You cannot open a Post Office Savings Account online — you must explore in person at a Post Office branch
The Post Office does not offer online account opening for its savings products. Whether you want a Post Office Savings Account, a Premium Bonds account, or a Savings Certificate, you must visit a branch in person with the required documents. This is a hard requirement, not a processing choice — the Post Office has not built the digital infrastructure to verify identity and sign the account agreement remotely.
The in-person requirement exists because Post Office savings accounts are government-backed products, and the Post Office treats identity verification as something that cannot happen over the internet. You will need to bring photo ID, proof of address, and your National Insurance number. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you are at the counter.
If you want to open a savings account online, your options are banks and building societies that offer digital account opening — but those are separate products from Post Office savings accounts, with different interest rates and different terms.
Key Takeaways
- Post Office Savings Accounts require an in-person visit to a branch; there is no online process process.
- You will need a valid photo ID, proof of your current address, and your National Insurance number when you visit.
- The account opening takes 15 to 20 minutes at the counter, and you can deposit money the same day.
- If you want to open a savings account entirely online, you will need to use a bank or building society instead of the Post Office.
- Post Office branches are open on different days and hours depending on location, so check before you visit.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one form of photo ID — a passport, driving licence, or national ID card. The Post Office will not accept expired ID, so check the expiry date before you go. If your ID does not show your current address, you will also need a separate proof of address document.
Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement — something dated within the last three months that shows your name and current address. A mobile phone bill usually works. A letter from your employer or a government agency also counts if it shows your address and is recent enough.
You will need to provide your National Insurance number. If you do not have it memorised, bring a document that shows it — a payslip, a P60, or a letter from HMRC. The Post Office will ask for it during the process, and they will check it against their records.
How the in-person process works
Go to your nearest Post Office branch during opening hours. Tell the counter staff you want to open a savings account and say which product you are interested in — a standard Savings Account, Premium Bonds, or a Savings Certificate. They will give you an process form to fill out, or they may fill it out with you at the counter depending on the branch.
The form asks for your personal details, your address, your National Insurance number, and how you want to fund the account. You will also be asked about the purpose of the account and whether you have any other Post Office accounts. Once the form is complete, the staff member will verify your ID and address documents, check your National Insurance number, and you will sign the agreement.
You can deposit money into the account when ready if you want to. You can pay in cash, by debit card, or by cheque at the counter. Some branches allow you to set up a standing order to fund the account from your bank, though this usually takes a few days to process.
Finding a Post Office branch and checking hours
Use the Post Office branch finder on the Post Office website — go to postoffice.co.uk and search for branches near your postcode. The finder shows opening hours, which vary widely. Some branches are open Monday to Friday only, some open on Saturday mornings, and some are closed on Wednesday afternoons. A few branches are open on Sunday, but this is rare.
Many Post Offices are inside other businesses — supermarkets, newsagents, or convenience stores. These branches keep the hours of the host business, not standard Post Office hours. Check the finder before you travel, because a branch that is open on Tuesday might be closed on Thursday.
If you cannot reach a branch easily, you can ask whether your local branch offers a home visit service. Some Post Offices will come to your home to open an account if you are housebound or have mobility difficulties. Call the branch directly to ask whether this is available in your area.
What happens after you open the account
You will receive account details on the day you open the account — your account number and sort code. You can use these to set up standing orders from your bank or to receive payments from employers or other sources. The Post Office will also give you a passbook if you opened a standard Savings Account, which records all deposits and withdrawals.
You can manage the account online once it is open, even though you could not open it online. The Post Office offers online access through its website and through the Post Office app. You can check your balance, view transactions, and set up standing orders online. You cannot withdraw money online — withdrawals must happen at a Post Office counter or through a standing order to your bank account.
Interest is paid annually, usually in December or January depending on the product. The Post Office will tell you the exact date when you open the account. Interest is paid directly into your account, and you can see it in your passbook or online.
Why the Post Office does not offer online opening
The Post Office is a government-backed institution, and its savings products are backed by the National Savings and Investments scheme. This means the Post Office has stricter identity verification requirements than most banks. The Post Office decided that in-person verification is the only way to meet these requirements, so they have not invested in building an online identity verification system.
This is different from most high street banks, which use a combination of credit checks, document verification, and video calls to open accounts remotely. The Post Office has chosen not to use these methods, which means the in-person visit is mandatory.
Alternatives if you cannot visit a branch
If you cannot visit a Post Office branch, you have two options: ask about a home visit, or open a savings account with a bank or building society instead.
For a home visit, call your local Post Office branch directly and ask whether they offer this service. Not all branches do, and there may be a waiting list. The staff member will come to your home with the process form and documents, and you will sign the agreement there. This usually takes longer than a branch visit — allow a few weeks for the appointment to be arranged.
If a home visit is not available, you can open a savings account with a bank or building society online. These accounts work differently from Post Office accounts — they are not backed by National Savings and Investments, and the interest rates are set by the individual bank rather than the government. Many banks offer online opening with no branch visit required, though you will need to verify your identity through their app or website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Post Office Savings Account on behalf of someone else?
No. The account holder must be present in person with their own ID and documents. If someone is unable to visit a branch, they can ask about a home visit, but they must still be the person who signs the agreement. You cannot open an account for another adult.
What if I do not have a National Insurance number?
You will need to get one before you can open a Post Office Savings Account. Contact HMRC to request a National Insurance number — you can do this online or by phone. The process usually takes a few weeks. Once you have the number, you can visit a Post Office branch to open the account.
Can I open a Post Office Savings Account if I do not have a UK address?
No. Post Office Savings Accounts require a UK address for proof of address. If you are moving to the UK, you will need to provide a UK address before you can open the account. Some branches may accept a letter from your employer or accommodation provider as temporary proof while you arrange a utility bill.
How long does it take to open the account?
The in-person process takes 15 to 20 minutes at the counter. You can use the account when ready — you can deposit money and receive payments the same day. If you arrange a home visit, the appointment itself takes about 30 minutes, but you will need to wait for the appointment to be scheduled, which can take several weeks.
Can I open a joint Post Office Savings Account online?
No. Joint accounts also require both account holders to visit the branch in person with their own ID and documents. Both people must be present to sign the agreement. You cannot open a joint account online or with one person visiting on behalf of the other.