What you need before you start
To open a bank account in the UK, you need proof of identity, proof of address, and a National Insurance number if you are a UK resident. Most banks also ask for a phone number and email address. If you are not a UK resident, the process is slower and fewer banks will take you — you may need a visa, a letter from your employer, or proof of funds.
The documents that count as proof of identity are a passport, driving licence, or national ID card from an EU country. For proof of address, banks accept a recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water), council tax bill, or mortgage statement — usually dated within the last three months. If you have recently moved and do not have a bill in your name yet, some banks will accept a tenancy agreement or a letter from your landlord.
You can start the process online, by phone, or in a branch. Online is fastest if the bank's system recognises your documents. In-branch is slower but gives you a chance to ask questions and sometimes to open an account on the same day. By phone is rare now — most banks have moved away from it.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid passport or driving licence, proof of address dated within three months, and a National Insurance number to open a standard current account.
- Online applications usually take one to five working days once your documents are verified; in-branch can be same-day but requires an appointment at most banks.
- If you do not have a UK address yet, some banks will open an account using a visa and an employer letter, but the process takes longer and fewer banks offer it.
- Once your account is open, you can request a debit card, set up standing orders, and receive your sort code and account number the same day or within a few days.
Opening an account online
Most high street banks — Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander — let you start an application on their website or app. You upload a photo of your passport or driving licence and a photo of your proof of address. The bank's system checks these documents automatically, and if they pass, you move to the next step.
Next, you answer security questions about your identity — usually your name, date of birth, previous addresses, and sometimes details of old accounts or loans. These questions are designed to match information on file with credit reference agencies like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you have lived in the UK for less than three years, you may not be on these files, and the bank may ask for additional documents or refer you to a branch.
Once you pass the identity check, the bank runs an anti-money-laundering check and a credit check. The credit check does not determine whether you can open an account — it is a regulatory requirement. You then set a PIN, choose your account type (usually a basic current account or a packaged account with insurance), and confirm your contact details. The bank sends you a welcome pack by post with your debit card and account details, usually within five to ten working days.
Opening an account in a branch
If you prefer to open an account face-to-face, book an appointment at your nearest branch. Most banks now require an appointment rather than accepting walk-ins. You bring your passport or driving licence and proof of address in person. The staff member checks these documents, asks you the same security questions as the online system, and runs the same checks.
In-branch, you can sometimes open an account and receive a temporary debit card or a card number to use immediately. Your full debit card arrives by post within five to ten working days. The appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. If the bank cannot verify your identity on the spot — for example, if you are not on the credit reference agencies' files — they may ask you to come back with additional documents or to complete the process online.
If you do not have a UK address yet
Banks are cautious about opening accounts for people without a UK address because they cannot verify proof of address. Some banks will open an account using your passport, a visa, and a letter from your employer on headed paper confirming your name, job title, and UK work address. Others ask for a bank reference from your home country or proof of funds.
HSBC, Barclays, and Santander have specific routes for international customers and expats. These routes are slower — expect two to four weeks — and may require you to visit a branch or to provide additional documents by post. Some banks ask you to open a basic savings account first and upgrade to a current account once you have a UK address.
If no high street bank will take you, consider a digital bank like Wise, Revolut, or Starling. These banks have lower barriers to entry for non-residents and can open accounts faster, though they may still ask for proof of employment or funds. Their accounts work differently — they are usually not traditional current accounts, and some do not offer cheque books or overdrafts.
What happens after your account opens
Once your account is open, you receive a welcome pack by post containing your debit card, your sort code, and your account number. Your sort code is a six-digit number unique to your branch; your account number is eight digits. You need both to receive payments from employers, benefits, or other people.
You can set up a standing order (a regular payment to someone else) or a direct debit (a regular payment from your account to a company like a utility provider) as soon as your account is active. Most banks let you do this through their app or online banking. You can also request a cheque book if you need one, though cheques are less common now.
If you want an overdraft, you can request one through your online banking or by calling the bank. The bank decides how much it will lend you based on your credit history and income. Overdrafts are no longer free — you pay interest on the amount you borrow, and some banks charge a daily fee if you go into overdraft.
Common reasons applications are refused or delayed
Banks refuse applications most often because they cannot verify your identity or address. This happens if your documents do not match the information on file with credit reference agencies, if your address is too recent, or if you have no credit history in the UK. It also happens if you have been refused credit recently or if you are on the National Fraud Database.
Applications are delayed if the bank needs to refer you to a branch for additional checks, if your documents are unclear or partially illegible, or if the anti-money-laundering check takes longer than expected. This can add one to three weeks to the process. If your application is refused, the bank sends you a letter explaining why. You can ask the bank to reconsider, or you can try a different bank — different banks use different credit reference agencies and have different thresholds for approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a National Insurance number?
If you are a UK resident, you need a National Insurance number. If you do not have one yet, you can request one from HMRC — it usually takes two to four weeks. Some banks will let you open an account while you are waiting if you have applied for a number. If you are not a UK resident, you do not need a National Insurance number, but the process is slower and fewer banks will take you.
How long does it take to open an account?
Online applications usually take one to five working days once your documents are verified. In-branch can be same-day if you have all your documents and the bank can verify your identity immediately. If the bank needs to refer you for additional checks or if you do not have a UK address, expect two to four weeks.
Can I use a bill in someone else's name as proof of address?
No. The bill must be in your name. If you have recently moved and do not have a bill in your name yet, you can use a tenancy agreement, a letter from your landlord, or a council tax bill. Some banks also accept a mortgage statement or a letter from your employer confirming your address.
What if I have no credit history in the UK?
You can still open a basic current account. Banks are required to offer basic accounts to anyone with proof of identity and address, regardless of credit history. A basic account has no overdraft and no interest on savings, but it lets you receive payments and pay bills. Once you have had the account for a few months, you can request an overdraft or upgrade to a packaged account.
Do I need to visit a branch, or can I do everything online?
You can do everything online if the bank's system can verify your identity and address automatically. This usually takes one to five working days. If the bank cannot verify you online, it will ask you to visit a branch or to provide additional documents by post. Most people can complete the entire process online without visiting a branch.