How to set up a basic bank account and get a debit card – Send money to someone in prison – GOV.UK (2024)

You can use the ‘Send money to someone in prison’ service if you have a debit card. You can get a debit card with most bank accounts.

If you don’t have a bank account, or you don’t think you’d get one, you might be surprised to know there is a basic, fee-free bank account for people:

  • who don’t already have a bank account but want to give and receive money online
  • who don’t qualify for a standard current account
  • with poor credit history
  • with no credit history
  • who don’t have obvious proof of ID (for example, passport, driving licence)
  • who don’t have obvious proof of address (for example, utility bills)
  • who want to apply in person or by phone
  • who don’t want to pay to have a bank account

No proof of ID or address

Most banks will accept:

  • As proof of ID – a letter from your GP / social landlord / vicar / care home manager / warden of sheltered accommodation, hostel or refuge / armed services officer
  • As proof of address – a letter from DWP / benefits / state pension / HMRC / JobCentre+ / your local council / a Blue Badge (disability) / your employer, college or training provider

What to do next

Go to your local bank or Citizens Advice and they will help you set up your basic bank account. Ask them to go to this page on GOV.UK, if it helps.

Then you can send money to a prisoner using your debit card at www.gov.uk/send-prisoner-money.

You can also ask staff in the visitor centre for more information or search online for ‘Money Advice Service’, then type in ‘basic bank account’.

How to set up a basic bank account and get a debit card – Send money to someone in prison – GOV.UK (2024)

FAQs

How to send money to someone in the UK from the US? ›

Bank transfers are usually the cheapest option when it comes to funding your international money transfer with Wise. Bank transfers can be slower than debit or credit cards, but they usually give you the best value for your money.

Do you get a debit card with a basic bank account? ›

A basic bank account works like any bank or current account, so you can: receive payments, like wages, benefits and pension. pay for things or take out cash with a debit card.

How to send money from a US bank account to a UK bank account? ›

What you'll need for your online money transfer to the UK from the USA
  1. Register for free. Sign up online or in our app for free. ...
  2. Choose an amount to send. Tell us how much you want to send. ...
  3. Add recipient's bank details. ...
  4. Verify your identity. ...
  5. Pay for your transfer. ...
  6. That's it.

Can I use my debit card to send someone money? ›

The good news is that you can send money with a debit card using a specialist online service. This can also often mean you get a fair exchange rate, and low fees — and you'll be able to generate instant quotes to compare your options online with no commitment.

What is the cheapest way to transfer money from USA to UK? ›

Best ways to send money to the UK from abroad
  • Bank Transfer. Bank transfers are usually the cheapest option when it comes to funding your international money transfer with Wise.
  • Google Pay. ...
  • Apple Pay. ...
  • Debit Card. ...
  • Credit Card. ...
  • SOFORT. ...
  • Trustly.

Is Zelle in the UK? ›

Does Zelle work internationally? Zelle works only with U.S. bank accounts. It doesn't work for sending money to or from a bank outside the country.

How do I send money to a friend in the UK? ›

Western Union can help you to quickly and reliably send money to loved ones working or studying in the UK.

Can you send PayPal from the US to the UK? ›

With PayPal, your international transfers can reach numerous destinations like Mexico, India, Philippines, the UK, and several European countries quickly.

Can I send money to the UK from US via Zelle? ›

Can I send money through Zelle internationally? Zelle is only available for customers with a US bank account and US registered mobile number. That means it's not an option for sending international payments to friends and family overseas. Read on for some international Zelle alternatives.

Can I transfer money to someone in the UK? ›

Bank transfer to United Kingdom - most banks will let you send money internationally online, by visiting a branch or by phone. Payments to GBP will be sent directly from your bank account to your recipient's local bank account in your chosen currency.

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