Yes, you can open most UK bank accounts entirely online
Most UK banks now let you open a current account or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes and happens in real time — you can often use the account the same day. However, not every bank offers online opening, and some accounts have restrictions based on where you live or what documents you have.
The banks that do offer online opening use video verification or document checks to confirm who you are. This replaces the old requirement to show up in person with a passport. The speed and ease vary depending on which bank you choose and what information you have ready before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Most major UK banks including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander let you open accounts online using a valid passport or driving licence.
- You will need proof of address (usually a recent utility bill or council tax letter) and may need to verify your identity through video call or document upload.
- Some banks restrict online opening to UK residents or people with a UK address, so check the bank's requirements before you start.
- The whole process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, though final approval can take a few hours to a few days depending on the bank's checks.
- If you do not have the documents the bank asks for, you may still be able to open an account in branch or through a different bank with lower requirements.
Which banks let you open accounts online
The major high street banks all offer online account opening for at least some of their products. Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, and TSB all have online applications for current accounts. Smaller banks and building societies vary — some like Nationwide and Virgin Money offer online opening, while others require you to visit a branch or explore by post.
Online-only banks such as Revolut, Wise, and Starling are built entirely around phone and computer access, so opening an account with them is always online. These banks often have faster verification and fewer document requirements than traditional banks, though they may not offer all the same services (for example, some do not offer overdrafts or cheque books).
Before you choose a bank, check its website to confirm it offers online opening and that it accepts applications from your situation. Some banks will not open accounts for people without a UK address, and a few still require a video call with a real person rather than when ready online verification.
Documents you will need to have ready
Every bank will ask for proof of who you are and proof of where you live. For identity, you will need either a valid UK passport, a UK driving licence, or in some cases a national identity card from another EU country. The document must not be expired, and the bank will usually check it by asking you to upload a photo or hold it up to your phone camera during a video call.
For proof of address, banks accept a recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water, or broadband), a council tax letter, a mortgage statement, or a tenancy agreement. The document must show your name and current address and usually must be dated within the last three months. If you have just moved house, a letter from your landlord or a council tax letter from your new council can work while you wait for a utility bill in your new name.
Some banks also ask about your employment or income, especially if you want an overdraft. You may need to provide a recent payslip, a letter from your employer, or a tax return if you are self-employed. Have these documents photographed or scanned and ready before you start the process, as the process moves quickly and you will not want to stop halfway through to find them.
How the online verification process works
Most banks use one of two methods to check who you are: when ready document verification or a video call. With when ready verification, you upload a photo of your passport or driving licence, and the bank's software checks it automatically. This usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes. Some banks also ask you to take a selfie so they can match your face to your document.
If the bank cannot verify you when ready, it will ask you to join a video call with a member of staff. This typically happens within a few hours of your process. During the call, the staff member will ask you to show your documents to the camera and may ask you questions about your process — for example, where you work or why you are opening the account. The call usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes.
A few banks still require a video call for all applicants rather than offering when ready verification. This means the process takes longer, but it can actually be helpful if your documents are unclear or if you are in an unusual situation — the staff member can see the full picture rather than relying on an automated check.
What happens after you submit your process
Once you have uploaded your documents and passed verification, the bank will carry out background checks. These include checking your identity against official records, checking for fraud, and checking your credit history. This stage usually takes a few hours to a few days. Some banks will tell you the result when ready; others send you an email or text message when the checks are complete.
If the bank approves you, your account will be set up and you can usually start using it straight away. You will receive your account number and sort code when ready, so you can set up direct debits or ask your employer to pay your salary into the account. Your debit card will arrive by post within 5 to 10 working days.
If the bank needs more information, it will contact you by email or phone. This might happen if your documents are unclear, if there is a mismatch in your details, or if the bank's checks flag something that needs explanation. Respond as quickly as you can — delays at this stage usually mean delays in opening your account.
Restrictions and situations where online opening may not work
Some banks will not open accounts online for people without a UK address. If you have just moved to the UK or do not have a permanent address yet, you may need to visit a branch in person or use a bank that accepts international applicants. Wise and Revolut are more flexible about address requirements than traditional banks.
If your documents are damaged, expired, or do not clearly show your details, the bank may reject your online process and ask you to come into a branch instead. Similarly, if you do not have a recent proof of address document, some banks will not let you complete the online process — though you can usually provide an alternative (such as a letter from your landlord) if you contact the bank directly.
Some banks also have restrictions based on age. Most require you to be at least 18 to open an account online, though a few offer accounts for younger people with parental consent. Check the bank's website for its specific age requirements.
What to do if you cannot open an account online
If a bank will not let you open an account online, you have several options. The simplest is to visit a branch of that bank in person — staff can help you complete the process on the spot and verify your documents face to face. This usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and you can often use the account the same day.
You can also try a different bank. If one bank's online system rejects you, another may accept you. Building societies and smaller banks sometimes have more flexible requirements than the major high street banks. Your local credit union may also offer accounts with lower document requirements, especially if you are new to the UK or do not have a traditional address.
If you are struggling to get any bank to open an account for you, contact your local Citizens information or a community banking organisation. They can help you understand what documents you need and may be able to point you toward banks or credit unions that work with people in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a bank account online?
The process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Verification can happen when ready or within a few hours if you need a video call. Background checks usually take a few hours to a few days. Some banks will let you use your account the same day; others take up to a week before everything is fully set up.
Do I need a UK address to open an account online?
Most traditional banks require a UK address. However, online-only banks like Wise and Revolut are more flexible and may accept international addresses. If you have just arrived in the UK, you can use a temporary address (such as your accommodation or a friend's address) on your process, though you will need to update it once you have a permanent one.
What if my passport or driving licence is expired?
Most banks will not accept an expired document for online opening. You will need to renew your passport or licence first, or visit a branch in person where staff may be able to use other documents to verify who you are. Contact the bank directly to ask what alternatives they accept.
Can I open a bank account online if I am not a UK citizen?
Yes, but it depends on the bank. Most require you to have a UK address and a valid passport or national identity card. Some banks are stricter about which nationalities they accept. Online-only banks tend to be more flexible. Check the specific bank's requirements before you start your process.
What if the bank rejects my process?
The bank will tell you why — usually because documents were unclear, details did not match, or a background check flagged something. You can contact the bank to ask what went wrong and whether you can reapply with different documents or information. If one bank rejects you, try another bank or visit a branch in person.