Intermediate · B1 / B2 · Finance

Opening a Bank Account

Your goal: open an account, understand the checks, and ask about fees and access.

1

Survival Phrases

Opening

  • I'd like to open a current account — what do I need?
  • I've just moved here — can I open an account without a permanent address?
  • What ID do you accept?

The checks

  • Why do you need proof of address?
  • How long does the check take?
  • What's a 'source of funds' check?

Fees & access

  • Is there a monthly fee, and is it waived above a balance?
  • What's the overdraft rate?
  • Can I use the app to freeze my card?

Cards & PIN

  • When will the card arrive?
  • How do I set up my PIN?
  • What's the daily withdrawal limit?
2

Model Dialogue

Read the dialogue aloud twice — once for each speaker. Notice how B picks up A's words and adds something.

Marina: Hi, I'd like to open a current account — I've just moved here for work.

Clerk: Welcome. I'll need your passport, a proof of address, and a payslip or offer letter.

Marina: I've got the passport and the job offer. I don't have a bill in my name yet — is that a problem?

Clerk: A bank statement or a letter from your employer can work. We have to do the checks by law.

Marina: Sure. What are the checks, exactly?

Clerk: Identity, address, and source of funds — to prevent money laundering. Usually two to three days.

Marina: OK. And fees — is there a monthly charge?

Clerk: It's free if you pay in £800 a month, otherwise £4. Overdraft is 19.9% if you need it.

Marina: Got it. And the card — how soon?

Clerk: Five to seven days, PIN arrives separately. You can use the app from today.

3

Register: formal vs informal

SituationMore formalMore informal / natural
OpeningI'd like to open a current account — what documents will you need?I'd like to open an account.
The checksCould you explain what the checks involve?What are the checks?
FeesIs there a monthly fee, and is it waived above a certain balance?Any monthly fee?
CardsWhen will the card arrive, and how do I set the PIN?When's the card here?
At B1/B2 the line between formal and informal is often tone and softeners (just, a bit, possibly), not different words. Soften requests when the stakes are higher.
4

Typical Mistakes (B1/B2 & Portuguese interference)

  • I want to open an account of bank. → I'd like to open a bank account / a current account. ((bank account))
  • I have no address. → I don't have a proof of address yet. ((proof of address))
  • What is the tax of the account? → Is there a monthly fee? ((tax ≠ fee; tax é imposto))
  • How long it takes? → How long does the check take? ((ordem: auxiliar))
  • When arrive the card? → When will the card arrive? ((ordem))
  • I will pay 800 by month. → I'll pay in £800 a month. ((pay in = deposit))
5

Culture Note

  • Proof of address is a legal requirement (anti-money-laundering) — not the bank being difficult; ask what alternatives they accept.
  • Source of funds checks are routine for large deposits; a payslip or contract answers most of it.
  • Cards and PINs arrive separately for security — don't be alarmed.
  • Overdrafts are credit; the rate matters more than the limit if you ever dip into it.
6

Practical Task

  1. Rebuild the dialogue for a student account with no payslip.
  2. Record both roles, asking about fees and checks.
  3. Write the three documents you'd bring and a backup for each.
  4. Real-life mission: read a real bank's account-opening page and find three terms (current account, overdraft, sort code).

Before you finish, can you…

  • ☐ask what's needed to open an account?
  • ☐explain a missing proof of address?
  • ☐ask about fees and overdraft?
  • ☐ask when the card and PIN arrive?
Bring your dialogue — the teacher plays a clerk who says your ID 'doesn't scan' and must escalate.