Debanked: What Sex Workers Need to Know About Your Rights and What to Do Next

Debanked? Know Your Rights as a Sex Worker | SWFA

Being denied a bank account or having your existing one shut down without warning isn’t just inconvenient,  it can jeopardise your entire livelihood. And for those working in the adult industry, being a debanked sex worker, it’s happening far too often. Despite public pressure and even a formal report from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in September 2024, sex workers are still being debanked at an alarming rate. 

In this blog, to read if your bank account is closed in the adult industry we’ll explain why this is happening, what your sex work financial rights UK are, and exactly what steps you can take if it happens to you, including what to say, who to contact, and where to complain. 

Why Are Sex Workers Still Being Debanked in the UK?

The FCA’s 2024 report followed years of campaigning by sex workers calling for fairer treatment from banks. But in reality, the situation has barely improved. In some cases, it’s got worse, and is financial discrimination in the adult industry. 

Banks are still using two main excuses to close or deny accounts for sex workers:

• Reputational risk

• Financial crime concerns

Even though sex work is not illegal, banks often use the presence of related but illegal activities (like soliciting) to justify blanket bans. Reputational risk is almost never stated outright in paperwork, but the stigma against adult industry professionals is obvious. Financial crime is used more officially, often wrapped in vague references to “compliance with FCA regulations.” These sweeping policies aren’t transparent and that’s part of the problem.

Your Rights: Basic Bank Accounts, Consumer Duty & More

Here’s the truth: banks have a legal obligation to offer at least a Basic Bank Account (BBA) to eligible customers. They can only refuse this in very limited circumstances, outlined in the Payment Account Regulations 2015 - such as when opening an account would be unlawful, or the customer’s conduct would amount to a criminal offence. Simply being a sex worker is not a valid reason to deny access to banking.

What to Say When Challenging a Bank Account Closure

1. Request Written Confirmation

Ask for a clear reason your account was closed or denied:

“Under the FCA's Consumer Duty and good practice guidance, please provide a clear written explanation for why my account was denied/closed.”

2. Ask About a Basic Bank Account

If you’re denied a standard account:

“Am I eligible for a Basic Bank Account? If so, please treat this as an application. If not, please confirm why in writing.”

3. Challenge 'Reputational Risk' Decisions

If the bank is hiding behind vague language:

“Please provide your internal definition of 'reputational risk' and explain how it was assessed in my case, in line with Consumer Duty requirements.”

4. Cite the FCA’s Consumer Duty

Banks must act fairly, transparently, and in your best interests:

“Under the FCA's Consumer Duty and good practice guidance, I am entitled to a BBA and sweeping policies around reputational risk and financial crime are not to be used as a reason to refuse accounts.”

Also, if you’re affected by housing instability, neurodivergence, or other vulnerabilities - make it known. Banks have a duty to make reasonable adjustments.

Take It Further: Complaints, CIFAS, and the Ombudsman

If you’re still not getting anywhere, take it further.

Submit a Formal Complaint

Use this template:

To [Bank Name] Complaints Department, I am writing to raise a formal complaint regarding the closure/denial of my account. The decision was made without clear reasoning, and I have not been provided with adequate justification, contrary to the FCA's Consumer Duty obligations. Additionally, I believe the decision may be based on assumptions about my occupation as a self-employed individual in the adult industry, which raises concerns of discriminatory treatment. Please confirm:

• The specific reasons for your decision

• Whether I was considered for a Basic Bank Account

• Whether 'reputational risk' or financial crime concerns were assessed Under the FCA's Consumer Duty and good practice guidance, please provide a clear written explanation for why my account was denied/closed. If this issue is not resolved within 8 weeks, I intend to escalate it to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Address / Contact Info]

Check the CIFAS Database

If your account was closed for suspected fraud, you might be listed on CIFAS, a shared fraud prevention database. You can request your file here:

🔗 https://www.cifas.org.uk/contact-us/subject-access-request

If there’s an error in your record, you have the right to challenge it.

Take It Further: Complaints, CIFAS, and the Ombudsman

Once your bank complaint is complete or unresolved after 8 weeks, escalate it to the FOS, who regulate banks and can intervene. More complaints = more pressure = more chance of change.

Let the FCA Know, Too

While they don’t handle individual complaints, the FCA Contact Centre collects evidence of systemic issues. Reporting your case adds to the volume of voices being heard.

Banking Discrimination Affects More Than Just Sex Workers

It’s not just sex workers. The 2024 report also cited:

• People with “Muslim-sounding names”

• People with learning difficulties who require a power of attorney

• Charities and other marginalised groups

This is a systemic issue. The banking system is stacked against those who don’t tick a neat corporate box. But the more people speak up, loudly, and with the right language, the harder it becomes for banks to hide behind policies that disproportionately affect marginalised communities.

You Deserve Financial Access - Don’t Stay Silent

Sex workers, like every other UK resident, have the right to a bank account and to fair, non-discriminatory treatment. The law is on your side. Use it. Demand transparency. File complaints. Escalate them. And if you’ve ever thought about starting a bank that actually supports people in our industry - there’s a huge client base waiting to back you.

We’ll keep shouting until it changes.