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How can I provide the required bank statement when my bank (First Direct) cannot offer a stamped statement?

Feb 20, 2026
2 months ago
Further Document Request London:

While most of the documents they have requested are easy to fulfill the one i'm having trouble with is: 'Please visit your UK/Ireland local Bank Branch get the print out of your Personal bank statements with the official stamp and minimum closing balance of 11,000 GBP ,balance within last 30 days and should be hold at least 10 days'

I have the required amount and have held it for many months so that requirement is fine. Only problem is my bank is First Direct in the UK, a digital only bank with no physical bank. I have spoke to customer support and they say they cant provide a stamped bank statement, I even called HSBC the parent company and they said they cant fulfill this either.

I originally uploaded the bank statements as pdfs that I downloaded from my online banking. I have asked AI and its told me to get a paper statement mailed from First Direct and then scan this and attatch a short cover letter explaining the situation, but I can't see why that would be any different to the original pdf I downloaded from my online banking. Any advice would be greatly appreciated 😃
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user is facing difficulty in obtaining a stamped bank statement for their visa application since their bank, First Direct, is a digital-only bank and does not provide physical statements. They have held the required funds but cannot meet the request for an official stamped document. Comments suggest various solutions, including combining a withdrawal receipt with an explanation letter and screenshots of online banking statements. Other users share their similar experiences and advice on how to handle the situation.
Proficien**********
Is there not an option to get a certified statement via your app? Starling has both options when you click on download the statement.
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
ProficientMouse9259 I looked into it but they don’t have anything like that on the app. They only provide standard statements which i’ve asked to be sent as paper in the mail so that’s the most official statement I can provide them with. Confused as to why they don’t have something similar like starling to be honest.
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Proficien**********
Anonymous participant I have to go to Lloyds bank for a stamp. I can’t go until next Thursday though as the money is a recent transfer so have to wait 10 days. Gonna be a long few days but I will be at Lloyds when they open Thursday morning 😆 I am self employed too so no companies house registration etc which is a bit of a pain from an evidence situation but hoping my Stripe pdfs and starling bank account info will be enough.
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
ProficientMouse9259 I saw another post on here about someone using starling with a certified statement and they were approved so hoping the same for you too. We will both be wanting time to zoom by these next few days but hopefully we both will be fine 🤞🏼
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Proficien**********
Anonymous participant yes! Have my son’s to do after too. Did consider submitting both at same time but was worried mine would get refused completely and then I’d have wasted two lots of money 😆
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Proficien**********
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Anonymous ******************
can thank all the scruffs who don’t have £
*****
and have been forging and editing statements who ruined it for everyone else now they ask for these absurd retirements
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Ian **********
I also bank with First Direct (the best bank in the UK), but that wasn't a requirement back when I applied in September. I would try enclosing screen shots together with your scanned PDFs, and a covering letter.
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Anonymous *************
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@Ian *********
It definitely is the best bank just a little frustrating that they can’t stamp a statement but never mind. I will take your advice thank you!
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Anonymous *************
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Sara ********
I had the same problem, I told them my bank does not provide the stamped statements and it was ok
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Anonymous *************
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@Sara *******
This is good to see, I will most definitely include a cover letter explaining this, thank you!
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Anonymous *************
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Robert *******
Welcome in the real world where decisions are mady by humans and NOT by simulation of human intelligence processes by machines.

You need to show bank account statements, not virtual banks controlled by simulations of human intelligence.
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Anthony ******
@Robert ******
First Direct is a real bank and has been for many years.
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Robert *******
@Anthony *****
yep, I did read it: "First Direct in the UK, a digital only bank "

Amzing that digital banks can not give original print outs.
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Robert *******
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Proficien**********
Suggestion

do a withdrawal from ATM get receipt slip

Take a photo of the slip

Get a new statement with that transaction on it

Write a letter stating the bank situation briefly

Combine all as one pdf

submit that hopefully it will get past the first screening and the next assessor might have some common sense and understand your situation
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
ProficientGoose2234 Okay that sounds like a good idea, thank you
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Ben ********
ProficientGoose2234 I agree, this is a good idea
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Ben ********
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John **********
I wonder if they are really querying your presence in the UK and this is their way of proving it? Perhaps find a way of showing that with a currrent statement and also include a covering letter explaining
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
I had provided them with documents that did indicate my current location but this could definitely be true and they just want to reinforce it, thank you.
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Anonymous *************
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Greg ********
Unless someone else had the issue and can explain the solution I can only suggest you contact the Embassy and explain the situation and ask what you should do.
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Greg ********
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