Opening a Current Account for Others

When you open your first current account at a bank or building society when you have had no previous nor have any existing accounts with that company, you will be required to provide proof of your identity. This usually means that you must apply in person, in branch, with proof of your address, your passport and/or driving license. Nevertheless, if a person is physically or mentally unable to apply in person, then power of attorney can be used: this is the authorisation for another person to open and maintain a current account on your behalf. Power of attorney can also be used in cases where an existing account holder requires help operating their account; a power of attorney authorisation can be created that allows another person to take over the operation of the account.

Online banking has made it easier to open an account on someone else's behalf. Although power of attorney applications are not generally accepted online, another person can still help an applicant with their application, for example if they are partially sighted, or physically disabled. However, the relevant identification documentation is usually required in its physical form to complete the application and further paperwork may be sent for the applicant to sign and complete.

It should be noted that childrens' accounts can usually be opened by the parent, legal guardian, relative or godparent if the child is below the age of eighteen.