# AI tells a newcomer they can open a UK bank account instantly with just a passport

- **ID:** `banking/proof-of-address-barrier`
- **Domain:** banking
- **Category:** administrative_barrier
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 80%

## Root Cause

Traditional UK banks usually require proof of a UK address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, or council tax letter) plus ID to open a current account - a catch-22 for newcomers who need an account to get a tenancy. App-based banks (Monzo, Starling, Revolut) often onboard with just ID and a selfie and are the common workaround.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| any | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Open an app-based bank (Monzo, Starling, Revolut) that onboards with ID and a selfie, then build address history.** (85% success)
   ```
   Use a digital bank to get an account quickly; some accept a foreign address initially.
   ```
2. **For a traditional bank, gather a tenancy agreement, council tax, or a bank letter as proof of address.** (78% success)
   ```
   Collect accepted address documents in your name before applying at a branch.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Walk into a high-street bank as a newcomer with only a passport and expect a current account same day** — Most traditional UK banks require proof of a UK address and sometimes proof of right to reside; without these, newcomers are typically declined, creating a catch-22 with renting. (70% fail)
- **Use a friend's address or a hotel as 'proof of address'** — Banks verify address documents against your name; mismatched or temporary addresses (hotels) are rejected and can flag the application. (55% fail)