The Breaking the Cycle scheme could help your homeless service users to access a bank account and take control of their finances.
Following a HM Treasury announcement, Shelter will be expanding Breaking the Cycle to more high-street banks from Spring 2026. This builds on a successful partnership with HSBC UK.
The 'No Fixed Address' problem
When someone doesn't have a fixed address, they often can't get a bank account.
Without a bank account, people struggle to receive benefits or wages, pay bills or find somewhere to live. It makes it harder for people to support themselves or their family.
Breaking the Cycle works with homeless people, charity partners and participating banks.
Charity partners can help service users without a fixed address or proof of ID to get a basic bank account.
Who can open a basic bank account through Breaking the Cycle?
Homeless service users or clients must be:
over 16 years old
a British citizen or have leave to remain
referred by a partner charity or organisation
Partner charities must work with their clients for at least 4 weeks and provide ongoing support.
Charity partners with Breaking the Cycle
More than 400 local and national organisations use the scheme including:
Shelter
St Mungo's
Salvation Army
Please email the team to check if your organisation is part of the scheme: breaking_the_cycle@shelter.org.uk
Becoming a Breaking the Cycle charity partner
All charities join an online induction session where we discuss how the scheme works. These sessions run every two weeks.
You'll then need to complete a detailed application form that the team will review.
Please email the team with any questions or to register for an induction session: breaking_the_cycle@shelter.org.uk
What to expect as a charity partner
You will be part of a network of organisations, all committed to improving access to banking for homeless people.
Your role is to refer your eligible clients and be responsible for your referrals onto the scheme. Individuals cannot be signposted or approach a branch directly to access the scheme.
More information about the HSBC UK partnership
More information to support your clients
Please see:
Banking and financial services on Shelter Legal (for professionals)
How to open a bank account if you're homeless (a self help guide for your clients)