How to Open a Bank Account in the UK? A Full Guide - 2024
If you’re new to the UK, or looking for better ways to manage your UK finances, getting a bank account is pretty much essential. Maybe you’re moving to the UK to work or study, opening a UK business, or a regular visitor who needs ways to hold, receive, send and spend pounds easily.
Opening a UK bank account should be pretty easy as long as you have all the right documents to hand. This guide walks through everything you normally need to open a bank account in the UK, plus we’ll look at some alternatives like Wise and Revolut which offer online accounts you can open from all over the world.
Table of Contents
What documentation do you need to open a bank account?
Exactly what’s needed to open a bank account in the UK may vary a little depending on the account type you pick, and the bank or provider you want to use. There are also some variances based on your own personal situation - for example, if you’re a US citizen or a US resident you may need some extra details and documents to get started.
All that said, as all UK banks must comply with the same local and global financial regulations, the documents required tend to be fairly similar.
Here are the documents you’ll need to be able to open a bank account:
Valid proof of identity - usually a government issued photo ID
Valid proof of address - some banks and providers require a local UK address
Proof of meeting any other eligibility criteria - proof of student status for a student account, for example
Identification documents usually accepted when opening a UK bank account include:
A full and valid UK or foreign passport
A full UK, EU or EEA photocard driving licence, a provisional UK photocard or paper driving licence
UK biometric residence permit
Depending on your circumstances, other documents may be accepted by some banks, such as correspondence in your name from the UK tax or benefits agencies, or an armed forces ID card.
Proof of address documents usually accepted when opening a UK bank account include:
A full UK, EU or EEA photocard driving licence, a provisional UK photocard or paper driving licence
A recent bank statement showing a UK address - digital bank statements are not accepted
A recent UK credit card statement or utility bill
Other options can include a mortgage statement or correspondence from the UK tax authorities - and if you don’t have any of the suggested documents, some banks can consider alternatives if you call them directly.
How to open a bank account in the UK without proof of address?
Having a proof of address is usually essential if you want to open a UK bank account. It’s one of the ways banks comply with verification requirements, and may also be needed for practical purposes - like having your debit card delivered to you, for example.
This can be tricky if you’re new to the UK or looking for an account to manage your money in GBP while living in a different country. The good news is that some digital providers operate in many different countries and regions, which means you can often open an account using your proof of address from wherever you call home. Here are a couple of options to consider:
Wise account
Wise offers services to individual and business customers based in the UK, and many other countries and regions globally. Accounts come with the option to hold, send, spend and receive GBP. Plus, you can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account online and in-app, and get a linked Wise debit card for spending and withdrawals in 150+ countries around the world.
Wise accounts use the mid-market exchange rate with low conversion fees from 0.33% whenever you need to exchange currencies to send a payment, spend money with your card or make a cash withdrawal abroad.
How to open an account with Wise
Open a Wise account from the UK and a broad selection of other countries and regions, with your local ID and proof of address. Exactly what’s needed can vary a little depending on where in the world you are, but the basic steps are the same:
Download the Wise app and click Sign up
Enter your personal and contact information following the prompts
Upload an image of your ID and address documents
Once your account is verified you can start to transact
Revolut account
Revolut offers a range of different account tiers for personal and business customers, including the Standard account which has no monthly fee to pay. For other account types you’ll pay a monthly charge to unlock more features.
Accounts let you hold and exchange GBP easily - in fact, all Revolut accounts can hold and exchange 25+ currencies and all get some weekday no fee currency conversion and ATM use every month. Once you exhaust your plan limit you pay a fair usage fee. Out of hours charges also apply if you exchange currencies when global markets are closed.
How to open an account with Revolut
Open your Revolut account in the Revolut app in many different countries and regions, using your local ID and address documents:
Download the Revolut app and click Sign up
Enter your personal and contact information following the prompts
Upload an image of your ID and address documents
Once your account is verified you can start to transact
What do you need to open a bank account online?
Some UK banks allow customers to open a bank account online or through their apps. However, this is only usually possible if you have standard ID and address documents - and may still require you to visit a branch, make a call, or complete other checks like recording a short video to prove you’re really who you say you are.
Alternative providers like Wise and Revolut allow customers to open a bank account completely online or in an intuitive app, which can be a smooth - and sometimes even instant - process.
Here is what you may need to open an account digitally with a UK bank:
Proof of ID - a passport, UK biometric residence permit or a UK, EU or EEA full driving licence
3 years of address history - some banks may require proof of recent addresses
A UK mobile phone number
Alternative providers may have more flexible ways to apply for an account online or through an app, usually requiring customers to upload one or two documents, and take a selfie. Here are a couple to consider:
Wise Account: Open an account online or in the Wise app, to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and get a linked payment card for spending and withdrawals in 150+ countries. Wise accounts come with local bank details for 19 currencies to receive payments conveniently.
