How to get a prepaid debit card without ID

Easy-to-use prepaid cards

Revolut Standard

8.9 Great

Minimum opening balance	£0
Account fees	£0
Interest (AER)	0% AER

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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.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Low overseas fees
  • Quick sign-up
  • Earn cashback on spending
  • Set budgets for financial goals
  • Virtual cards for online purchases
  • Easy to transfer money internationally

  Cons

  • 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

• More details

  Minimum opening balance	£0
  Switch service guarantee	No
  Account fees	£0
  Overseas card transactions	0%

Minimum opening balance	£0
Account fees	£0
Interest (AER)	0% AER

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Suits Me Essential Current Account

Minimum opening balance	£0.01
Account fees	£0
Interest (AER)	0% AER

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Cashback Rewards.

According to Suits Me, you can have your account up and running within 3 minutes, although in some cases it can take a little longer. 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 a couple of days.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • 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

  Cons

  • One-off activation fee applies
  • Transaction charges also apply

• More details

  Minimum opening balance	£0.01
  Minimum operating balance	£0
  Switch service guarantee	No
  Account fees	£0
  Overseas card transactions	Europe: 2% plus flat fee of ££1 Elsewhere: 2%% plus flat fee of ££1

Minimum opening balance	£0.01
Account fees	£0
Interest (AER)	0% AER

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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 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 Badge
• 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 driving 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 licence or have just moved to the UK, you should be able to open an account.

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need to pay for a prepaid card account?

  Many prepaid accounts charge fees, which can include set-up costs, loading fees, monthly fees and even fees if you don’t use the card for a set period. Check the terms and conditions carefully before you apply for a card, and consider whether cheaper alternatives are available.

• Are there alternatives to prepaid cards if I don’t have ID?

  Yes, you might be able to set up a basic bank account. As with prepaid cards, you’ll have to verify your identity, but the range of documents you can use tends to be far wider.

• Are prepaid cards FSCS protected?

  No, prepaid cards are not usually covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which means you won’t be protected if a company goes bust. However, many of these cards hold their funds with a bank or building society that may give you some protection. Check where your funds are held before you apply.

• How do I add money to my prepaid card?

  This depends on the provider, but common options include having your salary paid onto the card, topping up from a bank account or even adding money in a physical branch.

• Are prepaid cards covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act?

  No, prepaid cards are not covered by Section 75, which means you have fewer legal rights to get a refund if you are unhappy with your purchases.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Jason Loewenthal as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Matthew Boyle

Publisher

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Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

Matthew's expertise

Matthew has written 210 Finder guides across topics including:

• Helping first-time buyers apply for a mortgage
• Comparing bank accounts and highlighting useful features
• Publishing easy-to-understand guides