What visitors can and cannot do at UK banks
A visitor to the UK can open a bank account, but not all banks will do it, and the account will have limits. Most high street banks — Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest — will open what's called a basic bank account or international account for someone on a visitor visa or tourist entry. You will not get a full current account with a debit card and overdraft unless you have a UK address and proof of residency.
The account you get depends on how long you are staying and what you need the money for. If you are here for a few weeks as a tourist, a basic account may be enough. If you are staying months or working, you may need something different. Some banks will not open anything for a visitor at all — they will tell you to come back when you have a UK address.
The key barrier is proof of address. Banks are required by law to verify who you are and where you live. A visitor's passport and hotel address or Airbnb confirmation can work, but not every bank accepts them, and policies change by branch and by bank.
Key Takeaways
- Visitors can open basic bank accounts at some UK banks without a permanent address, but full current accounts require UK residency and a home address.
- You will need your passport, proof of your visitor status (visa or entry stamp), and proof of a temporary UK address such as a hotel booking or Airbnb confirmation.
- International accounts and basic accounts have lower limits on transfers and withdrawals than standard accounts, and some do not come with a debit card.
- HSBC, Barclays, and some building societies are more likely to open accounts for visitors than smaller banks, but you should contact your chosen bank first to confirm they accept visitors.
- Opening an account takes one to two weeks once you have submitted your documents, and you may need to visit a branch in person rather than apply online.
Documents you will need to bring
Your passport is the starting point. It must be valid and show your visitor status — either a visa stamp or an entry stamp from UK immigration. The bank will photocopy it and keep a record.
You will also need proof of your temporary UK address. A hotel booking confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from someone who is letting you stay works. Some banks ask for a utility bill or council tax letter, but those are hard to get as a visitor. A dated booking confirmation is usually enough. If you are staying with friends or family, ask them for a letter on headed paper saying you are living there and giving the address and dates.
Some banks ask for a second form of ID — a driving licence from your home country, a national ID card, or a student card. Check with the bank before you go in, because requirements vary by branch.
If you are working in the UK, bring your employment contract or a letter from your employer showing your name, the role, and the salary. This helps the bank understand why you need an account and how long you will be in the country.
Which banks accept visitors and what they offer
HSBC has a specific international account for people who are not UK residents. It comes with a debit card, online banking, and the ability to transfer money in and out. You can open it online or in branch. There are no monthly fees, but there are limits on how much you can withdraw and transfer each month — usually £5,000 to £10,000 depending on the account type.
Barclays offers a basic bank account to visitors. It has a debit card and online access, but lower transaction limits than a standard account. You will need to visit a branch to open it; they do not do it online for visitors.
Lloyds and NatWest will sometimes open basic accounts for visitors, but policies vary by branch. Call ahead or visit in person to ask. Some branches will refuse if you do not have a permanent UK address.
Building societies such as Nationwide and Coventry Building Society are sometimes more flexible than banks. They may open accounts for visitors if you can show a temporary address and a reason for needing the account. Again, call your local branch first.
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is not a bank but offers a multi-currency account that works for visitors. You can open it online with your passport and a temporary address. It is useful for holding money in different currencies and sending it home, but it is not a full bank account and does not come with a UK debit card.
What happens during the application process
Most banks will ask you to visit a branch in person, even if you start the application online. Bring your passport, proof of address, and any other documents the bank has asked for. The staff will check your identity, photocopy your documents, and ask questions about why you need the account and how long you are staying.
The bank will run checks against fraud and money-laundering databases. This is standard for all accounts and takes a few days. Once the checks pass, the bank will activate your account, usually within one to two weeks. You will be given a debit card, online banking details, and a sort code and account number for receiving money.
Some banks will issue the card in branch on the day. Others will post it to your temporary address, which can take another week. Ask when you apply.
Limits on what you can do with a visitor account
A basic or international account for a visitor is not the same as a standard current account. The main differences are transaction limits and what you can use the account for.
Most visitor accounts have a monthly cap on withdrawals and transfers — often £5,000 to £10,000 per month. You cannot exceed this without asking the bank to raise the limit, and they may refuse. Standing orders (regular payments) are sometimes not allowed, or only allowed to certain types of payee.
You cannot use a visitor account to run a business or receive regular salary payments, even if you are working in the UK. If you are employed, you should tell your employer and the bank, because some accounts will be closed if they detect regular business use. If you are staying longer than a few months, ask the bank whether you can upgrade to a full account once you have a permanent UK address.
Overdrafts are not available on visitor accounts. If you go overdrawn, the bank will charge fees and may freeze the account.
How to apply: step by step
Step 1: Choose a bank. Call or visit the website of banks near where you are staying. Ask whether they open accounts for visitors and what documents you need. Write down the answer — policies vary by branch.
Step 2: Gather your documents. Get your passport, proof of your temporary address (booking confirmation or letter from your host), and any second form of ID the bank has asked for. Make photocopies if the bank asks.
Step 3: Visit the branch. Go in person during opening hours. Tell the staff you want to open a visitor account. They will take your documents, ask questions, and explain the limits and fees. Ask when the account will be active and when your debit card will arrive.
Step 4: Wait for activation. The bank will run checks and contact you if they need more information. This usually takes one to two weeks. Once the account is active, you can use online banking to see your balance and make transfers.
Step 5: Collect your debit card. If the card was not issued in branch, it will be posted to your temporary address. Check the postcode and address are correct before you leave the branch.
What to do if a bank refuses you
If the bank you want says no, try another. Different branches of the same bank sometimes have different policies, so it is worth asking at a different location if you are in a city with multiple branches.
Building societies are sometimes more willing to open accounts for visitors than the big banks. Nationwide and Coventry Building Society have branches across the UK and may be worth trying.
If you are only staying a short time and do not need a full bank account, consider a money transfer service like Wise or Remitly instead. These let you hold money and send it home without a UK bank account, though you will not get a UK debit card.
If you are staying longer than a few months, ask the bank whether you can open an account once you have a permanent UK address — a rental agreement or a letter from your employer confirming your address. Many banks will do this and will upgrade your account to a full current account at that point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a National Insurance number to open a bank account as a visitor?
No. A National Insurance number is for tax and benefits purposes. Banks do not require it to open a visitor account. Your passport and proof of address are enough. If you are working, your employer will help you get a National Insurance number, but the bank will not ask for it.
Can I open an account online if I am a visitor?
Some banks let you start the application online, but most will ask you to visit a branch to verify your identity in person. HSBC's international account can sometimes be opened fully online, but check with your local branch first. Do not assume you can do it all remotely.
What if my temporary address changes while I am waiting for my debit card?
Tell the bank immediately. Give them your new address and ask them to send the card there instead. If the card is already in the post, you may be able to collect it from the branch or ask them to reissue it to the new address. Do this as soon as you know you are moving.
Can I use my visitor account to receive salary payments from a UK employer?
Technically yes, but many banks will close the account if they see regular business or employment use. Tell the bank when you open the account that you are working in the UK, and ask whether your account type allows salary payments. If it does not, ask about upgrading or opening a different account once you have a permanent address.
How long does it take to open a visitor account?
The application takes one visit to the branch. The bank's checks take one to two weeks. Your debit card arrives by post within another week or two, depending on the bank. In total, expect three to four weeks from your first visit to having a working debit card in your hand.