The UK government has introduced a financial inclusion strategy that lets homeless people open bank accounts without a fixed address. Five major banks now accept applications supported by shelters, which confirm personal details through their databases and accompany applicants to branch meetings.

The plan aims to break a long-standing barrier. Many services require bank details, yet people without stable housing have often been unable to open an account. The new approach follows an earlier HSBC partnership that enabled thousands of openings.

A bank account allows homeless people to receive wages, manage benefits and arrange rental deposits. It also reduces reliance on cash and supports safer money handling. Shelters link the accounts to wider programmes that help applicants access work, basic services and long-term financial stability.

Photo: Theen Moy via flickr