Revolut Account: Open a Standard Revolut account with no monthly charge, or upgrade to an account with monthly costs of up to 45 GBP/month, depending on your preference. All accounts can hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and depending on your account tier you may also get interest earning opportunities, cash back, travel perks and more.
Click here to read a complete Revolut review [2024]
Learn more about how to open a bank account online here.
How to open a bank account in the UK?
Let’s walk through the steps to open a bank account in the UK. The exact process you follow may vary a little depending on the bank and specific account you pick - but here’s a handy overview to build a picture:
Choose a bank or a provider to open an account with: account features and fees vary widely, so picking the right one for you will require a bit of research. Look at a mix of big highstreet bank brands and non bank alternatives, to find the right match for you.
Make sure that you’re eligible to open an account with them: different accounts have their own eligibility criteria, which may include a credit check, minimum salary or deposit requirements, or proof of student or employment status.
Choose the right account for yourself: by comparing a few different accounts you can find one which offers the services you need, conveniently - and with low fees for the transactions you make frequently.
Put the required documentation together: bank accounts require you to have several documents to get started - make sure you know what your preferred provider needs, and have everything to hand before you start your application.
Apply to open an account: finally you can make your application - online, in app, by phone or in a branch. You’ll get your account paperwork and card in person, or through the post a little later, depending on how you apply.
Click here to read a complete Wise review [2024]
What to look for when choosing a bank account
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to UK bank accounts. However, that does mean you’ll have to invest some time in picking the right one for you. Here are some pointers to consider:
Account fees: Lots of UK accounts have no monthly fees, but transaction and service fees will usually still apply. Compare these carefully for the transactions you make often, to keep overall costs down
ATM availability:If you’ll be withdrawing regularly, check where you can get local fee free ATM services, and the costs for out of network and international withdrawals too. Banks usually have fairly high international ATM fees - alternatives like Wise and Revolut have some fee free international withdrawals to keep costs down
Online banking: Most banks offer online and in-app banking - check that the service you’re looking at is intuitive and offers the transactions you need to make online
Debit cards: Contactless debit cards which offer mobile payments are quite standard in the UK now - make sure you get a card you can use easily for the payments you’ll need to make
International transactions: Finally, check the fees when you spend or send foreign currencies - these can be pretty high with banks - but specialist services like Wise and Revolut can often provide better exchange rates and more transparent fees
Can I open a bank account before I arrive in the UK?
Most UK banks require you to have a local address before you can open an account. If you’re newly arrived in the UK you can use your biometric residence permit as your ID document for your bank account - but as it does not include your residential address, the chances are that your bank will need another supporting document to process your application. In practice this makes it tricky to open your account before you arrive in the UK with many banks.
You do have a couple of alternatives - lots of global banks like HSBC have expat banking divisions, which may be able to offer you a UK account without a local UK address. However, these services are often geared towards high wealth individuals looking to invest, so minimum deposit requirements can be high. As a more flexible option which can also be cheaper, take a look at non-bank providers like Wise and Revolut which can usually take address documents from countries other than the UK, while still offering accounts which support GBP.
What are my options for bank accounts in the UK?
Once you arrive in the UK and have your UK proof of address sorted out, you’ll be able to open an account with most highstreet banks. Here are a few common ones to consider:
Barclays
Barclays has a standard current account and also the Premier current account which have no monthly fee to pay. To access the Premier account you must have an income of over 75,000 GBP/year or a high minimum deposit of around 100,000 GBP.
You can open an account in app or online - but this is easiest if you have standard documents and can provide 3 years of address history.
HSBC
HSBC has current accounts and also premium tier accounts which have higher minimum balance requirements. There are no monthly fees for standard current accounts - in some cases you may be able to start opening your UK HSBC current account before you relocate to the UK if you’re planning on moving there permanently. Whether this service is available depends on where in the world you are, and you may not get full feature access to your account until you can provide proof of a UK address.
Lloyds
Lloyds has a very large range of current accounts to choose from, including some which have lots of extra perks thrown in. The popular Club Lloyds range of accounts has a monthly fee to pay, but offers ways to waive some of the charges if you use your account regularly. Club Lloyds perks include lifestyle benefits or travel insurance.
How much does it cost to open a bank account?
Basic bank accounts in the UK are usually free to open - but some banks will ask you to make a minimum deposit amount to get started. This can be just a few pounds for simple accounts - but for premium tier accounts, you may be asked to deposit or invest anything from 50,000 GBP upwards.
Specialist account services can be a cheaper alternative. Here’s a topline overview of a few of the key fees to consider:
| Wise | Revolut | HSBC | Lloyds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account opening fee | None | None | None | None |
| Maintenance fee | None | 0 GBP - 45 GBP/month depending on account tier | None | Variable - 3 GBP/month for Club Lloyds account, up to 21 GBP/month for premium accounts |
| ATM fee | Some no fee withdrawals monthly before a fee applies | Some no fee withdrawals monthly before a fair usage fee applies | No fee for HSBC ATMs Out of network fees may apply | No fee for Lloyds ATMs 1.50 GBP overseas |
| Foreign transaction fee | None | None | 2.75% | 2.99% |
What documents do you need to open a business bank account?
