Best bank accounts for a non-resident in the UK in 2024
To open a bank account in the UK you’ll often find you need your ID documents, as well as a UK proof of address, such as a utility bill in your name. This may be tricky to provide if you’re a non-resident, only in the UK part time, or if you’re a student. If you want ways to manage your money in GBP as a non-resident of the UK you could choose to use an international bank instead - but fairly high fees and minimum balance requirements can often apply here.
If you’re looking for a lower hassle solution, we’ve also got something for you - alternatives like Wise and Revolut which offer GBP accounts and card services for non-residents, with low costs and no minimum balance to worry about.
Quick summary: non-resident bank account in the UK
UK banks often need a local proof of address to offer account services, which can rule this out for non-residents
Instead, you’re likely to find your bank suggests you turn to their international or expat banking division
International and expat banking services offer bespoke solutions and personal account management - but can also have high fees and minimum balance requirements
GBP account services from a specialist provider like Wise or Revolut are available with low costs and no minimum balance to worry about
These providers’ accounts usually provide GBP services as well as dozens of other currencies and can have low fees for transacting at home and abroad
| FAQs | Answers |
|---|---|
| Can I open a bank account without address proof in the UK? | You’ll normally need a UK proof of address document to open a UK bank account. However, you may be able to open an account with a specialist provider like Wise or Revolut with a proof of address from a different country. |
| Can I open a bank account online as a non-resident? | You may be able to open an account online as a non-resident if you opt for international banking solutions - but a specialist provider like Wise or Revolut might be a cheaper way to go. As digital first providers, application and onboarding can be done with just your phone. |
Related: Wise Review 2024
Can I open an account in the UK as a non-resident?
If you’re not a resident of the UK, with a proof of address and the legal right to live in the country, you may struggle to walk into a high street bank and open an account. That’s because most major UK banks are set up to cater to local residents first and foremost. If you don’t have a local UK residential address you may still be able to open an account to hold GBP - but the bank is likely to send you to its international or expat banking division. International and expat banking services are often set up for high wealth individuals investing in multiple currencies, and can have high fees and a high minimum balance requirement to qualify.
Specialist providers like Wise and Revolut may offer a more flexible account with no minimum balance needed, and an easier application and onboarding process, online and through their apps. You’ll still need ID and proof of address, but you can get GBP details and services with a proof of address from another supported country. This makes it more flexible for non-resident customers. More on that later.
Related: Open a bank account in the UK
How to open a bank account as a non-resident in the UK
Many UK banks have international banking divisions which serve non-resident customers looking for GBP account services. Their opening processes can vary, and often depend on where in the world you’re a resident. Here’s an outline of the commonly used process to open a bank account in the UK as a non-resident:
1. Check the bank’s non-resident account opening eligibility so you know you can apply:
Services may not be offered to people living in all countries, so check your eligibility based on your residence. You may also need a minimum deposit to open your account, or to avoid paying a hefty monthly fee.
2. Gather the documents needed to support your application:
Often, bank services for non-resident customers require you to provide ID, proof of address, proof of income, tax information and other documents based on the law wherever you are resident. Have these to hand when you prepare to apply for your new account.
3. Get in touch with your preferred bank to understand the application process:
Some banks may let you apply online but you might be asked to visit a branch or call instead. This may depend on where you live, and whether you have a pre-existing relationship with that particular bank.
4. Complete your application, show or upload your documents and await approval:
You can show your paperwork in person or upload images of your documents if you’re applying online. You’ll need to be verified by the bank which may take a couple of weeks.
Related: How to open a Wise account in the UK
Non resident account requirements
To open a specific non-resident account with an international banking service you’re likely to need to be over 18, and demonstrate you have a valid reason for needing the account. You’ll also often need a minimum deposit, and a set of documents which we’ll look at next.
If you are a frequent visitor to the UK looking for a flexible and low cost account, you may find it easier to open an account with GBP services from an online alternative like Wise and Revolut instead.
What documents do you need to open a UK account as a non-resident?
