Opening an account
Documents we may need to see before opening your account
When you apply for a bank account we always try to verify your details electronically, but sometimes we need to see physical proof. If you apply online or over the telephone we will be in touch if we require any further information from you. You can provide this documentation in one of three ways:
Online ID checker
Providing documents using our secure Online ID Checker is the quickest way to get your account opened. If you are eligible for this service, we will send you an email within 48 hours of application.
In branch
You'll receive a pack in the post detailing exactly what documents we require. Simply visit your local branch where your documents will be validated and your application completed.
By post
You can return your documents along with your signed application form using the freepost envelope provided in your application pack. Your identity document will need to be certified first.
It’s important that you only provide documents from the lists below - providing incorrect ID will mean that we will be unable to open your account.
We can verify both your identity and address using a full Northern Ireland/UK/Republic of Ireland driving licence or provisional licence.
Don't have a driving licence? We'll need to see one valid and original item from the list below to verify your identity. We will also need to see a separate document to verify your address.
- Current valid signed Passport
- Electoral Identity Card including photograph
- Birth Certificate (if you are aged 18 or under)
- National Identity Card including photograph
- Translink Senior Citizens Smart Pass
- Medical Card (if you are aged 18 or under)
We require one valid and original item from the list below to confirm your address:
Bank, building society or credit card statement
Must be less than six months old. We are unable to accept:
- Internet statements
- Store card statements
- Ulster Bank statements
- Duplicate statements
Utility bill - gas, landline telephone, water or electric bill / statement
Must be less than six months old. We are unable to accept:
- Mobile telephone bills
- TV licences
- A bill that is addressed to a different address to where the utility is being provided
- A delivery bill for oil, coal or logs
- Internet bills
Mortgage statement
Must be less than 12 months old. Excludes Ulster Bank statements.
Rates bill or Council tax bill
Must be issued within the last 12 months.
Land and property services bill
Must be issued within the last 12 months.
Notification of determination of tax credits / tax notification
Must be less than six months old or valid for the current/next tax year. Acceptable documents include notice of tax coding, tax rebate and working family tax credit.
We are unable to accept the following documents:
- Statements relating to VAT accounts
- P60s or P45s
Under 21s
If the child is unable to provide address verification documents in their own name, we can accept those of a parent/guardian provided the surname and address are exactly the same.
If you have a different surname, we will need to see a legal document such as a long birth certificate.
Document checklist:
testOne original document to verify your identity (photocopy must be certified if you are posting it to us)
testOne original document to verify your address
testDocuments must be valid, original and dated within the required date ranges
We require one original item from the list below to confirm your student status. It must be valid for the current academic year and issued within the last six months.
testLetter of acceptance, enrolment or offer
testConfirmation of place
testRequest for payment (must include a reference number)
For loans, credit card and current account applications we may require some of the documentation below to verify your income. Your application pack will detail exactly what we require.
- A payslip (no more than eight weeks old)
- Three month's bank statements (last transaction date no more than eight weeks ago)
- One month's statement for each credit card held (dated within the last 40 days)
- Proof of mortgage/rental payments
- Statements for any other existing finance agreements
- One month's statement for any credit union accounts (if applicable), dated within the last 40 days
- Two years tax assessments or finalised accounts as proof of any declared rental income
Documents we are unable to accept for proof of identity and address
- Internet statements
- Store card statements
- Ulster Bank statements
- Duplicate statements
- Mobile telephone bills
- TV licences
- A delivery bill for oil, coal or logs
- Statements relating to VAT accounts
- P60s or P45s
- A bill that is addressed to a different address to where the utility is being provided