Bank account for au pair

[clare21]

Our au pair is really struggling to open a bank account. Nat West is demanding a bill with her name and address on - but she doesn't of course pay any bills. Has anyone had luck with other banks? She has registered at a DR and also with a language college, so we do have letters with her address on just not a bill.

When I was an aupair, the mother of my family just had to write me a letter to confirm I was living with them and she also came with me to open the bank account.

That was 6 years ago with Lloyds tsb. Some of my friends were also successful with HSBC.

Hope that's help!

*helpful (too fast typing)

When I first arrived in the UK my nanny employer had to write a letter, I was able to join NatWest but only as he was with the same bank. It did take many weeks I think at least 10 for it to be fully sorted.

I'd see if you can go through your bank to open an account for her.

Give her an employment contract to use as proof of address. I think Santander accepts this.

Is she/he an EU citizen?

I'm having trouble with it, too.

HSBC offers a special bank account for people who are new to the UK but there is a monthly fee of £8 for either 6 or 12 months - I don't really remember.

Here's a link to it on the website in case you're interested:
www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/current-accounts/uk-bank-account?HBEU_dyn_lnk=CurrentAccount_FilterTool_Passport_FindOutMore_Button

Hope that's helpful.

Does she really need a bank account? We used to pay our au pair in cash.

I opened my first bank account with Lloyds TSB. I didnt need a proof of address.

I had to open my first UK account with the post office, as they were the only ones who would accept me

Thanks everyone. In the end Lloyds came up trumps - she took her college letter and Dr registration form. Now also on electoral role. Quite a drawn out palaver. We pash her cash but she wanted to join a gym and cheapest / only membership is via standing order. Our past au pairs haven't bothered with bank accounts.