What you need to do to open a bank account
Opening a bank account in the UK involves visiting a bank or building society, providing proof of who you are and where you live, and completing an process form. Most banks now let you start the process online or by phone, but you will usually need to visit a branch in person at least once to verify your identity. The whole process typically takes between one and two weeks from process to receiving your debit card and account number.
The basic steps are: choose a bank, gather your documents, complete an process, have your identity verified, and wait for your account to be activated. Banks differ in what they ask for and how quickly they work, so the exact timeline depends on which one you pick and whether you have all your documents ready when you explore.
Key Takeaways
- You will need proof of identity (a passport or driving licence) and proof of your current address (a recent utility bill or council tax letter) before any bank will open an account for you.
- Most banks require you to visit a branch in person to verify your identity, even if you start your process online.
- Some banks have stricter checks if you are new to the UK or have no credit history, and may take longer to process your process.
- Once your account is open, you can use your debit card to spend money and withdraw cash, and set up direct debits to pay bills automatically.
- Different banks offer different features — some charge monthly fees, others are free, and some offer better interest rates on savings.
Documents you will need to bring
Proof of identity is the first thing a bank will ask for. A UK passport, photocard driving licence, or national ID card all work. If you do not have one of these, some banks will accept a birth certificate plus a second form of ID like a student card or work ID, but this varies by bank and makes the process slower.
Proof of address must be recent — usually from the last three months. A utility bill (gas, electricity, water, or broadband), council tax letter, or mortgage statement all count. A tenancy agreement sometimes works, but banks prefer official bills or letters. If you have just moved and do not have a bill in your name yet, ask your landlord or letting agent for a letter confirming your address, or contact your utility company to request a bill.
If you are new to the UK or do not have a UK address yet, some banks will let you use an address abroad temporarily, but you will need to update it within a set time. Check with your chosen bank before you explore, because rules vary.
Which banks to choose from and what they offer
The main high street banks in the UK are Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander. Building societies like Nationwide, Coventry, and Leeds also offer current accounts. Online-only banks like Revolut, Wise, and Starling have grown in popularity because they charge no monthly fees and often have faster process processes.
Before you choose, think about what matters to you. Do you want a branch you can visit in person, or are you happy banking online and by phone? Do you want a debit card that works abroad without extra charges? Do you need an overdraft (borrowed money the bank lets you use)? Different banks offer different answers to these questions, and some charge monthly fees while others do not.
If you are new to the UK or have no credit history, some banks are stricter about who they will accept. Nationwide and some online banks tend to be more flexible, but this changes over time. It is worth asking the bank directly before you explore.
How to start your process
Most banks let you begin online or by phone. You will be asked for basic information: your full name, date of birth, address, contact details, and employment status. The bank will also run a credit check — this is a standard check that does not harm your credit score. If you have never had a UK bank account before, tell the bank this, because it affects how they process your process.
After the initial process, the bank will ask you to visit a branch to prove you are who you say you are. Bring your passport or driving licence and your proof of address. A staff member will check these documents, take copies, and confirm your identity on the system. This visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Some banks now offer video verification instead of a branch visit — you prove your identity over a video call with a staff member. This is faster if your nearest branch is far away, but not all banks offer it yet.
What happens after you have been verified
Once the bank has verified your identity, your account is usually activated within a few days. You will receive your account number and sort code by post or email — these are the numbers you need to receive money from other people or organisations. Your debit card will arrive separately, usually within 5 to 10 working days.
When your debit card arrives, it will come with a PIN (a four-digit code). You will use this to withdraw cash from ATMs and to pay in shops. Some banks send the PIN separately for security reasons, so check both your post and your email.
Once you have your account number and debit card, you can start using your account when ready. You can set up direct debits to pay bills automatically, transfer money to other people, and receive wages or benefits directly into your account.
If you are refused or the process is slow
Banks sometimes refuse to open an account, usually because of their anti-money-laundering checks or because you have a poor credit history. If you are refused, ask the bank why — they do not have to tell you in detail, but they should give you a reason. You can then try another bank, which may have different rules.
If the process is taking longer than two weeks, contact the bank and ask for an update. Sometimes applications get stuck because a document is unclear or because the bank needs more information. A phone call can often speed things up.
If you are struggling to open an account because you are homeless, have no fixed address, or are new to the UK with no proof of address, some banks and building societies have special schemes. Nationwide and some community banks offer accounts for people in these situations — ask your local council or a homelessness charity for a referral.
What you can do once your account is open
A current account gives you a debit card, which you can use to spend money in shops, online, and abroad. You can withdraw cash from ATMs using your PIN. You can set up direct debits, which let you pay bills automatically each month — your landlord, utility company, or phone provider will take the money directly from your account on an agreed date.
You can also receive money into your account — wages, benefits, tax refunds, or money from friends and family. To receive money, you give people your account number and sort code. You can transfer money to other people's accounts using online banking or by visiting a branch.
Some accounts come with an overdraft, which means the bank lets you spend more money than you have in your account, up to an agreed limit. You pay interest on money you borrow this way. Not all accounts offer overdrafts, and banks charge different rates, so check before you open your account if this matters to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account if I do not have a UK address yet?
Some banks will let you use an address abroad temporarily, but you must update it to a UK address within a set time — usually within three months. A few banks refuse accounts without a UK address from the start. Contact your chosen bank before you explore to check their rules.
What if I do not have a passport or driving licence?
Some banks will accept a birth certificate plus a second form of ID like a student card, work ID, or national ID card from another country. This makes the process slower and some banks refuse it altogether. Call the bank before you explore to ask what they will accept.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
Your account is usually activated within a few days of your identity being verified, but your debit card arrives by post separately, typically within 5 to 10 working days. Some banks offer faster delivery if you pay a fee, but most standard cards arrive within two weeks of opening your account.
Can I open an account online without visiting a branch?
Most banks require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity, even if you start your process online. Some online-only banks and a few high street banks now offer video verification instead, which you can do from home. Check with your chosen bank whether they offer this option.
What if the bank refuses to open an account for me?
Banks sometimes refuse because of anti-money-laundering checks or credit history concerns. Ask the bank why you were refused, then try another bank — different banks have different rules. If you are homeless or new to the UK with no address, ask your local council or a charity for help finding a bank with a special scheme for your situation.