A local bank account can make rent, salary and utility payments easier after a move. Your Europe says that a legally resident person in an EU country is entitled to open a basic payment account, although a bank can still apply the checks required by law.
The right concerns a basic payment account. It does not guarantee every type of product, such as a credit card, overdraft, savings account or mortgage.
Before you sign
If your situation is cross border, a bank may ask you to show a genuine interest in opening an account outside the country where you live. The official guidance explains the limits and possible exceptions.
- Ask which identity and address documents the bank needs.
- Request the fee information document and compare the standard services.
- Check whether salary payments, direct debits and online access are included.
- Keep a copy of any refusal and the reason given.
- Use only the bank’s official website or branch, especially when a message asks you to send documents or money.
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