You can open a UK bank account from the US, but the process depends on whether you're a British citizen, a US resident planning to move, or someone with existing ties to the UK
Most UK banks will not open an account for a non-resident US citizen without a UK address or a British passport. The few that do require you to visit a branch in person or have an existing relationship with the bank. If you're a British citizen living in the US, you have more options — some banks will work with you remotely. If you're a US citizen moving to the UK, you'll need to wait until you arrive and have a UK address, though you can start the process before you leave.
The core barrier is Know Your Customer (KYC) rules. UK banks must verify your identity and address in person or through trusted documentation. A US address doesn't satisfy this. You'll need either a UK address, a British passport, or proof of an upcoming move — and even then, not all banks will take the risk.
Key Takeaways
- British citizens in the US can open accounts remotely with banks like Barclays, HSBC, and Nationwide by providing a UK address (even a future one) and a British passport.
- US citizens without British citizenship cannot open a UK account from abroad; you must have a UK address and visit in person or use a bank that accepts remote opening for relocating residents.
- You will need proof of identity (passport), proof of address (utility bill, council tax letter, or tenancy agreement), and sometimes proof of employment or income.
- The process takes two to four weeks from submission to account set up, longer if the bank requests additional documentation.
- Alternative routes include opening a US-based account with a UK bank's US subsidiary (like HSBC USA), or waiting until you arrive in the UK and opening in person.
British Citizens: Remote Opening From the US
If you hold a British passport, several UK banks will open an account for you remotely while you're in the US. Barclays, HSBC, Nationwide, and Metro Bank all offer this route. You'll need to provide your British passport, a UK address (which can be a future address if you're relocating), and sometimes a UK phone number. Some banks will accept a US phone number if you explain you're abroad temporarily.
The process usually starts online. You'll upload scans of your passport and proof of your UK address. If you don't have a UK address yet, you can use a family member's address, a future rental address (with a tenancy agreement), or even a care-of address. The bank will then contact you to verify information by phone or video call. This step is mandatory — they need to hear your voice and confirm you're the person in the passport.
Once verified, the bank sends you a debit card and login details to a UK address. You can fund the account from the US using an international transfer, though you'll pay a fee (typically £10 to £30 depending on the amount). The whole process takes two to four weeks.
US Citizens Without British Citizenship: What's Actually Possible
If you're a US citizen without a British passport, you cannot open a UK bank account while living in the US. No major bank will do it. The reason is regulatory: they cannot verify your identity and address remotely without a UK address, and they cannot accept a US address as proof of residence for KYC purposes.
Your realistic options are: wait until you arrive in the UK and have a UK address, then open in person; open a US-based account with a UK bank's American subsidiary (like HSBC USA or Barclays US); or use a fintech service like Wise or Revolut, which offer UK account numbers and sort codes to non-residents, though these are not full bank accounts and have transaction limits.
If you're relocating to the UK, some banks will fast-track your process if you provide a tenancy agreement showing your future UK address and a confirmed moving date. Contact the bank directly — this is not a standard online process, and you'll need to speak to someone in the international relocation team.
Documents You'll Need to Gather
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | British or Irish passport, UK driving licence | Passport is required if you're explore from abroad. Must be valid. |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, council tax letter, tenancy agreement, mortgage statement | Must be dated within the last three months and show your name and UK address. A future address requires a tenancy agreement. |
| Proof of Income (sometimes) | Recent payslip, employment letter, tax return | Required by some banks if you're opening a current account. Not always needed for basic savings accounts. |
| Proof of Employment (sometimes) | Employment contract or letter from employer | Some banks ask for this to verify stability. Less common for remote applications. |
Get these documents ready before you start the process. If you're using a future UK address, the tenancy agreement is your proof of address — it must be signed by both you and the landlord and show a move-in date within the next few months.
If you're in the US and don't have a UK utility bill or council tax letter yet, ask your UK landlord or letting agent for a tenancy agreement or a letter confirming your tenancy. Some banks will accept this in place of a utility bill during the process process.
The process Timeline and What Happens Next
Once you submit your documents online, the bank's verification team reviews them. This takes three to five business days. If everything matches their KYC rules, they'll contact you by phone or email to confirm details and ask security questions. This call is not optional — it's part of the identity verification process.
After the call, the bank processes your process. This takes another five to ten business days. You'll receive an email confirming your account is open, along with login details for online banking. Your debit card arrives separately by post to your UK address, usually within five to seven business days after account opening.
Until your card arrives, you can transfer money into the account using the sort code and account number the bank provides. You cannot withdraw cash or make in-person payments until the card is in your hand. If you need access to money when ready after opening, arrange a transfer before you leave the US or ask the bank if they offer a temporary digital card.
Funding Your Account From the US
Once your account is open, you'll need to move money from your US bank to your new UK account. The standard method is an international wire transfer (also called a SWIFT transfer). Your US bank will charge a fee (typically $15 to $50) and the receiving UK bank may charge a small fee as well (usually £0 to £10). The transfer takes three to five business days.
An alternative is Wise (formerly TransferWise), which offers better exchange rates and lower fees than traditional banks. You send money from your US account to Wise, and they deposit it into your UK account. The fee is usually 1% to 2% of the amount, and the transfer takes one to two business days. This is often cheaper than a wire transfer if you're moving a large sum.
Do not use PayPal or other peer-to-peer services for large amounts — they have daily limits and are designed for small transfers. For your first deposit, use a wire transfer or Wise.
Alternatives If You Can't Open a Full Bank Account
Wise and Revolut are fintech services that give you a UK account number and sort code without requiring a UK address. You can open these from the US with a US passport and US address. They're not banks — they're payment platforms — so they don't offer overdrafts, loans, or the same protections as a bank account. But they work for receiving salary, paying bills, and transferring money internationally.
Wise is stronger for international transfers and currency exchange. Revolut is stronger for spending abroad and multiple currencies. Both charge fees for certain services (like cash withdrawal or currency conversion), so read their fee schedule before opening.
If you're moving to the UK and need a full bank account with overdraft and other services, these are a stopgap. Open one while you're in the US, use it to receive your first UK salary, then open a proper bank account once you arrive and have a UK address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a UK bank account with a US address?
No. UK banks cannot verify a US address as proof of UK residence, which is required by their KYC rules. You need either a UK address or a British passport plus a UK address (current or future). If you have a British passport and a UK address lined up, you can open remotely. Otherwise, you must wait until you arrive in the UK.
What if I have a British passport but no UK address yet?
You can use a future UK address if you have a signed tenancy agreement showing your move-in date. Some banks will also accept a family member's UK address temporarily. Contact the bank's international team before explore to confirm what they'll accept.
How long does it take to open an account?
Two to four weeks from the time you submit your documents. This includes verification (three to five days), processing (five to ten days), and card delivery (five to seven days). If the bank requests additional documents, add another week.
Can I use my US phone number during the process?
Most banks prefer a UK phone number for the verification call, but some will accept a US number if you explain you're abroad. Call the bank's international team before explore to confirm. You'll need to be available during UK business hours for the verification call.
What's the difference between opening an account in the UK versus using Wise or Revolut?
A UK bank account gives you overdraft, loans, and full regulatory protection. Wise and Revolut are payment platforms — they're good for transfers and spending, but they don't offer credit or the same protections. Use them as a bridge if you can't open a bank account yet, then switch to a bank once you arrive in the UK.