Yes, you can open most Barclays accounts online, but the process and what you'll need depends on the account type
Barclays lets you open a current account, savings account, or junior account entirely through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The online process takes about 15 minutes and uses video verification to confirm your identity instead of requiring documents in person. However, not every Barclays product is available online — some specialist accounts still require a branch visit or phone call.
The speed of the process depends on whether Barclays can verify you when ready. If you have a UK passport or driving licence and a UK address, verification usually happens within minutes and your account opens the same day. If you don't have those documents or Barclays needs to check something manually, you may wait 1 to 3 working days for approval.
Key Takeaways
- Barclays current accounts, savings accounts, and junior accounts can be opened online using their website or mobile app without a branch visit.
- You will need proof of identity (UK passport or driving licence), proof of address (utility bill or council tax letter dated within the last three months), and a UK address to open an account online.
- Video verification happens during the online process, so you need a device with a camera and internet connection.
- If Barclays approves you when ready, your account opens the same day; manual checks can add 1 to 3 working days.
- Some Barclays products like certain investment accounts or specialist mortgages are not available online and require a branch appointment or phone consultation.
What documents you need before you start
Barclays requires three pieces of information to open an account online: proof of identity, proof of address, and a UK address where you currently live. You don't need to upload documents in advance — you'll show them during the video verification step.
For proof of identity, Barclays accepts a UK passport or UK driving licence. If you have neither, you cannot open an account online; you'll need to visit a branch or call them to discuss other options. For proof of address, you need a document dated within the last three months that shows your name and current address — a utility bill, council tax letter, or bank statement from another bank all work. A tenancy agreement is not accepted on its own because it doesn't show the date it was issued.
You also need a UK address. If you're moving house, use your current address, not the one you're moving to. Once your account is open, you can update your address later.
The step-by-step online process
Start on the Barclays website or read the Barclays app. Select "Open an account" and choose the account type you want — current account, savings account, or junior account. You'll be asked for your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number.
Next comes the video verification step. Barclays will ask you to take a photo of your passport or driving licence and a selfie using your device's camera. The system checks that the photo matches the document and that you're a real person. This usually takes a few minutes. If the system approves you when ready, you'll move to the next step. If it can't verify you automatically, Barclays will contact you within 1 to 3 working days to complete verification another way — usually a phone call or a request for additional documents.
After identity verification, you'll set up your login details, choose a PIN, and confirm your address. Barclays will then tell you whether your account is open. If approved, you can usually start using it the same day, though it may take up to 2 working days for your debit card to arrive by post.
What happens if verification fails or takes longer
If the video verification system cannot match your photo to your document, Barclays will ask you to try again or provide additional information. Common reasons for this include poor lighting, a blurry photo, or a document that's expired or damaged. If you've tried multiple times and it's still not working, contact Barclays directly — they can sometimes complete verification over the phone instead.
If Barclays needs to check something manually — for example, if your address is very new, if you have an unusual name, or if there's a flag on your credit file — they will contact you by phone or email. This is normal and doesn't mean you've been rejected. They're straightforward gathering more information. This process usually takes 1 to 3 working days, but can occasionally take longer if they need documents from you.
If your process is refused, Barclays will tell you the reason. Common reasons include not meeting age requirements (you must be 18 or over for most accounts), not being a UK resident, or having a history of fraud or financial crime. If you're refused, you can ask Barclays to reconsider, but you cannot force them to open an account for you.
Account types available online and what you can do when ready
Barclays current accounts — including the basic Barclays account and the fee-paying Barclays Premier account — can be opened online. You can also open a Barclays savings account, a junior account for children, and some fixed-rate savings bonds online.
Once your account is open, you can log in and use online banking when ready. You can set up standing orders, view your balance, and transfer money between your own accounts. However, you cannot make payments to other people's accounts until your debit card arrives and you've activated it, which usually takes 5 to 7 working days. Some accounts let you request a faster card delivery for a fee.
If you need to move money urgently before your card arrives, contact Barclays to ask about a temporary payment method or whether they can expedite your card.
When you cannot open a Barclays account online
Some Barclays products are not available online. Investment accounts, stocks and shares ISAs, and certain specialist mortgages require a branch visit or a phone consultation with a specialist. If you're interested in one of these products, you'll need to book a branch appointment or call Barclays directly.
You also cannot open an account online if you don't have a UK address, if you're under 18 (except for junior accounts), or if you don't have a UK passport or driving licence. In these cases, visit a branch or call Barclays to discuss your options.
If you're opening an account as a business rather than as an individual, the process is different and requires additional verification. Business accounts are not available through the standard online process.
What to do if you're stuck or need help
If the online process isn't working, if you've been asked for documents you don't have, or if your process has been pending for more than 5 working days, contact Barclays directly. You can call them, use the chat function in the Barclays app, or visit a branch. Have your reference number ready — Barclays will have sent it to you by email when you started the process.
If you're having technical problems with the website or app, try a different browser or device. Clear your browser cache and cookies, or uninstall and reinstall the app. If the problem persists, contact Barclays support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Barclays account online?
If Barclays verifies you when ready, your account opens within minutes and you can use online banking the same day. If manual checks are needed, approval takes 1 to 3 working days. Your debit card arrives by post within 5 to 7 working days.
Can I open a Barclays account if I don't have a UK driving licence or passport?
No, the online process requires one of these documents for identity verification. If you don't have either, visit a branch or call Barclays to discuss alternative ways to open an account, which may take longer and require additional documents.
What if I'm moving house and don't have a proof of address document yet?
Use your current address on the process, not your new one. Once your account is open, you can update your address in online banking. If you need a proof of address document for your new address before your account is open, ask your new landlord or the property management company for a tenancy agreement or a letter confirming your move-in date.
Can I open a Barclays account online if I'm not a UK resident?
No, Barclays requires a UK address to open an account online. If you're moving to the UK, you can open an account once you have a UK address. If you're a UK citizen living abroad, contact Barclays to discuss your options.
What happens if my video verification fails?
Try again with better lighting and a clearer photo. If it fails multiple times, Barclays will contact you to complete verification another way, usually by phone. You can also contact them directly to ask for help.