What you need before you start
To open a bank account in the UK, you will need proof of identity, proof of address, and a National Insurance number. Most banks ask for a passport or driving licence for identity, and a recent utility bill or council tax letter for address. If you do not have a National Insurance number yet, you can still open an account at some banks, but you will need to provide it within a set time after opening — usually a few weeks.
The specific documents vary slightly between banks. Some accept a birth certificate as identity if you also bring a second form of ID like a provisional driving licence. Others may ask for a letter from your employer or a benefits statement instead of a utility bill. Before you visit a branch or explore online, check the bank's website to see their exact list — this saves a wasted trip.
If you are new to the UK and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a letter from your landlord or a recent council tax bill works at most banks. Some will also accept a tenancy agreement dated within the last three months. If you have none of these, ask the bank what they can accept — they sometimes have alternative routes for people in transition.
Key Takeaways
- You will need proof of identity (passport or driving licence), proof of address (utility bill or council tax letter), and your National Insurance number, though some banks can issue accounts before the number arrives.
- High street banks like Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest all offer basic current accounts with no monthly fee, and you can open most of them online or in a branch.
- If you have no credit history or a poor one, a basic bank account or a second-chance bank may be easier to open than a standard current account.
- The whole process takes between one and five working days if you explore online, or you can walk out with an account the same day if you visit a branch in person.
- Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card and online banking access within a few days, and you can start using the account when ready.
High street banks versus online-only banks
The largest UK banks — Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander — all have branches on most high streets and offer current accounts with no monthly fee. Opening in a branch means you can hand over your documents in person, ask questions face-to-face, and sometimes leave with a temporary card the same day. This route suits people who want to speak to someone or who are not confident using online forms.
Online-only banks like Revolut, Wise, and Starling have no branches but let you open an account entirely on your phone or computer in minutes. You upload photos of your documents, and the bank checks them automatically. These accounts are faster to open and often come with features like spending notifications and international transfers, but you cannot visit a branch if you need help later. Most people use them alongside a high street account rather than instead of one.
If you are opening your first UK bank account, a high street bank is usually the safer choice because the process is familiar and you have a branch to visit if something goes wrong. Once you understand how UK banking works, you can add an online account if you want.
Basic bank accounts and second-chance banks
A basic bank account is a simpler version of a current account. It comes with a debit card and online banking, but no overdraft and no cheque book. Most high street banks offer them, and they are designed for people who want a straightforward account without borrowing features. You can open one with the same documents as a current account.
If you have been refused a current account, or if you have a poor credit history, a basic bank account is often easier to open. Banks like Metro Bank, Nationwide, and some branches of Barclays specifically market these to people rebuilding their financial history. The process process is the same, but the bank is less concerned about your past credit record.
A second-chance bank is a newer type of account offered by banks and fintech companies specifically for people with no credit history or a difficult one. Dozens of these exist — Dozens, Chip, and Plum are examples — and they work like a basic account but with extra support like spending tracking and savings tools. They do not offer overdrafts, so you cannot borrow money, but that also means you cannot fall into debt through the account.
Opening an account online
To open a current account online, visit the bank's website and look for "open an account" or "explore now". You will be asked to enter your personal details — name, date of birth, address, National Insurance number — and then upload photos of your documents. Take clear, well-lit photos of both sides of your ID and the full page of your address proof. Blurry or cut-off photos often cause delays.
The bank's system checks your documents automatically and usually tells you within minutes whether they have been accepted. If they have, you will be asked to set up online banking — a username, password, and security questions. Some banks ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or past addresses; this is normal and takes a few minutes.
Once you have completed the online form, the bank usually takes one to five working days to process your process. You will receive an email or letter confirming your account number and sort code, and your debit card arrives by post within a week. You can start using online banking and set up standing orders or direct debits as soon as your account is confirmed, even before the card arrives.
Opening an account in a branch
To open an account in a branch, take your documents and visit any branch of the bank you have chosen. Tell the staff member you want to open a current account or basic bank account, and they will take you through the process on their computer. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will set up your online banking details there, and some banks give you a temporary card to use when ready while your permanent card is posted to you.
Opening in a branch is useful if you have questions about which account type suits you, or if you are not sure your documents will be accepted. The staff member can tell you on the spot whether anything is missing or unclear, and you can fix it right away. If you are new to banking or nervous about the process, this is the least stressful route.
You do not need an appointment at most high street banks, but it is worth calling ahead to check opening hours and whether the branch is particularly busy. Some branches are quieter on weekday mornings.
What happens after your account opens
Once your account is confirmed, you will receive a welcome pack by post containing your account number, sort code, and information about online banking. Your debit card arrives separately, usually within five to ten working days. You can start using your account for online transfers and direct debits as soon as it is open, even if your card has not arrived yet.
To use your account, you will need to log into online banking using the username and password you set up. Most banks also have a mobile app you can read — search for the bank's name in the App Store or Google Play. The app lets you check your balance, send money, and set up payments from your phone.
If you need to move money into your account from abroad, ask the bank for their international transfer details. If you are receiving wages, ask your employer for the bank's sort code and your account number — these are the two pieces of information they need to pay you.
If your process is refused
Banks sometimes refuse to open an account if your identity documents do not match their records, or if you have a history of fraud or money laundering concerns. If this happens, the bank will tell you why in writing. You can ask them to reconsider, but they are not required to change their decision.
If one bank refuses you, try another. Different banks have different policies, and a bank that refuses you may accept you a few months later. In the meantime, a basic bank account or second-chance bank is often easier to open. Once you have had an account open and in good standing for six months or a year, you can usually open a current account elsewhere.
If you believe the bank has made a mistake or treated you unfairly, you can complain to the bank's complaints team first. If you are not satisfied with their response, you can refer the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, which is free and independent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a National Insurance number?
Yes. Most banks will open an account without a National Insurance number if you provide it within a few weeks of opening. Some banks ask for it when ready; others give you up to three months. Check with your chosen bank before you explore. If you do not have a number yet, contact HMRC to request one — the process takes a few weeks.
How long does it take to open an account?
In a branch, you can usually walk out with an account open the same day. Online, it takes one to five working days from process to confirmation. Your debit card arrives by post within a week of that. You can use the account for transfers and payments as soon as it is confirmed, before the card arrives.
Do I need a job to open a bank account?
No. Banks do not require you to be employed. You can open an account as a student, a retiree, or someone not currently working. You will still need proof of identity and address, but employment is not checked.
What if I do not have a utility bill for proof of address?
A council tax letter, tenancy agreement, or letter from your landlord usually works instead. Some banks also accept a recent mortgage statement or a letter from your employer showing your address. Call the bank before you visit to confirm what they will accept.
Can I open more than one account at the same bank?
Yes. Many people open a current account for everyday spending and a savings account for money they want to keep separate. You can open both at the same time or add a savings account later. Some banks also offer specialist accounts like student accounts or accounts for young people with different features.