all children under 18 years of age?
Do you need mobile phone insurance?
Do you need AA breakdown cover?
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Do you want to switch?
Is this a sole account switch?
Existing bank details
inc Sort code, Account Number, Name of Account Holder, 16 digit debit card number and debit card expiry from old bank
Do you have an overdraft at your old bank? - If yes then do you want to settle this?
Do you want SMS updates on your switch?
What is your switch date?
For more information, please read the Account Switching Guide (PDF, 1.7MB).