Getting a Monzo bank account as a refugee

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Opening a bank account can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. And if you recently arrived in the UK as a refugee, that process can be even harder.

You can end up going round in circles with banks and other officials, unable to get the right documentation to even get started.

A bank account is essential to starting your life in the UK. Things like renting a flat or getting a phone usually need you to prove you have a bank account. And without one, we know it can be very difficult to settle in and access important services.

If you're a refugee who's recently arrived in the UK, you can open a UK bank account with Monzo – even if you don’t have a passport or ID card.

Ways to open a Monzo account as a refugee

Biometric Residence Permit

If you have a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), you can open a Monzo bank account today. Just download the Monzo app and sign up.

You’ll need to have your BRP card with you, and a residential address in the UK where we can send your Monzo debit card. Signing up and ordering a card should take less than ten minutes, and you can do it all from your smartphone.

Other IDs

If you have a valid passport, driving licence or national ID card, you can open a bank account with Monzo. Just download the Monzo app and sign up.

You’ll need to have your ID document to hand, and a UK address we can send your Monzo debit card.

Ways we don’t support yet

Application Registration Card

If you have an Application Registration Card (ARC), unfortunately you can’t open a bank account with Monzo at the moment. We’re working really hard to make it possible for people with different papers to open an account with us, and we’ll update this page if anything changes.


If you're a refugee or you're helping someone who's a refugee open a bank account, you can email us at help@monzo.com if you have questions.