Yes, you can open a checking account in Britain, but the process and requirements differ from the United States
A checking account in Britain is called a current account, and most British banks offer them to residents and some non-residents. The basic idea is the same — a place to deposit money, write checks (called cheques), and pay bills — but the paperwork, terminology, and what banks require are different from what you may be used to in the US.
The main barrier for non-residents is that British banks want proof you live in the UK. If you do live there, the process is straightforward. If you do not, opening an account is possible but more limited, and you will need to work with banks that specifically serve expats or international customers.
Key Takeaways
- A current account is the British term for a checking account, and most major banks offer them to UK residents with proof of address and identity.
- If you are not a UK resident, you can still open an account with some banks, but options are fewer and requirements are stricter.
- You will need a valid passport or national ID card, proof of address (usually a utility bill or council tax letter), and sometimes proof of income.
- The process process takes one to two weeks, and you can start using your account once the bank confirms your identity.
- British banks do not use routing numbers; they use sort codes and account numbers instead.
What you need to open a current account as a UK resident
If you live in the UK, you will need to provide three main things: proof of who you are, proof of where you live, and sometimes proof of income. For identity, a valid passport, national ID card, or UK driving license works. For address, a recent utility bill, council tax letter, or tenancy agreement dated within the last three months is standard.
Some banks also ask for proof that money is coming into your account — a payslip, letter from an employer, or benefit statement. This is not always required, but it speeds up approval. A few banks will open an account without it if you have a good credit history in the UK, but most want to see it.
You do not need a minimum deposit to open the account, though some banks offer better features if you keep a certain balance. Most current accounts are free to use, with no monthly fee.
Opening an account as a non-resident or expat
If you do not live in the UK but want a British current account, your options narrow. Some banks will not open accounts for non-residents at all. Others will, but they require you to visit a branch in person or have a UK address you can use — sometimes a work address or a friend's address counts, though banks vary on this.
Banks that specifically work with expats and international customers include Wise (formerly TransferWise), which offers multi-currency accounts and is designed for people who move between countries, and some branches of HSBC and Barclays, which have international divisions. These banks often have higher fees and stricter requirements than standard current accounts.
Another route is to open an account online with a bank that does not require you to visit a branch. Starling Bank and Revolut, for example, are digital-only banks that sometimes open accounts for non-UK residents, though they ask for proof of identity and may ask why you want a UK account. Rules change, so contact the bank directly to ask whether they will open an account for your situation.
The process process and timeline
Most banks let you start an process online. You upload photos of your identity document and proof of address, fill in your personal details, and answer questions about your income and employment. The bank then checks your identity against government records — a process called identity verification — and checks your credit history with a credit reference agency.
This process usually takes one to two weeks. Some banks are faster; others take longer if they need to contact you for more information. Once the bank confirms your identity, they send you your account details — your sort code, account number, and a debit card — usually by post.
You can start using your account as soon as the bank tells you it is open, even if your debit card has not arrived yet. You can set up standing orders (automatic payments) and direct debits (payments that vary, like utility bills) right away.
How British banking numbers work instead of routing numbers
In the US, you use a routing number and account number to send money to someone's checking account. In Britain, you use a sort code and account number instead. A sort code is a six-digit number that identifies your specific bank branch; an account number is eight digits that identifies your account.
When someone sends you money from outside the UK, they may also need your IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is a longer code that includes your sort code and account number in a format that international banks recognize. Your bank will give you all three when you open your account.
Checks (cheques in British English) still exist but are less common than in the US. Many British businesses and individuals prefer bank transfers, which are faster and do not require a check to clear. If you do write a cheque, it takes three to five working days to clear, longer than in the US.
Fees and features to compare
Most current accounts in the UK are free — no monthly fee, no minimum balance. However, some banks charge fees if you go overdrawn (spend more than you have) or if you use services like overdraft protection. Overdraft fees vary widely by bank, so compare before you choose.
Many current accounts come with a debit card, online banking, and a mobile app. Some banks offer perks like cashback on purchases, travel insurance, or breakdown cover (roadside information). These extras are usually free with the account, though some premium accounts charge a monthly fee for more benefits.
If you plan to send money to another country regularly, look for a bank that offers international transfers. Traditional banks often charge high fees for this; Wise and similar services are usually cheaper if you are moving money between countries frequently.
What happens if you are refused
Banks sometimes refuse to open an account if your identity check fails, if you have a poor credit history, or if they cannot verify your address. If this happens, ask the bank why. Sometimes it is a straightforward fix — a typo in your name, or an address that does not match their records.
If you have a poor credit history in the UK, some banks offer basic bank accounts, which have fewer features (no overdraft, no checkbook) but are easier to open. These are designed for people rebuilding their credit or new to the UK banking system.
If you are a non-resident and a mainstream bank refuses you, try a digital bank or a bank that specializes in expats. If you are refused by multiple banks, you have the right to ask why, and you can ask the bank to reconsider if circumstances have changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a National Insurance number to open a current account?
No, but you will need one eventually if you work in the UK. For opening an account, a passport or national ID card is enough. If you are a non-resident, the bank may ask for your National Insurance number if you have one, but it is not always required.
Can I open a current account online without visiting a branch?
Yes, most banks let you explore entirely online. They verify your identity using your passport or ID card and proof of address. Some banks may ask you to visit a branch later to collect your debit card, but the initial process is online.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Usually one to two weeks after your account is approved. You can use your account before the card arrives — you can set up online payments and transfers using your sort code and account number. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use when ready.
What if I move back to the US — can I keep my British current account?
Most banks will close your account if you move abroad and are no longer a UK resident. Some banks, particularly those serving expats, will let you keep it open, but you may lose certain features or face higher fees. Contact your bank before you move to ask what happens.
Is a current account the same as a savings account?
No. A current account is for everyday spending — paying bills, receiving wages, writing checks. A savings account is for storing money and earning interest. Most people in the UK have both, and you can open them at the same bank.