07 January 2026

What documents do you need to set up a trust bank account?

Setting up a trust bank account can feel daunting, especially when you're already dealing with legal, family or estate matters. One of the most common questions we're asked is: "What documents will we need?".

While no two trusts are the same, banks follow strict regulatory rules, meaning there are certain documents that are commonly requested during the application process. 

The list below provides a general overview of the documents most banks require when opening a trust bank account. Additional information may be needed depending on the type of trust, the individuals involved and the bank selected. We will always guide you through the process and confirm exactly what applies to your circumstances. 

Trust documents 

Banks must fully understand how the trust was created and how it operates. Typically, this includes: 

• Trust Deed (this may form part of a Will or be a standalone deed) 
• Any Deeds of Variation, Retirement or Appointment 
• Death Certificate, where applicable 
• Trust Registration document, or confirmation of exemption 
• Evidence of the source of funds (for example a solicitor’s letter, bank statement or property completion statement) 

Settlor documents (if surviving) 

If the settlor is still alive, banks will normally request identification and background information to meet regulatory requirements. This usually includes: 

• Photo ID (passport or driving licence) 
• Proof of address (dated within the last 3 months or current council tax statement) 
• Employment status and occupation 
• Income, outgoings and employer details 
• Contact information and nationality details 
• Full 3-year address history and National Insurance number 
• Care home confirmation letter, if applicable 

Trustee documents 

All trustees will be required to provide similar information, as banks must carry out checks on anyone responsible for managing the trust: 

• Photo ID (passport or driving licence) 
• Proof of address 
• Employment and personal details 
• Full 3-year address history and National Insurance number 
• Care home confirmation letter, where relevant 

Corporate trustee documents 

Where a corporate trustee is involved, additional information may be required: 

• List of authorised signatories on company letterhead 
• Further details on directors, shareholders or partners, if requested by the bank 

Beneficiary documents 

In some cases, banks may also request information relating to beneficiaries: 

• Photo ID 
• Proof of address 
• Personal and employment details 
• Full 3-year address history 
• Care home confirmation letter, if applicable 

Trust account activity 

Finally, banks will ask for an overview of how the trust account is expected to operate, including: 

• Opening balance 
• Expected number and value of withdrawals per year 
• Expected future credits 
• How trustees wish to act on the account (jointly or independently) 

We appreciate that gathering documents can feel overwhelming. Our role is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you’re struggling to locate anything, or you’re unsure what applies to your situation, we’ll talk it through and help wherever we can. 

If you’re considering setting up a trust bank account and would like clear guidance, get in touch with us today.