What you need before you start
You need proof of identity, proof of address, and a way to prove your income or employment status. Banks in England will not open an account without at least the first two. The specific documents vary slightly between banks, but the pattern is the same across all of them.
For identity, a UK passport works everywhere. A UK photocard driving licence works at most banks. If you have neither, some banks accept a national ID card from another EU country, though this is becoming less common. A few banks will accept a birth certificate plus a second form of ID like a provisional driving licence, but you will need to ask first.
For address, a recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water) is standard. Council tax bills work. So do mortgage statements or tenancy agreements dated within the last three months. If you have just moved and do not have a bill in your name yet, some banks will accept a letter from your landlord or a council tax band letter. A few will accept a bank statement from another country if you are moving to England from abroad.
For income, most banks ask for a recent payslip or a letter from your employer. If you are self-employed, they usually want to see your last tax return or accountant's reference. If you are not working, some banks will still open an account — they just want to know your situation. A few banks have specific accounts for people without regular income.
Key Takeaways
- You need a passport or photocard driving licence, proof of your address from a utility bill or council tax document, and proof of income or employment status.
- Most banks let you start the process online and finish it in a branch, or do the whole thing online with a video call to verify your identity.
- The account opens within one to five working days once the bank has all your documents and has verified them.
- If you do not have a UK passport or driving licence, ask the bank first — some will accept other forms of ID, but not all.
- High street banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest) have branches everywhere; online-only banks (Revolut, Wise, Starling) are faster but have no physical locations.
The difference between high street banks and online-only banks
High street banks have physical branches you can walk into. Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander all have branches across England. If you want to hand over documents in person, speak to someone face-to-face, or deposit cash, a high street bank is the obvious choice. The trade-off is that opening an account takes longer — usually five to ten working days — because the branch has to process your paperwork manually.
Online-only banks like Starling, Wise, Revolut, and Monzo have no branches. You do everything through an app or website. They verify your identity using a video call or by checking your documents against government records. The whole process usually takes one to three working days. The downside is that you cannot deposit cash in a branch, and if something goes wrong, you deal with customer service by chat or email, not in person.
A middle ground exists: some banks let you start online and finish in a branch. You upload your documents through the app, and the bank books you an appointment at a local branch to verify your identity in person. This takes three to seven working days and suits people who want the speed of online banking but the reassurance of a face-to-face meeting.
How to open an account online
Go to the bank's website or read their app. You will see a button for "Open an Account" or "get your free guide". Click it. The bank will ask for your personal details: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. It will ask whether you are a UK resident and whether you have a National Insurance number. Answer honestly — the bank will check these details against government records later.
Next, you upload photos of your documents. For identity, take a clear photo of both sides of your passport or driving licence. For address, photograph the utility bill or council tax letter. The app will tell you if the photo is too blurry or cut off. If it is, take another one. Some banks let you use your phone's camera; others have a built-in document scanner in the app that works better.
Then comes identity verification. Some banks do this automatically by checking your documents against the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) database or the Passport Office records. Others book you a video call with a staff member who will ask you to hold up your passport, turn it over, and answer a few questions about your address and employment. The video call usually happens within 24 hours and takes five to ten minutes.
Once the bank has verified everything, it sends you a confirmation email. Your account is open. You can log in, set up a PIN, and order a debit card. The card arrives by post within five to ten working days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and sort code to receive payments, but you cannot spend money.
How to open an account in a branch
Walk into a branch with your documents. Ask to open a current account. The staff member will take your details, photocopy your identity and address documents, and ask you questions about your employment and income. They will ask why you want to open an account — this is a standard anti-money-laundering check, not a judgment. Answer straightforwardly.
The staff member will fill in a form (on paper or on a computer screen) and ask you to sign it. They will give you a temporary card or a card number you can use when ready. The account opens that day. Your debit card arrives by post within five to ten working days.
This route is slower overall — you have to travel to a branch and wait your turn — but faster on the back end. You walk out with an account you can use the same day, whereas online banking makes you wait for the card to arrive before you can spend money.
What happens after you open the account
Your bank sends you a welcome pack by post. It contains your account number, sort code, and information about online banking. Set up your online login and mobile app as soon as you receive it. Most banks make you choose a password and set up two-factor authentication — usually a code sent to your phone when you log in from a new device.
Your debit card arrives separately, usually within five to ten working days. When it arrives, you set up it through the app or by calling the bank's number on the back of the card. You can then use it to withdraw cash from ATMs, pay in shops, and pay online.
If you want to pay in cash, you can do this at a branch (if your bank has one) or at a Post Office (most Post Offices let you pay cash into your account even if your bank has no branch nearby). You cannot pay cash in at an ATM.
Documents you might need for specific situations
If you are moving to England from abroad, bring your passport and a recent bank statement from your home country showing your address. Some banks will also ask for a letter from your previous bank confirming you held an account there. If you do not have a UK address yet, a few banks will accept a letter from your employer or accommodation provider confirming where you will be living.
If you are self-employed, bring your last tax return (filed with HMRC) or a letter from your accountant. If you have been self-employed for less than a year, some banks will ask for bank statements from your business account instead. A few banks have specific accounts for freelancers and contractors that require less documentation.
If you are unemployed or retired, you can still open an account. The bank will ask what your source of income is — state pension, savings, benefits, or family support. Be honest. Some banks have accounts specifically for people without employment income. You will not be turned away for being unemployed, but you may be offered a basic account with lower limits on spending and transfers.
Why banks ask for proof of income
Banks are required by law to know who their customers are and where their money comes from. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. It is not about judging you; it is about preventing money laundering and fraud. The bank needs to understand your financial situation so it can spot if something unusual happens later — for example, if you suddenly receive a large payment that does not match your normal income.
If you cannot provide proof of income, tell the bank. Some will open a basic account anyway. Others will ask you to come back once you have employment or can show another source of income. A few will ask you to bring a reference from someone who knows you — a previous employer, a community organisation, or a local councillor. This is rare, but it happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a bank account in England?
Online-only banks usually take one to three working days from the moment you upload your documents. High street banks take five to ten working days. If you open an account in a branch in person, it opens the same day, but your debit card still takes five to ten working days to arrive by post.
Can I open a bank account if I do not have a UK address yet?
Most banks need a UK address before they will open an account. If you are moving to England and do not have an address yet, some banks will accept a letter from your employer or accommodation provider confirming where you will be living. A few will accept a temporary address like a hotel or hostel. Call the bank first and ask — do not assume you will be turned away.
What if my passport or driving licence is expired?
An expired passport or driving licence is usually not accepted. The bank needs current proof of identity. If your passport or licence has expired, renew it before you open the account. If you are in the process of renewing it, some banks will accept a provisional driving licence or a national ID card from another country in the meantime.
Do I need a National Insurance number to open a bank account?
You do not need a National Insurance number to open an account, but the bank will ask if you have one. If you are a UK resident and have worked in the UK, you should have one. If you are new to the UK, you can open an account without one, but you will need to get one eventually for employment or tax purposes.
Can I open a bank account online if I am not a UK resident?
Most banks require you to be a UK resident. If you are moving to England, you can open an account once you have a UK address. If you are visiting or working temporarily, some banks have accounts for non-residents, but they are less common and may have higher fees or lower spending limits. Ask the bank directly about their policy for your situation.