How to open a UK bank account as a foreigner online 🇬🇧 [Updated 2026]
Opening a bank account is one of the first things you'll need to do when moving to the UK for work or study. While some banks allow non-residents to open accounts, many will ask for a confirmed UK address before they let you apply.
Digital specialists like Wise and Revolut are often a convenient, faster choice if you need to get your UK finances up and running quickly, with multi currency accounts and linked debit cards ready for spending and receiving your salary or home transfers from day one.
Key points: Opening a UK bank account online
🇬🇧 Opening a UK bank account online 📲 | |
|---|---|
➡️ Can you open a UK bank account before arriving in the UK? | Yes. You can use specialist providers or check for international accounts from some banks |
➡️ Can I open a bank account in the UK as a non-resident? | Yes, but it depends on the provider. Specialist providers usually accept your home-country address. Most banks require a UK address for their standard accounts, or a very high deposit for their International divisions |
➡️ Can I open a UK bank account with a foreign passport? | Yes. A valid foreign passport is the most common ID used by almost all providers |
➡️ Can I open a UK bank account without a UK address? | Yes. Specialist providers like Wise or Monese often let you use your current international address to get started |
📌 Required documentation 📂
To open an account in the UK, you must provide documents that prove who you are and where you live.
While banks have strict rules, digital specialists are often more flexible for those who have just arrived.
Document name | Brief description |
|---|---|
✈️ Valid passport | The main document used for identity. Most providers also accept a valid EU ID card. Non-UK and EU passports should be supported by a valid eVisa Share Code. |
🚗 UK driving licence | A full or provisional UK photo card licence is a dual-purpose document. It can often be used to prove both your identity and your address at the same time. |
👥 Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) | If you are on a visa, your BRP confirms your identity and your legal right to stay in the UK. |
🏠 Proof of address | You can use a recent utility bill, a UK bank or credit card statement (usually less than 3 months old), or a council tax bill from the last 12 months. |
📃 Alternative address proof | If you don't have utility bills yet, some banks accept an HMRC tax notification, a tenancy agreement from a local council, or a benefits entitlement letter. |
Step by step: UK Account opening process online
Opening an account online is the quickest way to get started.
➡️ Most providers use digital tools to verify your identity, so you won't usually need to mail any physical documents.
Choose your provider: Compare banks and digital specialists to see which one fits your needs best.
Download the app or visit the website: Most applications in 2026 are completed through a mobile app for better convenience.
Enter your personal details: You will need to provide your full name, date of birth and your current address history.
Upload your ID: Use your phone's camera to take a clear photo of your passport, BRP or EU ID card.
Complete a liveness check: You may be asked to take a selfie or a short video of yourself to match your face to your ID.
Submit proof of address: Upload a digital copy of a document like a utility bill or bank statement that shows your name and address.
Wait for verification: Digital providers often verify you in minutes, while banks can take a few business days to review everything.
➡️ If you are unable to complete the process online, you may be asked to visit a branch in person. This typically happens if the provider cannot verify your identity electronically or if you are using alternative documents that require a physical check. When going to a branch, bring the original versions of your ID and address proof, as banks do not usually accept photocopies.
💡 Tips for foreigners: How to choose the right account type
There is no "one size fits all" account for moving to the UK.
The right choice depends on your residency status and how quickly you need your account details.
Account Type | What it offers | Best for... |
|---|---|---|
Current Account | The most common account for daily life. Used for receiving your salary, withdrawing cash and setting up direct debits for bills | Most people who have a fixed UK address and a steady income |
Basic Bank Account | Essential features for everyday banking without a monthly fee. It doesn't offer an overdraft, making it easier to open | Newcomers who may not qualify for standard accounts yet |
Student & Graduate Account | Similar to a current account but often comes with an interest-free overdraft and other perks | International students or recent graduates starting their careers |
Savings Account | A place to grow your money and earn interest. You can choose from Easy Access (flexible) or Fixed Rate (lock money away for better rates) | Anyone looking to keep their savings separate and earn a return |
Multi-Currency Account | Allows you to hold and exchange several currencies (like GBP, EUR and USD) in one place | People who move money between countries often or receive income from abroad |
Packaged Account | A current account that includes extras like travel insurance or breakdown cover for a monthly fee | Those who will actually use the extras enough to justify the monthly cost |
Major UK banks: Big Four 🇬🇧
The "Big Four" banks in the UK have a long history of working with international customers.
