What you need before you walk into a bank
British banks require proof of identity, proof of address, and proof that you exist in their records. The identity part is straightforward—a valid passport or UK driving licence. The address part is trickier: you need a document dated within the last three months showing your name and current address. A utility bill, council tax letter, or tenancy agreement works. If you've just moved and don't have a recent bill yet, some banks will accept a letter from your employer or a mortgage statement.
The third requirement—proof you're on the system—varies by bank. Most will run a credit check, which doesn't hurt your credit score. Some will ask for your National Insurance number. A few will want to see payslips or a letter from your employer confirming you work there. If you're unemployed, retired, or self-employed, tell the bank upfront; they have different routes that don't require employment proof.
If you're not a UK citizen, you'll need a valid visa or residency document showing you have the right to be in the country. EU citizens who arrived before 31 December 2020 need proof of settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. Those who arrived after need a visa that permits work or study.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid passport or UK driving licence, a recent bill or council tax letter showing your address, and proof of your National Insurance number or employment status.
- Non-UK citizens must show a valid visa or residency document; EU citizens need proof of settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
- Most high street banks (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest) take walk-in appointments, but online-only banks (Revolut, Wise, Starling) complete the process entirely by video call.
- The process takes between one and five working days from the moment the bank verifies your documents, though some banks offer same-day accounts if you visit in person.
- If you have no credit history in the UK, some banks will still open an account but may restrict overdraft access or require a deposit may provide.
High street banks versus online-only banks
The big four—HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest—have branches on most high streets and let you open an account in person. You walk in with your documents, sit with an adviser, and they verify everything on the spot. Some branches offer same-day accounts; others take a few working days. The advantage is that you can ask questions face-to-face and walk out with a debit card in hand (or within days). The disadvantage is that you have to find a branch and fit their opening hours.
Online-only banks like Revolut, Wise, and Starling complete the entire process through an app and a video call. You read the app, upload photos of your documents, and have a brief video chat with someone who confirms your identity. This takes 10 to 30 minutes and you can do it from home at any time of day. The account is usually live within 24 hours. The trade-off is that you never speak to a human unless something goes wrong, and some of these banks have restrictions on who they'll open accounts for (for example, some won't open accounts for people over a certain age or without a UK address).
Building societies (like Nationwide or Yorkshire Building Society) sit between the two. They have branches, they're slower than online banks but faster than some high street banks, and they often have lower fees. If you're planning to save rather than just spend, a building society account can offer better interest rates.
The step-by-step process at a high street bank
Call the bank's local branch or check their website to book an appointment. Walk-ins are possible but you may wait an hour or more. Bring your passport or driving licence, your address proof (dated within three months), and your National Insurance number or a payslip. If you're self-employed, bring your last two years of accounts or a letter from your accountant.
The adviser will ask you why you want the account (spending, saving, both), whether you want an overdraft, and what sort of debit card you prefer. They'll run a credit check and verify your identity against the Experian or Equifax database. They'll ask for your employment details and may phone your employer to confirm you work there. This is normal and takes a few minutes.
Once verified, they'll set up the account on the system. You'll choose a PIN, sign paperwork, and receive a temporary card number or a physical card in the post within 5 to 10 working days. Your account is live when ready, but you can't use it until the card arrives or the bank sends you the details. Some branches hand you a card on the day; most post it.
The step-by-step process with an online bank
read the app (Revolut, Wise, Starling, or whichever bank you choose). Create an account with your email address and a password. The app will ask for your date of birth, address, and National Insurance number. Upload a photo of your passport or driving licence—take it in good light, make sure all four corners are visible, and the text is readable. Upload a photo of your address proof the same way.
The app will schedule a video call within a few hours or the next day. During the call, a person will ask you to hold up your passport, turn it over, and confirm your address. They'll ask where you work and why you want the account. The call lasts 5 to 15 minutes. Once it's done, the app will tell you the account is open.
Your debit card details appear in the app when ready and you can use them for online purchases or contactless payments right away. A physical card arrives in the post within 5 to 10 working days. Some online banks charge for expedited delivery; most don't.
What happens if you have no UK credit history
If you've just arrived in the UK or have never borrowed money here, you have no credit file. Banks can't check whether you've paid bills on time because there's nothing to check. Some banks will still open an account—they just won't offer an overdraft or will set it to zero. Others will ask for a deposit may provide: you put £500 or £1,000 in the account and the bank holds it as security against any overdraft you might use.
The fastest route is an online bank. They're more willing to open accounts for people with no history because they can't lend you money anyway (most online banks don't offer overdrafts). Once you've had a UK account for six months and used it regularly, you'll build a credit file and can move to a bank that offers overdrafts if you need one.
If a bank refuses to open an account, ask why. If it's because of your credit file, you can check what's on it for free using Clearscore, Experian, or Equifax. If there's an error, you can dispute it. If it's because you have no address, you may be able to use a care-of address (someone else's address where you receive mail) temporarily.
Documents you'll need: the full checklist
| Document type | What counts | Age limit |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | UK passport, UK driving licence, EU/EEA passport with visa | Must be valid (not expired) |
| Address | Utility bill, council tax letter, tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement | Dated within last 3 months |
| Employment | Payslip, employment contract, letter from employer, accountant's letter (self-employed) | Current or dated within last month |
| Residency (non-UK citizens) | Valid visa, settled status certificate, pre-settled status certificate | Must be valid |
If you don't have one of these, ask the bank what alternatives they'll accept. Many are flexible if you explain your situation. For example, if you've just moved and don't have a utility bill, a letter from your landlord or a council tax bill from your new address usually works. If you're unemployed, a letter from a benefits office or a job centre adviser can replace an employment letter.
How long it actually takes
At a high street bank, the appointment itself takes 20 to 45 minutes. Your account is live on the same day, but you can't use it until your card arrives, which takes 5 to 10 working days. Some branches offer same-day card collection if you ask; most don't.
At an online bank, the entire process takes 24 to 48 hours from the moment you upload your documents. You can use your card details when ready (for online and contactless payments) and the physical card arrives within 5 to 10 working days.
If the bank needs to verify something—for example, if your employer doesn't answer the phone—it can take longer. Some banks will contact you to ask for additional documents. This can add 3 to 5 working days. If you're opening an account as a non-resident (you don't live in the UK but want a UK account), some banks take 2 to 3 weeks because they have extra compliance checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a British bank account if I don't have a UK address yet?
Most banks require a UK address dated within the last three months. If you haven't moved in yet, you can use a care-of address (someone else's address where you'll receive mail) temporarily, or ask the bank if they'll accept a tenancy agreement or exchange of contracts showing your future address. Online banks are stricter about this; high street banks are more flexible.
What if my passport is expired but my driving licence is valid?
Use your driving licence. Banks accept either one as long as it's valid and shows your photo and signature. An expired passport won't work, even if you're in the process of renewing it.
Do I need a National Insurance number to open an account?
Most banks ask for it, but if you don't have one yet (for example, you've just arrived from abroad), tell the bank upfront. They can open an account without it, though they may ask for additional employment or address verification. You can explore for a National Insurance number through HMRC while your account is being processed.
Can I open an account if I've been refused by another bank?
Yes. Different banks have different criteria. If one bank refuses, try another. Online banks often have different rules than high street banks. If you've been refused multiple times, ask each bank why—it may be a credit file error you can fix, or it may be that you need to wait a few months and try again.
What's the difference between a current account and a savings account?
A current account is for spending: it comes with a debit card, direct debits, and standing orders. 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, or with a different bank entirely.