What you need before you start
UK banks require proof of identity and proof of address before they will open an account. You cannot complete this process entirely online or by phone — you will need to visit a branch in person, use a video appointment, or post documents to the bank. The exact requirements vary slightly between banks, but the core documents are the same across all major providers.
For identity, banks accept a valid passport, photocard driving licence, or national ID card. For address, they need a recent document showing your name and current address: a utility bill (gas, electricity, water), council tax bill, mortgage statement, or tenancy agreement dated within the last three months. If you do not have these documents, some banks will accept alternatives — a letter from your employer, a benefits statement, or a letter from your local council — but you should check with your chosen bank first.
If you are not a UK citizen or do not have a UK address yet, the process is more complicated. Non-residents can open accounts, but fewer banks offer this service and most require a larger opening deposit or proof of UK employment. If you are moving to the UK, arriving with a passport and a tenancy agreement or employer letter is your strongest position.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a valid passport or photocard driving licence and a recent utility bill or council tax bill showing your current address.
- Most banks require an in-person visit to a branch, though some offer video appointments or postal verification as alternatives.
- The whole process typically takes one to two weeks from the moment you submit your documents to when your account is active.
- If you do not have a fixed address or are not a UK resident, contact the bank directly before visiting, as may be able to access rules differ significantly.
- Once your account opens, you can request a debit card and set up online banking when ready, though the card itself arrives by post within five to ten working days.
Opening an account in person at a branch
This is the fastest and most straightforward route for most people. You walk into a branch with your identity document and address proof, speak to an adviser, and they check your documents on the spot. If everything is in order, they open the account when ready and give you your account number and sort code. You can start using the account for transfers the same day, though any debit card you order arrives by post later.
Bring the originals of your documents, not photocopies — the bank needs to see them in person. Bring two forms of address proof if you can, because some banks ask for two. If you are opening a joint account, both account holders must be present. The appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You do not need to book ahead at most banks, though calling first to check branch opening hours is sensible.
If you do not have a branch near you or cannot visit during opening hours, ask whether the bank offers video appointments. Several major banks — including Barclays, HSBC, and Nationwide — now verify identity and address over a find video call. You still need the physical documents, but you do not need to travel to a branch.
Opening an account by post
Some banks accept postal applications, though this route is slower and carries more risk of rejection if documents are unclear or incomplete. You send photocopies of your identity and address proof to the bank's process address. The bank checks them and contacts you if anything is missing or unclear. Once they are satisfied, they send you a welcome pack with your account details and a debit card process form.
This process takes three to four weeks in total. The bank may ask you to sign a declaration form or provide additional information by post. If your documents are unclear — a utility bill with poor contrast, a driving licence photo that does not match your appearance — the bank will reject the process and ask you to resubmit. For this reason, in-person or video verification is more reliable.
Check whether your chosen bank accepts postal applications before you send anything. Not all banks offer this option, and those that do often have specific requirements about which documents they will accept.
What happens after you submit your documents
Once the bank has verified your identity and address, they run a credit check and check you against fraud and sanctions databases. This is automatic and usually takes one to three working days. You will not see the results — the bank straightforward confirms whether you have passed or failed. If you have been declared bankrupt in the past seven years, have a County Court Judgment on your credit file, or are on the National Fraud Database, the bank may refuse to open an account.
If you pass these checks, your account opens and you receive your account number and sort code when ready (in person or by email, depending on how you applied). You can use these details to receive money the same day. You can also set up online banking and request a debit card at this point.
Your debit card arrives by post within five to ten working days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at ATMs using your online banking details, or ask the bank for a temporary card at the branch.
Types of account available
Most banks offer a basic current account, which is what most people open. This gives you a debit card, online banking, a cheque book (if you want one), and the ability to set up standing orders and direct debits. There is no monthly fee for a basic account at any major UK bank.
Some banks also offer premium current accounts with additional features — cashback on spending, travel insurance, mobile phone insurance — but these charge a monthly fee (usually £10 to £25). You do not need a premium account to use the banking system. A basic account is sufficient for everyday spending and receiving wages.
If you are self-employed or run a business, you will need a business account instead of a personal account. The process is similar, but you will also need to provide proof of business registration (your UTR number from HMRC, or your Companies House registration if you are a limited company) and proof of business address.
If the bank refuses to open an account
Banks can refuse to open an account without giving a detailed reason. If this happens, you have the right to ask why, though the bank may only say that you did not meet their lending criteria. Common reasons include a poor credit history, a fraud marker on your file, or being on the National Fraud Database.
If you believe the refusal is unfair or based on incorrect information, you can ask the bank to review their decision. You can also check your credit file through Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion to see whether there are errors — if there are, you can dispute them with the credit reference agency.
If you are repeatedly refused by banks, contact your local Citizens information Bureau or StepChange (a debt charity). They can advise you on your options and may be able to help you challenge the decision. Some banks also offer second-chance accounts for people with poor credit histories, though these often come with restrictions like a lower spending limit or no overdraft.
Opening an account as a non-resident or non-citizen
Non-UK residents can open accounts, but may be able to access depends on the bank and your circumstances. If you are moving to the UK for work, most banks will open an account if you provide a job offer letter or employment contract along with your passport. If you are moving for study, a university acceptance letter usually works.
If you do not have UK employment or study plans, fewer banks will accept you. Some international banks with UK branches (like HSBC or Barclays) may open accounts for their existing customers, but you will typically need a larger opening deposit and proof of funds. Contact the bank directly before visiting a branch, as requirements vary widely.
If you are a UK citizen living abroad temporarily, you can usually keep your existing account open. If you need to open a new account from abroad, contact the bank's international team — they may be able to process your process by post or video without requiring a UK address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a bank account in the UK?
If you visit a branch in person, your account opens the same day and you receive your account number when ready. Your debit card arrives by post within five to ten working days. If you explore by video or post, the process takes one to three weeks depending on how quickly the bank verifies your documents.
Can I open an account without a UK address?
Most banks require a UK address. If you do not have one yet, contact the bank before explore — some will accept a tenancy agreement dated in the future, an employer letter with a UK address, or a letter from your local council confirming you are on the housing register. Non-residents may face additional requirements or be refused entirely.
What if I do not have a passport or driving licence?
Contact your chosen bank and ask what alternative identity documents they accept. Some banks will accept a national ID card, a travel card, or a biometric residence permit. If you do not have any of these, you may need to obtain a passport or explore for a provisional driving licence before opening an account.
Do I need to have money in the account before I open it?
No. You do not need an opening deposit to open a basic current account at any major UK bank. You can open an account with zero balance and deposit money later. Some premium accounts or accounts for non-residents may require a minimum opening deposit, but this is rare and the bank will tell you in advance.
Can someone else open an account on my behalf?
No. The person opening the account must be present in person, by video, or by post with their own documents. Banks cannot open accounts based on someone else's process. If you are unable to visit a branch, ask whether the bank offers video appointments instead.