What you need before you start

Barclays offers several savings accounts online, by phone, or in branch. The account you can open depends on whether you already bank with Barclays, your age, and how much you plan to deposit. Most online accounts open in minutes; branch accounts may take longer if you need to verify your identity in person.

Before you begin, have your identification ready. You will need either a UK passport, a UK photocard driving licence, or a non-UK passport plus proof of your current address (a utility bill, council tax letter, or bank statement dated within the last three months). If you are opening an account in branch, bring the original documents. If you are opening online, you will photograph them or upload them through the Barclays app or website.

You will also need a way to fund the account — either a debit card linked to another bank, or a bank transfer from an existing account in your name. Barclays will not accept cash deposits to open an online account, though you can deposit cash later at a branch or through a Barclays ATM.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a UK passport, UK driving licence, or non-UK passport plus proof of address to open any Barclays savings account.
  • Online accounts open in minutes if you already have a Barclays current account; new customers may wait for identity verification.
  • You must fund the account with a debit card or bank transfer — Barclays does not accept cash to open an account online.
  • Different Barclays savings accounts have different interest rates and minimum deposits, so check the current rates before you choose which account to open.
  • If you are under 18, you can only open a Junior Saver account, and a parent or guardian must be the account holder.

Opening online if you already bank with Barclays

If you have a Barclays current account, opening a savings account online is the fastest route. Log into your Barclays app or online banking, go to "Products" or "Savings", and select the savings account you want. You will be asked to confirm your personal details, choose a name for the account, and set a PIN.

The account opens when ready. You can then transfer money into it from your current account or link a debit card from another bank to fund it. Interest begins to accrue from the day you deposit money, not from the day you open the account, so timing your first deposit matters if you are moving money from another savings account.

Opening online as a new Barclays customer

New customers can open a savings account online without a current account, but the process takes longer because Barclays must verify your identity. Go to the Barclays website, select "Open a savings account", and choose the account type. You will enter your personal details, date of birth, and address.

Barclays will then ask you to photograph or upload your identification and proof of address. The app will guide you through this — you photograph both sides of your ID and a clear photo of your proof of address document. Barclays uses automated checks to verify these documents, which usually takes a few minutes, though some applications are reviewed manually and can take up to five working days.

Once your identity is verified, you will set up a username and password, choose a PIN, and link a debit card or bank account to fund the savings account. The account opens once you have made your first deposit.

Opening a savings account in branch

You can open a Barclays savings account at any Barclays branch. Bring your original identification and proof of address. A staff member will check your documents, enter your details into the system, and open the account while you wait — usually within 15 to 20 minutes.

You can fund the account when ready by transferring money from another Barclays account, or by providing details of another bank account for a transfer. You can also ask the branch to set up a standing order from your current account to pay money into the savings account on a regular schedule.

Branch opening is useful if you prefer to speak to someone in person, if your documents are difficult to photograph clearly, or if you want to deposit cash when ready. However, branches have limited hours and you may need to travel.

Choosing between Barclays savings account types

Barclays offers several savings accounts with different interest rates and rules. The main types are fixed-rate bonds (your money is locked for a set period, usually one to five years, and you cannot withdraw early without a penalty), straightforward-access accounts (you can withdraw money whenever you want), and notice accounts (you must give notice before withdrawing, usually 30 or 60 days).

Interest rates change frequently and vary by account type and deposit amount. Check the Barclays website or call 0800 011 3344 to see current rates before you decide which account to open. A fixed-rate bond pays more interest if you can leave your money untouched, but an straightforward-access account gives you flexibility if you might need the money sooner.

If you are under 18, you can only open a Junior Saver account. A parent or guardian must be the account holder and can manage the account until you turn 16, when you can take over.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open and funded, interest accrues daily and is paid into your account on a schedule set by Barclays — usually monthly or annually depending on the account type. You can check your balance and transaction history in the Barclays app or online banking at any time.

If you opened the account online, you will receive a welcome pack by post within 7 to 10 working days. This contains your account number, sort code, and other information you may need. You do not need to wait for this pack to use the account — you can start using it when ready through the app.

If you want to set up a standing order to pay money in regularly, you can do this through the app, online banking, or by calling Barclays. If you want to close the account later, you can do this online or in branch, and any remaining balance will be transferred back to the account you specify.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Barclays savings account?

If you already have a Barclays current account, the account opens in minutes. If you are a new customer opening online, identity verification usually takes a few minutes to five working days depending on whether your documents are checked automatically or manually. In branch, the account opens while you wait, usually within 15 to 20 minutes.

Can I open a Barclays savings account without a current account?

Yes. New customers can open a savings account online or in branch without having a Barclays current account. You will need to provide identification and proof of address, and fund the account with a debit card or bank transfer from another bank.

What is the minimum deposit for a Barclays savings account?

Minimum deposits vary by account type. Some straightforward-access accounts have no minimum, while others require £1 or more. Fixed-rate bonds usually have higher minimums, sometimes £500 or £1,000. Check the account details on the Barclays website to see the minimum for the account you want to open.

Can I open a Barclays savings account if I do not have a UK address?

Barclays requires a UK address to open an account. If you are moving to the UK, you will need a UK address before you can open an account. If you are a UK citizen living abroad, contact Barclays directly to discuss your options.

What documents do I need to open a Barclays savings account?

You need one form of identification (UK passport, UK driving licence, or non-UK passport) and proof of your current UK address dated within the last three months (utility bill, council tax letter, or bank statement). If you are opening online, you photograph or upload these documents. If you are opening in branch, bring the originals.