I am in a civil partnership with a Thai National who has been living in the UK since April 2008 (we became legal civil partners in August last year) He has limited right to work and remain in the UK as my partner until Nov 2009 when he can apply for unlimited leave to remain. He holds a Thai passort which is printed in Thai and english but has not currently worked in the UK or applied for a driving license.

I contacted my long standing bank (cahoot) with a view to adding him as a joint account holder but they have refused point blank saying that he must have resided here three years! (even though I was prepared to offer a guarantee on his behalf). We have since approached several banks most of who would not offer an account for more or less the same reasons. The Co-operative bank said they could and we completed the on line application - however the welcome pack required him to provide proofs of ID that he dosnt have. The only identity documents he has are his passport, our civil partnership document, his ID card (but in Thai) and a UK medical card. The only other bank that indicated it might be able to offer him a "limited" personal account is HSBC - but of course this account did not offer on-line banking and I think made a monthly charge.

I really dont know where to turn - I feel that the banking industry are not only ignoring my past good banking record but also insulting my partner who has made a committment to live with me in the UK. They all cite money laundering regulations however if that were really the case how come HSBC are able to to open an account and how is my credit card company able to issue a second credit card on my account in his name?

Can you offer any advice on how we can operate a joint bank account which, apart from being needed when he starts work, will be very helpful in supporting his application to remain here indefinitely next year

One step that might help is to ask one or two of the utility companies to send their next bill either in your partner's name or in both your names, but you don't need to say why you want this. When you have a bill or two like this, it will help with the ID for the bank account.

We are having precisely the the same problems but in addition to that due to stoping with my parents we can't get utility bills in my wifes name either.

do you have a mobile phone contract? try adding your partner to that one.

---

George

Unfortunately only pay as you go

Thanks anyway George

Cant think or see anyway round this one

do you have all the official documents outlining your partners circumstances?

if so you could try going for a "bad credit" type of bank account (ie the ones for people who have been bankrupt etc.) its not ideal but if you start setting up direct debits from their account then at least you have started a paper trail.

this is not the ideal solution but if accepted at least your partner will have an account set up in their name.

you dont have to answer this but can i ask what you are trying to achieve for your partner (ie increase credit score / own bank account / credit card? )

---

George

She is on a settlement visa, has very good credit in Thailand, owns both land and property.

All we are trying to achieve is getting her any account that has a speedbank card facility in her name here which she can use for savings and shopping trips without having to go out bundled up with cash, nothing more, not after increasing credit score, nor wanting or needing a credit card.

in that case why not go for a prepaid credit card?

no credit checks, no hasstle, cant spend more than is on there (just like a bank account) and you can top it up with as little or as much as you want .

have a look at this for more info http://www.moneysupermarket.com/prepaidcards/prepaid-cards-guide1.asp

problem solved :D

---

George

Never heard of these before

FANTASTIC

This solves our dilema a few small charges but well worth it and it means the Mrs doesn't have to go out with so much cash which is far safer in todays society.

Thankyou very much George

you are welcome and good luck.

i think you can actually withdraw money off them as well which would keep the number of transactions down (and the charges ;D )

---

George

Some pre-paid cards are quite expensive. The Post Office Travel Money Card is worth a look.

If your partner has some documents/letters from an "official" department, like Dept of Immigration or the tax office, you might find a bank or building society that will accept that.

If you have a credit card, you can get a card for your partner by simply applying for an additional card. There are no credit checks or anything like that but the main cardholder is solely responsible for the bills.