Financial discrimination: report

To gain a better understanding of the problem, our organisations launched an online survey in 2024. More than 750 sex workers shared their experiences.

The results indeed point to a structural problem. Our survey showed that at least 10% of all respondents tried to open an account but were refused. And of 13%, the account was blocked. In a quarter of these cases, the bank gave no justification. In about half of the refusals, the bank referred to the risk of money laundering or suspicious transactions. Just over one-tenth of respondents indicated that the refusal was related to activity as a sex worker, it was communicated to them that way.

Respondents who were open with the bank from the start testified about negative reactions or outright refusal:

‘Sex work is still seen as a crime, not a job.’

‘I was told by the bank that my job doesn't fit within their vision and therefore they don't open a business account.’

‘The bank refused me as a customer because I told them I receive payouts through OnlyFans’

For our organisation, refusing a bank account on the basis of sex work amounts to professional discrimination.

In addition, it is also important to stress that the decriminalisation of sex work in our country was intended to combat exploitation. Decriminalisation will not have the expected results if sex workers continue to be refused by banks. This is because those who cannot get their own bank accounts become dependent on others to arrange financial affairs for them. Those who cannot transfer rent cannot enter the regular housing market. All this increases the risk of exploitation and abuse.

‘I lend money in cash to friends and ask for repayment via bank transfer’

Those without a bank account have a harder time saving or building up a financial buffer to try out another job and will never be able to get a loan.

Sex workers have the right to know why they are denied an account or why their account is blocked. Only if a justification is given is there clarity on the bank's guidelines. If a justification is given, the sex worker can possibly do something about the situation by giving the bank answers to questions it has.

Our survey shows the need for cash in the sex sector. Only cash payments guarantee maximum anonymity of sex worker and client. There are other cash-intensive sectors. How do banks deal with those sectors and could we possibly take an example from them?

Access to a bank account is crucial for full participation in society, whatever sector you work in. Decriminalisation aims to treat sex workers as equal citizens, and end discrimination and exploitation. This goal will never be achieved without the cooperation of the financial sector.