Before you start the process to open a UK non-resident account you’ll need to sort out your paperwork. If you’re unsure what you need, do get in touch with the bank directly to avoid wasting time. Here’s a roundup of the most commonly required documents to open a UK non-resident account:
| Required documents for bank non-resident account |
|---|
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Proof of address for a non-resident account
As part of the verification process you’ll need to prove your address, which will have to be in one of the countries the bank supports. Banks accept different kinds of documents for proof of address. You’ll often find banks ask for things like:
A utility bill or government correspondence in your name: this must be recent and show your full name and address
A bank or card statement in your name: this must be recent and shows you’ve been verified by another financial institution
A rental agreement in your name: this demonstrates you have a long term commitment to a given address
Account options for UK non-residents
If you need a GBP account but don’t live in the UK you can choose an account from a non-bank specialist offering multi-currency account and card services - or you may prefer an account from a large global bank. We’ve profiled Wise and Revolut as low cost non-bank providers, and also HSBC’s international division so you can compare the options from banks. Here’s a summary:
| Wise | Revolut | HSBC International | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-resident eligibility | Provide local ID and proof of address from another supported country | Provide local ID and proof of address from another supported country | Provide local ID and proof of address from another supported country |
| Open online | Available | Available | Variable based on location |
| Maintenance fee | None | Fees vary based on your country of residence - usually Standard plans have no monthly fee, and you can trade up to several other plans with maintenance fees | No fee for new customers and Premier customers Monthly fees may apply in other cases |
| Supported currencies | GBP and 40+ others | GBP and 25+ others | GBP |
| Overseas card spending costs | Free to spend a currency you hold Currency conversion from 0.33% where needed | No fee to spend a currency you hold Some no fee weekday currency conversion available - fair usage and out of hours fees may apply | Depends on the card you choose |
| International transfer fee | From 0.33% | Variable fees based on destination | Variable fees based on destination |
*Details correct at time of research - 11th December 2024
Different non-resident account options have their own features and fees, so which works best for you will require some research. We’ll look a little more closely at our selected alternatives below, so you can get a feel for which may suit your own specific needs.
Wise account
💡Great for: Holding and exchanging 40+ currencies, including GBP, with ways to get paid in GBP and different major currencies, and low cost conversion
Open a Wise account online or in app, to hold, send, spend and exchange GBP alongside 40+ other currencies. Wise account offers GBP account details to get paid with local bank transfers, and you can also get a Wise card to tap and pay in stores or make cash withdrawals.
Currency conversion uses the mid-market rate with low fees from 0.33% and accounts have no ongoing fees, and no minimum balance requirements.
| Wise account pros | Wise account cons |
|---|---|
✅ Apply using your local ID and address more or less anywhere in the world ✅ Hold and exchange GBP and 40+ other currencies ✅ Mid-market exchange rates ✅ Some free ATM withdrawals every month* | ❌ No cheque book provided ❌ Some transaction and withdrawal fees apply |
*Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks
Eligibility: Apply with your local proof of address and ID in any of Wise’s supported countries
How to open a Wise account as a non-resident
Step by step how to open a Wise account:
Download the Wise app or open the local desktop site wherever you live
Tap to sign up and enter your personal and contact information
Follow prompts to add the required details and upload your local ID and address documents for verification
Once your account is verified you can open a GBP balance, top up your account in your preferred currency, order a card and start to spend
Revolut account
💡Great for: Choose between different account plans to manage GBP with 25+ other currencies and spend on your linked card
In most countries it operates in, Revolut offers several different accounts for personal customers which all have linked debit cards. The exact plan options will depend on where you’re a resident, but generally accounts offer some weekday currency conversion with the Revolut rate and no extra fee to your plan limit, and some no fee ATM use every month. Out of hours fees apply on weekends and holidays. Depending on the account you pick you may pay a monthly maintenance charge - higher tier accounts have higher costs but also more features.
