In this article, we’re exploring what is a utility bill, why you need one to open bank accounts, the other non-negotiable requirements you need, and more.
We will also answer common questions and discuss the different utility bills that can be used when opening accounts.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
What Is a Utility Bill?
Utility bills are issued by trusted entities, they are seen as a verifiable source of information. A utility bill is typically issued every month, by a utility provider to a specific individual or business. These statements are often used by banks and other financial institutions to confirm a residential address or place of business.
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Utility bills play an important role in verifying the identity of prospective customers in banking and financial services. In other words, utility bills are critical to unlocking unique banking products like CDs, investment accounts, and even insurance products.
The most common sources of utility bills include certain public and private services like electricity, water, natural gas, waste management, landline telephone services, internet services, and other services that are tied to a fixed address.
That said, in certain instances, mobile phone services may also be accepted as a utility bill. However, whether a mobile phone bill is accepted generally depends on the reason why a utility bill has been requested.
Finally, in addition to public utilities, financial statements can often be used as well. This means statements from banks, credit cards, brokerage firms, and similar regulated entities. Of course, if the entity requesting the bill has specifically said they require a statement from a public service, financial statements will not meet this requirement.
Electric Bill
Electricity is a utility that is provided to a fixed address and is therefore considered a fixed utility bill. In other words, it is a service that is being provided to a specific residential address.
Natural Gas Bill
Natural gas is a utility that is provided to a fixed address and is therefore considered a fixed utility bill. In other words, it is a service that is being provided to a specific residential address.
Other Utility Bills
Other utility bills include those services that are also delivered to a fixed address. These services, or utilities, can include water, landline telephone, internet and cable services, waste management, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions we receive from people looking into what a utility bill is. If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
What Is Considered as a Utility Bill?
What is considered as a utility bill depends on the specific reason for requesting the bill in the first place. For example, in certain instances, a mobile phone bill may be accepted. However, in other instances, only fixed line telephone bills are allowed. That said, in general, a utility bill includes public utilities like electricity, water, natural gas, and telephone services.
What Are Examples of Utilities?
Examples of utilities include public services like electricity, water, natural gas, landline telephone services, internet, and other services that are fixed to a specific address. However, depending on the reason for requesting a utility, mobile phone plans may also be accepted.
Is a Mobile Phone Bill a Utility Bill?
No, a mobile phone bill is not a utility bill. However, it can sometimes still be used as a utility bill for proof of address. That said, it does depend on the specific entity that you are providing the bill too and it can also depend on whether a specific individual or compliance team is willing to accept it, regardless of internal policy.
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