How to open an HSBC account as a non-resident

HSBC offers accounts to non resident customers, including their bank account, Premier Account and Advance Account. Eligibility requirements apply to some accounts including high minimum balances.

This guide looks at how to open an HSBC account in the UK if you’re not a resident. Plus we’ll also touch on a few flexible alternatives to non resident bank accounts, including specialist providers like Wise and Revolut.

💡 Quick summary: HSBC non-resident account

• Open an HSBC bank account, Premier Account and Advance Account as a non resident of the UK

• Some non resident customers are not able to get all the features available to UK residents

• HSBC accounts are offered in GBP, and once you have a standard account you can also open a Global Money account for multi-currency functions

• Some HSBC accounts have high minimum balance requirements which makes them better suited to high net worth individuals

• If you’d prefer a non resident account which has broad currency flexibility and low fees, a provider like Wise or Revolut may be a good solution

Can I open an HSBC account as a non-resident? 🤔

You can apply for some HSBC accounts as a non resident of the UK. You may find that you’re not eligible for every account product if you don’t have a UK address, but some accounts including Premier Accounts, are available for non resident customers. It’s also helpful to know that some non resident customers are not able to get all the features available to UK residents

Some HSBC accounts marketed to non-resident customers have high minimum balance requirements and may need you to have a high income of 100,000 GBP or more.

If you’d prefer a flexible account with no minimum balance or minimum income requirement, providers like Wise and Revolut can be a good fit. We’ll look at these in more detail later.

How to open an HSBC account as a non-resident

Let’s walk through the basic process to open an HSBC account as a non-resident. The exact steps you take might vary a little depending on the account you choose, and where you live.

1. Choose the account you prefer and check your eligibility

HSBC offers some accounts which are suitable for non resident customers in the UK. The features and eligibility rules for these accounts can vary - when you choose the account you prefer you’ll need to double check you’ll be eligible to open it before you apply.

2. Gather the required information and documents

You need to get together your proof of ID and proof of address, and then may be able to apply online, or you can visit a branch if you prefer. Be aware that you might have to agree to a credit check, depending on the specific account you select.

3. Apply online or in branch, and get verified

The application process can sometimes be completed online, but some accounts for non-residents can only be opened by visiting a physical branch location. Check the account opening processes offered for your preferred account type.

4. Fund your account and start to transact

When you’ve shown your ID and completed the account opening and verification process you can start to transact. You’ll need to add money to your account up to the minimum balance requirement to avoid extra fees. Account information, like a debit card, can be mailed to your home address if you’ve applied online.

HSBC non resident account requirements

You can usually open an HSBC non resident account if you are over 18 and happy to undergo a credit check. The credit check isn’t always needed - this depends on the account you pick and where you live.

What documents do you need to open an HSBC non-resident account?

To open a non resident account with HSBC you’ll need to provide documents to prove your identity and address. As some accounts have minimum income requirements, further information about your employment can also be needed.

What is proof of residency for HSBC?

Depending on the account type you select, HSBC might require additional documents to prove your residency and address. The bank team will confirm what’s needed when you apply for your preferred account.

Proof of address for HSBC non-resident account

If you are asked for a proof of address document for HSBC you’ll usually have to provide one of the following:

• Utility bill - billed in your name and within the last 3 months

• Bank or credit card statement - statement in your name, from within the last 3 months

• Government correspondence, such as a tax statement in your name

HSBC account alternatives for non-residents

Whether or not you can open an HSBC account as a non resident might depend on where you are based, and the specific account you prefer. Some accounts have relatively restrictive requirements including high minimum balances. If you are outside of the UK you may also find you can not get full feature access with HSBC.

Here are a few alternative providers which you might consider, which offer flexible low cost services for non US residents:

*Details correct at time of research - 23rd July 2025. About Wise pricing: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

If you’d prefer a flexible account with no minimum balance or minimum income requirement, providers like Wise and Revolut can be a good fit. We’ll look at these in more detail later.

Wise account

Wise Accounts can be opened by residents of many countries and regions globally, and offer 40+ supported currencies with mid-market exchange rates and no hidden fees.

You can get your linked Wise card to spend online and in person, send international payments with low fees and fast delivery times, and use GBP account information to receive payments conveniently.

In total, Wise Account offers account information for 20+ currencies which can be used to receive payments with low fees.

That makes this a great pick for non UK residents who need to manage their money across a broad range of currencies.

Wise account fees & limits

*Details correct at time of research - 23rd July 2025.

How to open a Wise account as a non-resident

1. Download the Wise app or open the desktop site

2. Select the option to Sign Up

3. Follow prompts to enter your personal and contact information

4. Upload the required documents for verification

5. Tap + to open a GBP account from the Wise app

Revolut account

Revolut is available in many countries and allows customers to hold GBP and 25+ other currencies, with a linked debit card for spending and withdrawals. Account options do vary, but in most cases you can choose from different account plans depending on the features you require, including some which have no monthly fees.

Revolut account fees & limits

*Details correct at time of research - 23rd July 2025.

How to open a Revolut account as a non-resident

1. Download the Revolut app

2. Select the option to Sign Up

3. Follow prompts to enter your personal and contact information

4. Upload the required documents for verification

5. Once verified, tap Accounts to open a GBP balance

Barclays account

Barclays offers accounts for non UK residents through its international banking division. These products are aimed at high earning or high net worth individuals who have 100,000 GBP or more saved or invested with Barclays. You can get accounts in pounds, US dollars and euros, with personal wealth management services for people with very high amounts saved or invested. Open accounts online, from 35 eligible countries around the world.

Barclays account fees & limits

How to open a Barclays account as a non-resident

1. Open the Barclays website and navigate to international banking

2. Select the account you want to open and tap Apply now

3. Register an account and set security questions

4. If approved your account will be operational and your card will be sent by mail to your home address

Can I open a foreign currency account with HSBC?

Yes. Once you have a GBP account with HSBC you can also add in their Global Money Account and card, which lets you hold 18 currencies for spending internationally.

You can simply add this feature to your GBP account in the HSBC app without needing to provide additional paperwork, and then add money to your account from your GBP account.

Conclusion: HSBC account for foreigners in the UK

HSBC does allow applications from non resident customers for their UK based accounts. Not all accounts are suited to non residents, and in some cases you might find that you can’t access all the same services as someone living in the UK would.

Check the eligibility criteria carefully before you apply, as some accounts need to confirm your credit score and income, and require a high minimum balance.

If you’d prefer a more flexible account which supports many currencies and can be opened entirely online or in app, check out providers like Wise and Revolut. Both offer accounts with no monthly fees and linked cards for easy spending and withdrawals in the UK and overseas.

HSBC non resident account FAQs

Can I open an HSBC account online as a foreigner?

Yes. In some cases you can apply online for an HSBC account in the UK. Whether or not you’re able to apply online depends on the specific account you pick and where in the world you are based.

Can a tourist open an HSBC account?

To open an HSBC account you will be required to prove your identity and address. In some cases a proof of address from abroad might be accepted, making this possible for a tourist. However, you might find that opening an account with a digital provider like Wise or Revolut offers a more straightforward solution.

Can a non-UK citizen open an HSBC account?

Yes. Non-UK citizens are able to open HSBC accounts, either in branch or online. Other eligibility criteria often apply, so do check the account you choose is suited to your situation.

Can I open an HSBC account with a passport?

No. You can’t open an HSBC account with a passport alone. You also need a proof of address document, and you might need further information about your income, credit and tax.