| Revolut account pros | Revolut account cons |
|---|---|
✅ Available to non-resident customers in the UK and many other countries ✅ Choose from different account plans depending on your needs ✅ Hold and exchange 25+ currencies and spend with your Revolut card ✅ Some weekday currency conversion with no additional fees for all customers | ❌ Some account tiers have ongoing fees ❌ Fair usage and out of hours fees may apply |
Eligibility: Apply with your local proof of address and ID any of Revolut’s supported countries
How to open a Revolut account as a non-resident
Check Revolut is available in your country of residence and download the app
Tap to sign up and enter your personal and contact information
Follow prompts to add the required details and upload your local ID and address documents for verification
Once your account is verified you can top up and start to spend - your card will be delivered to your registered address
HSBC International account
💡Great for: International banking services from a major global bank which include credit card solutions, investments and tax support
HSBC is a huge global banking institution which has operations in many countries. It also has a specific international division which serves clients who may be expats, non-residents, or planning to move away from their home country in future. International services let you open an account in one country - like the UK - while living in another eligible HSBC country. You’ll then be able to hold and exchange a balance in GBP while also making transfers to an HSBC account in your home country easily and for free.
Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid reason for opening an account overseas. You'll be asked for ID and proof of address in a supported country when you apply.
| HSBC International account pros | HSBC International account cons |
|---|---|
✅ International banking services from a major global bank ✅ Fee free transfers between your own HSBC accounts in different countries ✅ Extra services including tax support ✅ Credit cards and loans offered | ❌ Monthly maintenance fees may apply ❌ Accounts take around 14 days to open |
How to open an HSBC International account as a non-resident
HSBC International account opening processes depend on where you’re a resident, and whether or not you already have an account with HSBC in your home country. You’ll need to enter a few details before being walked through the account opening process:
Check you are eligible for an HSBC International account based on your location
Enter your details into the online form
Await a call back from a team member to talk through the best way to apply - online, in a local branch or through an HSBC international office location
Can I open a foreign currency account in the UK?
While some international banking services offer multi-currency account services, they’re commonly targeted to customers who only need to manage their money in GBP. If you want to hold other currencies you may need to open additional accounts with the bank, which can incur fees and admin hassle.
If you’re managing your money across currencies, sending payments overseas, or traveling between the UK and your home country often, you may be better off with a foreign currency or multi-currency account from an alternative service. Here are a couple which might be worth looking at:
Wise multi currency account: Hold, send, spend and exchange GBP alongside 40+ other currencies, with the mid-market rate with low fees from 0.33%. Get paid in GBP by local transfer, and get a Wise card for local and overseas use.
Revolut multi currency account: Manage GBP with 25+ other currencies, with some no fee weekday currency conversion and a linked card for spending and withdrawals. Choose between different account plans depending on your needs, including some with no ongoing charges.
Apply from any supported country, with your home proof of address and ID - no need to have a UK address.
Conclusion: Bank account for non-residents in the UK
While you can open an account in the UK as a non-resident, it’s not the easiest process.
You’ll need to check your eligibility, gather a stack of paperwork and contact a bank’s international banking division to find out if you’re eligible to apply. Minimum balance requirements can often be in place, and fees can be high.
Online alternative services can offer a far more flexible account with a streamlined onboarding experience - and no need for a UK address to get GBP account services. Check out options like Wise or Revolut to see if they might suit you.
UK banks usually refer non-resident customers to their international banking division
International and expat bank accounts can have high minimum balance requirements and fees
A multi-currency account with GBP services from a provider like Wise or Revolut can have low fees for transacting at home and abroad
Specialist providers offer online and in app account opening and can process resident and non-resident applications
Non resident bank account FAQs
Can I open a bank account online as a foreigner?
If you want to open an account online to hold and exchange GBP but do not live in the UK the easiest option may be to look at digital first providers like Wise and Revolut. Both have fully online and in app application processes and multi-currency and international account services.
Can a tourist open a bank account in the UK?
You need a UK address to open an account with most UK banks. If you want a GBP account for tourism, try alternative providers like Wise and Revolut which offer accounts with GBP services for people living in many different countries.
Can I open a UK bank account with a passport?
You’ll need more than your passport to open an account with any UK bank. Usually the documents needed include proof of address, proof of ID , employment and income details and your tax ID.