What you need before you start
To open a bank account in the UK, you will need proof of identity, proof of address, and a National Insurance number. Most banks accept a passport or driving licence as identity. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or tenancy agreement — something dated within the last three months. If you do not have a National Insurance number yet, you can still open an account, but the bank will ask you to provide it later.
Some banks also ask about your employment or income, though this is not always required. If you are unemployed or a student, you can still open an account — banks have different rules, and some offer student or basic accounts specifically for people with no income. Have your details ready: your full name as it appears on your ID, your date of birth, your address, and a phone number where the bank can reach you.
If you are opening an account online, you will upload photos of your documents instead of showing them in person. Make sure the photos are clear, show the full document, and are taken against a plain background. Blurry or cropped images will be rejected and slow down the process.
Key Takeaways
- You need proof of identity (passport or driving licence), proof of address (utility bill or tenancy agreement from the last three months), and your National Insurance number.
- You can open an account online, by post, or in a branch — online is usually fastest, taking one to five working days.
- Different banks have different rules: some offer basic accounts with no overdraft, some require a minimum deposit, and some have age restrictions.
- If you do not have a National Insurance number, you can still open an account but will need to provide it within a set timeframe after opening.
- Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card and online banking details by post within one to two weeks.
Opening an account online
Online opening is the fastest route for most people. Go to the bank's website, select "Open an Account", and fill in your personal details. You will be asked to upload photos of your identity document and proof of address. Take clear photos on your phone — make sure both sides of your ID are visible, and that your address document shows your full name and current address.
The bank will then run a credit check and verify your identity against records held by Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. If everything matches, you will receive confirmation by email and your account will be active within one to five working days. You can then set up online banking and receive your debit card by post.
If the bank cannot verify you online — for example, if your name does not match records exactly, or if you have recently moved — they will ask you to visit a branch or send documents by post. This adds one to two weeks to the process.
Opening an account in a branch
Walk into any branch of the bank you want to join, bring your original documents, and ask to open an account. Take your passport or driving licence, your proof of address, and your National Insurance number if you have it. The staff member will check your documents, run a credit check, and usually open your account on the spot.
You will leave with a temporary card or a card number you can use immediately for online purchases. Your permanent debit card will arrive by post within one to two weeks. Online banking access is usually available the same day or the next working day.
Branch opening is useful if you prefer to speak to someone in person, or if you have already tried online and been asked to verify in person. It is not faster than online — it just removes the step of uploading documents.
Opening an account by post
Some banks still accept postal applications. Download the application form from the bank's website or ask for one in a branch. Fill it in, photocopy both sides of your identity document and your proof of address, and send everything to the address on the form. Include a covering letter with your name, date of birth, and the account type you want to open.
The bank will receive your application within two to three working days, verify your documents, and write to you with confirmation. This takes two to three weeks in total. Postal opening is slow and rarely the best option unless the bank has specifically asked you to use this route.
Different account types and what they offer
Most banks offer a current account, which is what you use for everyday spending and bills. Some also offer savings accounts, which pay interest on money you leave in the account. When you open a current account, ask whether it comes with an overdraft — this is money the bank lets you borrow if you spend more than you have. Overdrafts are not free; the bank charges interest or fees.
Basic accounts have no overdraft and no fees, which makes them useful if you want to avoid debt. Student accounts often come with an interest-free overdraft and other perks like cashback. If you are unemployed or have a poor credit history, some banks offer accounts specifically for people in that situation — these may have no overdraft or a very small one.
Ask the bank what the account includes before you open it. The information is usually on their website under "Account Features" or "What's Included". Different banks charge different fees for things like international transfers or replacement cards, so compare a few if you plan to use those services.
What happens after your account opens
Once your account is open, you will receive a welcome pack by post. This includes your debit card, your account number, your sort code, and instructions for setting up online banking. Your sort code is a six-digit number that identifies your bank and branch. Your account number is eight digits. Together, they make up your bank details — you give these to your employer so they can pay your salary, or to other people who want to send you money.
Set up online banking as soon as you receive your details. Go to the bank's website, select "Log In", then "Register", and follow the steps. You will need your account number, sort code, and a password you create. Once you are logged in, you can see your balance, set up standing orders (regular payments), and transfer money to other accounts.
Your debit card will arrive separately, usually within one to two weeks. When it arrives, activate it by calling the number on the back or using the bank's app. You can then use it to withdraw cash from ATMs and pay for things in shops.
If your application is rejected or delayed
Banks reject applications for a few reasons: your identity cannot be verified, your credit check shows a problem, or you do not meet the bank's requirements. If you are rejected, the bank will write to you explaining why. If it is a verification issue, you can usually reapply with clearer documents or visit a branch in person.
If your credit check is the problem, you can check your own credit report for free using Clearscore, Experian, or Equifax. Look for errors — wrong addresses, accounts you did not open, or missed payments that are not yours. If you find an error, contact the credit agency and ask them to correct it. Once it is fixed, you can reapply.
If the bank says you do not meet their requirements, try a different bank. Each bank has different rules about who they will accept. A bank that rejected you may have strict rules; another may be more flexible. Basic accounts are usually easier to open than standard current accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account if I do not have a fixed address?
Most banks require proof of address, but some will accept a care home address, a hostel address, or a temporary address if you provide a letter from the organisation confirming you live there. Contact the bank before you apply and explain your situation. They may ask for additional documents or may offer a basic account with fewer requirements.
How long does it take to open an account?
Online opening usually takes one to five working days from the moment you submit your documents. Branch opening is usually the same day. Postal opening takes two to three weeks. The exact time depends on how quickly the bank verifies your identity and whether they need to ask you for more information.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?
Most UK banks do not require a minimum deposit to open a current account. You can open an account with zero pounds in it. Some savings accounts do have a minimum deposit, but current accounts almost never do. Check the bank's website to be sure.
What if I have a poor credit history?
A poor credit history will not stop you opening a basic account. Banks use credit checks to decide whether to offer an overdraft, not whether to open an account at all. If you are rejected, it is usually for a different reason — identity verification or not meeting the bank's other requirements. Try a different bank or ask about a basic account, which has no overdraft and fewer requirements.
Can someone else open an account on my behalf?
No. You must open the account yourself because the bank needs to verify your identity in person or online. You cannot ask a friend or family member to do it for you. If you need help understanding the process, you can ask someone to come with you to a branch, but you must be the one who signs the forms and provides the documents.