What you need before you start
To open a bank account in the UK, you need proof of who you are, proof of where you live, and a way to prove your identity in person or online. Most banks will ask for a passport or driving licence, a recent utility bill or council tax letter, and sometimes a reference from someone who knows you. The exact documents vary by bank and by whether you already live in the UK or are moving here.
If you are a UK citizen or have settled status, the process is straightforward. If you are moving to the UK or do not yet have a UK address, you have options — some banks will open accounts for people who are not yet resident, though they may ask more questions. The key is to contact the bank before you arrive or before you explore, because different banks have different rules for different situations.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a valid passport or UK driving licence, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill), and usually proof of your National Insurance number or tax reference.
- Most high street banks (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest) and online banks (Revolut, Wise, Starling) all offer accounts to UK residents, but the documents they ask for and the time they take differ.
- If you do not yet have a UK address, some banks will open an account before you arrive, but you may need to visit a branch in person within a set time to complete the process.
- The entire process usually takes between one and five working days if you explore online or in branch, though some banks may take longer if they need to verify your information.
- Once your account is open, you can set up direct debits, receive your salary, and use your debit card — but some features like overdrafts may take a few more days to set up.
Documents you will need to bring or upload
Start by gathering your proof of identity. A UK passport is the easiest option because it proves both who you are and that you have the right to live in the UK. A UK driving licence works too. If you do not have either, you can use a national ID card from another country, but the bank may ask for additional documents to confirm your right to work and live in the UK.
Next, you need proof of your address. A recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water, or broadband) in your name is the standard choice. It needs to be dated within the last three months. A council tax letter, a mortgage statement, or a tenancy agreement also work. If you have just moved and do not yet have a bill in your name, ask your landlord or letting agent for a tenancy agreement or a letter confirming your address.
Some banks will also ask for your National Insurance number (a nine-character code you receive from HMRC) or your Self Assessment tax reference if you are self-employed. If you do not have a National Insurance number yet, tell the bank — they may still open your account, but the process may take longer while they verify your details with the government.
Opening an account at a high street bank branch
If you prefer to open your account face-to-face, visit a branch of any major UK bank. The big four are HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest, but there are others including Santander, TSB, and Co-operative Bank. Bring your passport or driving licence and your proof of address. The staff will check your documents, ask you questions about what you want the account for, and usually open it on the spot.
The branch staff will also ask you about your banking habits — roughly how much you expect to pay in each month, whether you want an overdraft, and what you plan to use the account for. Answer honestly. They are checking that you are not trying to open an account for money laundering or fraud, which is a legal requirement they have to follow. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.
Once the account is open, you will usually receive your debit card within five to seven working days. Your online banking login details come separately, usually by post or email. Some branches can give you a temporary card on the day if you ask, though not all do.
Opening an account online
Most banks now let you open an account entirely online. You will upload photos of your passport or driving licence and your proof of address using your phone or computer. The bank's system will check the documents automatically, and if everything matches, your account opens within hours or a day.
Online banks like Revolut, Wise, Starling, and Monzo are often fastest — some open accounts in minutes. Traditional banks like HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds also offer online opening, though they may take a day or two because they do extra checks. When you open online, you will usually need to verify your identity using your phone — the bank sends you a code by text or email, or asks you to take a selfie to prove it is really you.
One thing to know: some online banks are digital-only, meaning they have no physical branches. This is fine for most everyday banking — paying bills, receiving your salary, spending with your debit card — but if you ever need to deposit cash or speak to someone in person, you cannot. Check whether the bank has branches or a way to deposit cash before you choose.
If you are moving to the UK and do not yet have an address
If you are relocating to the UK but have not yet arrived or do not yet have a permanent address, some banks will still open an account for you. Wise and Revolut are known for this — they will open an account using your passport and your overseas address, then ask you to update your UK address once you arrive. Some traditional banks will do the same, but you may need to visit a branch within 30 days to complete the process in person.
Before you explore, contact the bank and explain your situation. Ask them specifically whether they will open an account for someone who is not yet resident, and what documents they need. This saves you from explore and being rejected. If the bank says no, try another one — different banks have different policies.
Once you arrive in the UK and have a UK address, update it with the bank as soon as you can. Some banks will freeze your account or restrict what you can do if your address is out of date for too long.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is now active, but not all features are available when ready. Your debit card arrives by post within five to seven working days. Your online banking and mobile app are usually ready to use the same day. Direct debits (automatic payments to bills) can usually be set up straight away.
Overdrafts — the ability to spend more than you have in your account — are not automatic. The bank will decide whether to offer you one based on your credit history and the information you gave them. If they offer one, it usually takes a few days to set up. Do not assume you have an overdraft until the bank confirms it in writing or in your app.
Your first payment into the account (such as your salary) can arrive the same day if it comes from another UK bank account, or within one to two working days if it comes from abroad. Once money is in your account, you can use your debit card to spend it, withdraw cash at ATMs, or transfer it to other people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a UK address to open a bank account?
Most banks require a UK address, but some will open an account using an overseas address if you are relocating. You will usually need to update your address and visit a branch within 30 days. Contact the bank before you explore to check their specific rules.
Can I open an account if I do not have a National Insurance number yet?
Yes. The bank may take longer to verify your details with HMRC, but they can still open your account. Tell them you do not have a National Insurance number when you explore. If you are a UK citizen, you can request one from HMRC while your account is being processed.
What is the difference between a current account and a savings account?
A current account is for everyday spending — it comes with a debit card, online banking, and direct debits. A savings account is for money you want to keep and earn interest on. Most people open a current account first. You can open a savings account with the same bank later.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
If you open your account in a branch, you may receive a temporary card the same day. Your permanent card arrives by post within five to seven working days. Online accounts usually send the card within the same timeframe, though some digital banks offer a virtual card you can use when ready in your app.
What if the bank rejects my process?
Banks sometimes reject applications if documents do not match, if there are concerns about fraud, or if you do not meet their lending criteria. Ask the bank why they rejected you — they should explain. You can then explore to a different bank, or contact the bank again with corrected documents if the issue was a mistake.