How to get a prepaid debit card without ID

Learn how to apply for a prepaid debit card even if you don’t have a photographic ID or proof of address.

If you don’t have the usual forms of ID, don’t panic. Prepaid cards are a popular choice for people who don’t have ID, because they often don’t require proof of address. They also regularly accept a wider range of documents for ID checks.

Easy to use prepaid cards

Revolut - Revolut Standard
Revolut Standard
Finder score
4.2 ★★★★★
See deal Read review

£0

Min. opening balance

£0

Account fees

0% AER

Interest (AER)

Get a £20 welcome bonus when you spend your first £20 (T&Cs apply).

To open a Revolut account and get your prepaid card, you’ll first need to download the app. Once you’ve done this, enter your phone number and create a passcode for your account. You’ll then need to enter some personal details, including your name, date of birth, address and email address. You’ll also need to verify your identity by taking a video selfie and a photo of a valid form of ID such as your passport. You won’t need proof of address. It’s possible to be up and running within a few minutes, but in some cases it could take 24 hours or more.
  • Low overseas fees
  • Quick application
  • Earn cashback on spending
  • Set budgets for financial goals
  • Virtual cards for online purchases
  • Easy to transfer money internationally
  • Linked 'Junior' account available for one child
  • 1% currency conversion charge on weekend spending abroad
  • Free cash withdrawals in the UK and abroad both limited to £200 per month
  • Cannot deposit cash or cheques into the account
  • Charged a fee to receive your bank card
Minimum opening balance £0
Account fee £0
Overseas cash withdrawals 0% Mon-Fri (max. £1,000 per month)
Suits Me - Suits Me - Essential Current Account

£0.01

Min. opening balance

£0

Account fees

0% AER

Interest (AER)

£10 when your wages or benefits are paid in for the first time (T&C's apply).

According to Suits Me, accounts are typically up and running within 10 minutes, although in some cases it can take up to 24 hours. No credit checks are required and all you’ll need to do is download the app and fill in the short application form. You’ll need to provide your name, email address, phone number and address details, as well as take a photo of your ID document such as a passport. You will also need to provide a video selfie to confirm your identity. Once approved, you can use your account and your card should arrive within 3 to 5 working days.
  • Accepts range of ID documents, ideal if you’ve recently moved to the UK
  • No monthly fee
  • Comes with a prepaid debit card
  • No credit check
  • One-off activation fee applies
  • Transaction charges also apply
Minimum opening balance £0.01
Minimum operating balance £0
Switch service guarantee No
Account fee £0
Overseas cash withdrawals 2%
Monese - Monese
Monese
Finder score
3.8 ★★★★★
Read review

£0

Min. opening balance

£0

Account fees

0% AER

Interest (AER)


Monese offers an instant account opening process, so you should get hold of your card quickly. Simply download the app and provide a few personal details including your email address and phone number. You’ll also need to take a photo of an ID document such as your passport and take a short video selfie in the app to confirm your identity. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be asked to provide an address to receive your card but there’s no need to provide proof of address. You’ll then have full access to your account and you should receive your card within 3 to 5 days.
  • UK current account that does all you can expect, including direct debits and standing orders.
  • Fast and easy set-up (no credit check or proof of local address needed).
  • Colourful app that is easy to use, allows you to categorise your transactions and freeze the card if you lose it.
  • Free card payments and ATM withdrawals abroad.
  • You can load cash into the account for free.
  • Can open both a UK and European account and switch instantly.
  • With a free plan, fee-free ATM withdrawals and cash loads are limited to £200 per month.
  • You can’t put your savings in a separate account or earn interest on them.
  • It doesn’t offer anything more than a current account.
  • No physical branches.
Minimum opening balance £0
Account fee £0

Is it possible to get a prepaid card without ID?

While you’re unlikely to get a prepaid card without any ID whatsoever, you can usually find accounts with less strict requirements than when setting up a bank account.

You’ll need some form of ID is so banks can prove you’re not committing fraud and do anti-laundering checks.

However, because prepaid cards do not offer any credit (such as an overdraft or credit card), many do not need the usual proof of address. You also shouldn’t need to pass a credit check, because you won’t be borrowing any money.

What documents will be required?

Different providers have different rules about what forms of ID they will accept.
The types of documents that providers might accept instead of a passport or driving licence include:

  • HMRC tax credit entitlement confirmation
  • Evidence of entitlement to a state or local authority funded benefit
  • DWP state pension confirmation
  • Birth certificate
  • Young Scots card
  • Blue Disabled drivers pass
  • UK Armed Forces ID Card
  • Northern Ireland electoral ID card
  • Visa type D alongside international passport
  • UK residence card
  • An EU ID card or EEA member state ID card
  • Firearms certificate or shotgun licence
  • Biometric residence permit
  • Construction industry scheme card

If you don’t have any of these forms of ID, some providers might also accept other things like an HMRC letter valid for the current tax year or dated within the last 12 months. It’s worth ringing up the company directly to see what’s possible.

While some providers will accept you without any proof of address, some banks, building societies and digital apps still require documentation. The good news is that the list of what they will accept for a prepaid card is usually quite broad. For instance, you could use:

  • UK, EU, EEA driver’s licence
  • A bank or building society statement
  • A utility bill
  • Benefits or DWP Pension confirmation
  • Council tax bill
  • Any letter from HMRC
  • Tenancy agreement from a council or housing association
  • Credit card or store card statement
  • Council rent card
  • Firearms certificate or shotgun licence
  • Bankruptcy Order, Bankruptcy Restriction Order or Debt Relief Order
  • Mortgage statement
  • Inland Revenue Notice of Tax
  • Solicitor’s letter
  • Recent proof that you’re entitled to a local authority funded benefit
  • Probation letter from HMP
  • Council tax demand letter
  • Insurance policy document
  • Confirmation letter from a university for occupation of the halls of residence
  • Solicitor’s completion of sale advice
  • Court Appointment

Alternatives to a prepaid card

All UK banks and building societies have to offer a free basic bank account option. While many of these accounts often ask for photo ID and proof of address, many accept a wide range of documents similar to those used by prepaid card providers.

Check banking websites to find out what kinds of ID they will accept. Many have more options available if you open an account in a physical branch, so check to see your nearest locations.

Bottom line

While it’s harder to get a prepaid card without a photo ID, it’s not impossible. Plenty of providers accept a wide range of documents, so even if you don’t have a driving license or have just moved to the UK, you should be able to open an account.

Frequently asked questions

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Holly Jennings as part of our fact-checking process.
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Sara Benwell is an award-winning freelance journalist, comms consultant and editor, specialising in personal finance, pensions and investments. She is a consumer affairs expert, focused on helping people better understand how to manage their money. Sara is also the editor of Strategic Risk magazine. Sara was previously the consumer finance editor at Good Housekeeping, the most widely read women’s magazine in the UK. She has also worked as the editor of Insurance Investor, Fund Operator, Pensions Insight, Engaged Investor and Reward Magazines. See full bio

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