They offer extensive branch networks and specialised accounts designed for those who have just moved to the country.
Barclays: Offers a New to the UK service for those who have just arrived. If you are moving with significant savings, their Barclays International Bank Account allows you to set things up before you land, provided you have £100,000 in savings or investments. For everyday use, their Barclays Bank Account is a standard, fee-free option for residents. More info: Barclays non resident accounts.
Lloyds Bank: Provides a New to the UK pathway that allows you to apply for a Classic Current Account with no monthly fee using a non-UK passport via their mobile app. They are known for being flexible with residency and accept international addresses for certain parts of the application.
HSBC: Known for its global reach, the HSBC Premier Account is ideal for high-earners who already bank with HSBC in their home country, offering fee-free transfers between global accounts. Their standard HSBC Bank Account is a good choice for managing everyday finances in the UK without a monthly fee.
NatWest: Features the Select Account, a straightforward everyday account with no monthly fees and a highly-rated mobile app. If you have a limited credit history in the UK, they may offer the Foundation Account, a basic bank account designed to help you handle payments and build your financial footprint.
Other banks you will find on the high street include:
Santander UK
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)
TSB
Nationwide Building Society
Metro Bank
Halifax
Online alternatives to UK banks: Wise, Revolut & Monese
While the Big Four are reliable, many internationals find that digital specialists offer a smoother start to UK life.
Often considered a convenient alternative, they usually ask for fewer documents and don't always require a UK proof of address to get started.
💡 In many cases, you can even open your account from your home country before you move.
These accounts function similarly to a bank for your daily needs. You get a UK sort code and account number to receive your salary or UK bank transfers, and a physical or virtual debit card for your daily spending.
As money transfer providers, they excel at moving money internationally, allowing you to bring your savings from home to the UK without the high markups often charged by banks.
Wise
Wise is a specialist provider focused on making it cheap and easy to hold and move money across borders.
It is a great choice if you want to avoid monthly maintenance fees while managing multiple currencies in one account.
Account opening: You can open a Wise account for free from your home country using your current ID. There are no monthly subscription fees to keep the account open.
Key features: Hold and exchange over 40 currencies in the account and send money to 140 countries. You also get local account details for 8+ currencies (including a UK sort code and account number) to receive money conveniently.
International transfers: Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for all conversions, with low and transparent fees starting from 0.33%. Over 70% of transfers are instant, and 80%+ arrive within an hour*.
Safety: Wise uses 2-factor authentication, encryption and real-time alerts to keep your account safe. You can read more about how Wise keeps your money safe here.
*The speed of transaction claims depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions
Revolut
Revolut is a licensed bank in the UK that provides a versatile app for managing your daily finances alongside a wide range of features that go beyond just a simple current account.
Account opening: You can sign up through the app in minutes. Like Wise, you can often open your account in your home country (if eligible) using your current international address and a valid passport before you have settled in the UK.
Account tiers: Revolut offers a range of plans, starting with a no-fee Standard account. There are also paid tiers like Plus, Premium, Metal and Ultra, ranging from £3.99-£55 per month, that offer extra benefits like higher no-free ATM limits and travel insurance.
Key features: The app includes advanced budgeting tools, "Pockets" to help you set aside money for bills and personal goals, physical and virtual debit cards, and the ability to hold and exchange over 30 currencies.
Advantage: Because Revolut holds a full UK banking licence, eligible deposits are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £120,000.
