Opening an account or applying for borrowing with us is easy and hassle-free – especially if you’re prepared. Having the correct documents will help make sure everything goes smoothly.
Download our requirement guide here to print off the full list of all personal ID documents you can use to open an account, or simply scroll down to see our requirements.
Personal identification requirements PDF
Personal identification requirements - specific circumstances
A valid passport / EU national ID card or UK driving licence is ideal. In most cases this will be all we need.
Photographic identity
Unfortunately, we can’t accept handwritten passports or ID cards. We can only accept original documents, not photocopies. We also cannot open an account for Romanian nationals, unless we use their passport. We no longer accept Romanian IDs as proof of ID.
Non-photographic identity
If you’re heading in store to open your account and don’t have photographic ID, you’ll need to bring two proofs of address. We can only accept original documents, not photocopies.
It would be useful to have two types of address verification handy in case we’re unable to verify your name and address.
Your proof of address documents must include your current address and a unique reference number to confirm your relationship with this provider. This unique reference number could be, for example, the DVLA number on your driving license or the account number on your utility or phone bill. We can only accept original documents, not photocopies or internet print-outs.
If you’re aged between 11 and 15, please come in store with your parent or guardian to open a Cash Account. Parents or guardians need to provide the documents listed in section 1 or 2 for themselves, plus one of the following for the child opening the account:
You'll need to provide the documents listed in section 1 or 2, whichever is relevant to you. If you can’t provide them, we may need a parent or guardian to open your account.
You'll need to provide the documents listed in section 1 or 2, whichever is relevant to you.
If we can’t verify your address electronically we can accept a letter of acceptance or letter of introduction from your college or university, if it’s appropriately registered (ask us for details).
If you’re an international student, you’ll need to provide a valid passport and student visa (with at least six months remaining).
In case we’re unable to verify your name and address electronically, it would be useful to have two types of address verification handy (see section 1. Proof of Address for a list of acceptable types).
If you are unable to provide two types of address verification from Section 1, a letter of acceptance or introduction from a UK education institution is acceptable.
If you can’t provide some of the documents we normally need for verification you can still apply for our Cash Account and/or savings accounts, and we’ll accept the following:
Asylum seekers:
We no longer accept ARC Cards which do not have a expiry date.
Refugee: If BRP is not held, one of the following
People in care homes or sheltered accommodation:
If you cannot provide photographic identification, we can accept a letter from the Manager or Matron of your care home issued within the last three months
Take a look at the template here to provide to the care home if required.
Child Care Leavers:
If you cannot provide photographic identification, we can accept a letter from your Personal Advisor (PA), Social Work or Care Home issued within the last three months
Take a look at the template here to provide to the PA, Social Worker or Care Home if required.
Sheltered accommodation:
If you cannot provide photographic identification, we can accept the following issued within the last three months:
Hostel Accommodation:
If you cannot provide photographic identification, we can accept a letter from the Manager or Matron of the hostel issued within the last three months.
British Armed Forces:
What you need to open an account - specific circumstances
We have a legal requirement to obtain tax status for any personal and sole trader customers. Please come prepared to complete details confirming if you are resident for tax in the UK and/or any other countries.
We also sometimes ask you for documents which prove the income you’ve declared to us.
You can bring originals of the documents listed below to one of our stores or send them by post. We’ll return them to you.
If you’re sending them by post, download and complete the Proof of Income supporting documentation return form. Send it, with the documents to: Customer Care Team, Metro Bank, One Southampton Row, London WC1B 5HA. We recommend you use recorded delivery when sending any important or confidential documents.
For PAYE employees
For self-employed individuals or contractors
We’ll need proof of any other income you receive – for example, pensions, trust fund income or regular benefits. Suitable proof may include annual statements or tax assessments.
If you’re a new customer and opened a Current Account online and come into one of our stores to apply for lending, we will ask you for documents to prove your identity.
See above for acceptable proofs of identity.
With our same-day account opening, you can apply in store and we'll print your card there and then. Having the right documents will help make the process go smoothly.
Your eligible deposits with Metro Bank are protected by the FSCS.