Business bank accounts are essential as soon as you start to make or receive payments on behalf of your company. Even if you’re not legally obliged to have a business bank account - as a freelancer or sole trader for example, they can be a smart way to manage your personal and business finances efficiently.
To open a UK business bank account you need:
Proof of identity - such as a passport or driving licence
Proof of address - like a utilities bill or bank statement. This may need to be a UK address, depending on the bank
Business documentation - varied by business entity type, including Companies House registration documents or a Certificate of Incorporation for example
It’s very common to need to visit a branch of a bank if you’re looking for a business account. Alternative online services like Wise and Revolut both offer business accounts to UK registered companies and freelancers - which can be opened online, with no or low fees, and great multi-currency functionality to allow you to expand your business internationally.
Can you open a business bank account online?
Some banks allow business customers to open accounts online, but this is dependent on the business entity type you have, and the bank you select. In some cases you can start your account opening application online but you’ll need to follow up with a branch visit to get everything sorted and receive your account paperwork and cards.
What documents do you need to open a business account online
You’re most likely to be able to open a business bank account with a bank online if you’re a sole trader, or if you have a single director limited company. More complex business entity structures are often not offered online opening functions. Check with the bank you prefer directly before you get started.
On the other hand, specialist online providers like Wise and Revolut offer online account opening options to all business customers, and can be a handy alternative.
To open a business account online with a bank, you need these documents:
Proof of identity
Proof of address
Business documentation - varied by business entity type
Not sure about banks vs online specialist business accounts? Check out these alternatives as a comparison:
Wise Business Account: open online or in app with a one time low fee and no ongoing charges or minimum balance requirements, hold 40+ currencies, get local bank details for 19 currencies, and order debit and expense cards for you and your team. Account holders can add and manage user permissions, and access handy perks like batch payments and Xero integration
Revolut Business Account: choose a free business account, or upgrade for up to 79 GBP/month to get more features and a higher level of fee free transactions. Revolut accounts all come with linked payment cards, options to hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and to get paid easily in GBP or by SWIFT.
What do you need to open a bank account if you are under 18
Most major UK banks - and specialist providers like Revolut - offer bank accounts for minors under the age of 18.
The basic requirements to open a bank account for a minor are similar to those for an adult - but there’s usually more flexibility in how verification processes work.
With the Revolut account, for example, a parent or guardian can add a <18 account to their own Revolut adult account easily. This means that the child can access certain account features, but the adult still has oversight - and responsibility - for the account as a whole.
To open a standard bank account as a minor you’ll need:
Proof of ID - a passport, driving licence or ID card for example
Proof of address - a driving licence, bank statement, or a letter from a parent or guardian who also has an account with the same bank for example
Conclusion
Opening a UK bank account isn’t hard as long as you have all the right paperwork to hand. However, if you don’t have the suggested documents as proof of ID and address you might find the process is harder - and you’ll often need to go to a branch to get started.
Online and digital account specialists can often provide a more intuitive account opening experience, with faster services and feature packed accounts as a bonus. Check out Wise and Revolut if you want an account you can open online or in-app, to hold and exchange dozens of currencies, with easy ways to send, spend, receive and manage your money.
FAQs - What info do you need to open a bank account?
Which banks allow you to open an account online?
If you have a full set of standard documents, including proof of ID and a UK address, you can open an account online with a major bank like Barclays or HSBC. However, you might find it’s an easier and faster process with a specialist service like Wise or Revolut.
How much money do you need to open an account?
Some banks will ask you to make a minimum opening deposit, which could be a fairly low amount for a standard account - or much higher if you’re looking for a premium tier account product. Take a look at online specialists like Wise and Revolut if you want an account with no minimum deposit and an easy online onboarding.
Do I need to go to a bank to open a current account?
You might be able to open a current account with a bank if you have a local UK proof of address and a standard ID document. If not - or if you want an account which comes with great international features - check out digital services like Wise and Revolut for easy online and in-app application processes and smart account products which can help you to save money.
Which bank is easiest to open an account with?
There’s no single easiest or best bank - it’ll all depend on the specific account you want, and which documents you’ve got for verification. Compare a few and don’t forget to check out Wise and Revolut for accounts that can be opened online, fast, conveniently for free.
Can a minor open a bank account without a parent?
Older teens in the UK can open some bank accounts as long as they have a proof of ID and address - this may include a letter from their parent if they don’t have a bill or other official correspondence in their name. If this isn’t available, Revolut <18 accounts can be handy, and are free to open if a parent or guardian has a Revolut adult account already.