Opening a bank account in English
Everyday English for opening a bank account. Key line: “Could I *open* a *bank* *account*, please?”
Full script
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Polite way to ask to start an account
Polite opener; say your need clearly
Ask if someone brought ID
ID can be a passport or other document
A document showing where you live
Often needed when opening an account
Use the same form each time
Often used for signatures or matching info
Quick answers
Account: what to say in English
Say “Could I open a bank account, please?” — polite way to ask to start an account. Polite opener; say your need clearly.
ID: what to say in English
Say “Do you have your ID?” — ask if someone brought ID. ID can be a passport or other document.
Address: what to say in English
Say “proof of address” — a document showing where you live. Often needed when opening an account.
Signature: what to say in English
Say “keep it consistent” — use the same form each time. Often used for signatures or matching info.