Go to Revolut
Monese
Monese offers personal acacounts in GBP, EUR and Ron and was built for EEA residents moving to a new country who might struggle with the strict address requirements of banks.
Account opening: Monese has a very high acceptance rate for newcomers - although you will need to be a resident of the EEA to open an account. You can sign up through the app with just an email, phone number, and a photo ID like a passport. Once you verify your address, you can start using your account immediately.
Key features: It provides a fully functional UK account with a contactless Mastercard. You can choose between a free Simple plan or paid plans ranging from £2.95 - £14.95 per month that offer lower fees for international transfers and ATM use.
International transfers: You can move money abroad to over 30 countries directly from the app. Fees for global transfers vary by plan, starting at 2% for the free tier and becoming fee-free for Premium users.
Advantage: Monese is highly accessible. If you have just landed and are staying in temporary accommodation, Monese is often one of the quickest ways to get a working UK account number.
What is the easiest bank account to open in the UK?
Choosing the most straightforward option often depends on whether you have already arrived in the UK and have a permanent address. For those looking at banks, a Basic Bank Account or a specialised International Student Account is usually the most accessible path. These tend to be designed for those with a thin UK credit history and typically don't require an extensive financial background check.
Banks like NatWest and Lloyds have simplified their online applications, often allowing you to verify your identity using just a passport and a selfie through their mobile apps. However, keep in mind that most banks still require a UK-based proof of address, such as a utility bill or a university letter, which can be a hurdle if you have just landed.
Specialist providers like Wise and Revolut offer a different experience that is often faster for newcomers. Because these services frequently accept international residency documents, you can often set up your account and get your GBP details before you even leave your home country. Many expats and international students choose this route first to ensure they have a working account number immediately for paying a housing deposit or receiving their first UK paycheck.
Moving money from home to the UK?
One of the most common reasons for opening a UK account is to move your existing savings or tuition fees from your home country to the UK. To do this, you will typically need your new UK IBAN or sort code and account number to provide to the sending service. While you can use a bank for this, many people look for money transfer providers to avoid high exchange rate markups and long waiting times.
When choosing how to move your money, compare both the upfront transfer fee and the exchange rate offered. Many providers claim to have low fees but then apply a hidden charge by offering an inflated exchange rate compared to the mid-market rate you see on Google.
Major banks (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest): Using a bank is a convenient choice if you already have an account, especially for very large, one-off transfers where you might prefer the familiarity of a high-street brand. However, banks often charge an exchange rate markup of 3% or more, on top of transfer fees, which can significantly increase the cost of moving your savings.
Wise: Uses the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden markups and low and transparent conversion fees starting from 0.33%. Convenient for both small daily transfers and large sums, 70% of transfers are instant, 80%+ arrive within an hour*.
Revolut: If you already have a Revolut account, you can move money between currencies quickly using Revolut's own exchange rates. If you are on the Standard or Plus plans, a fair usage limit applies each month, after which an additional fee of 1% or 0.5% is charged.
Monese: Send international transfers to over 30 countries with the Monese app. The cost for global transfers depends on your plan, with fees ranging from 2% (with a £3 minimum) on the free tier down to 1% on the Premium plan, but it can be a more affordable alternative to using a high-street bank.
*The speed of transaction claims depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions
Can I continue using my bank account from my home country?
You can continue to use your home-country bank for a short time, but it is rarely a good long-term solution. Most foreign cards charge foreign transaction fees every time you tap your card in a shop or withdraw cash from a UK ATM. Additionally, you will likely find it impossible to pay local utility bills or receive a UK salary without a UK sort code and account number.
Useful resources
Barclays International Banking: Moving to the UK guide
Lloyds Bank: New to the UK current accounts
HSBC UK: International banking and account opening
NatWest: What you need to open a bank account
Wise: Official UK page with information on accounts and fees
Revolut: Personal pricing and plan comparison
Monese: Fees and account plan details