Guidance: Current account closed or refused based on immigration status

If you are in the UK illegally you may be disqualified from opening or holding a current account.

Banks and building societies must not open a new current account for you or add you to an existing account if you are disqualified. This took effect on 12 December 2014 under section 40 of the Immigration Act 2014.

Read ‘Home Office leaflet: current account application refused’ for information about what to do if your application for a current account is turned down because of your immigration status.

Banks and building societies can close or restrict access to your existing account if you are disqualified. This took effect on 30 October 2017 under section 40G of the Immigration Act 2014.

Read ‘Home Office leaflet: current account closed’ for information about what to do if your existing current account has been closed because of your immigration status.

If you believe there’s been a mistake and you have been wrongly refused a current account or had your existing account closed, contact the Home Office with details of your immigration status.

Complaints Allocation Hub
UK Visas and Immigration
20 Wellesley Road
7th Floor
Lunar House
Croydon
CR9 2BY

Email: complaints@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Phone: 0300 123 2241

The Financial Conduct Authority monitors banks and building societies to make sure they comply with statutory requirements under section 40 and sections 40A to 40H of the Immigration Act 2014. It provides information for banks and building societies.

Read our guidance on immigration status checks for banks and building societies

from
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/current-account-closed-or-refused-based-on-immigration-status