What you need before you walk into a bank
British banks require proof of identity, proof of address, and a National Insurance number or Tax Reference number. The identity document must be current and valid — a UK passport, UK photocard driving licence, or European national ID card. If you don't have one of those, some banks will accept a travel document or biometric residence permit, but you'll need to ask first.
Proof of address means a document dated within the last three months showing your name and current UK address. A utility bill, council tax bill, or tenancy agreement works. If you've just moved and don't have a recent bill yet, a letter from your landlord or a mortgage statement can substitute. Some banks will also accept a recent bank statement from another country if you're moving to the UK.
If you're a UK citizen or settled resident, you have a National Insurance number — a nine-character code starting with two letters. If you're not yet assigned one, you can still open an account, but the bank will ask for your Tax Reference number instead, or they may refer you to HMRC to get a National Insurance number first. Non-UK residents and those on certain visa types may face additional checks or be turned away by some banks entirely.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid photo ID (passport or UK driving licence), proof of address from the last three months, and a National Insurance number or Tax Reference number.
- High street banks like Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest have branches where you can apply in person, though some now require an appointment.
- Online-only banks like Revolut, Wise, and Starling can open accounts faster and sometimes with fewer documents, but they don't have physical branches.
- The entire process takes between one day and two weeks depending on the bank and whether they need to verify your documents by post.
- If you're not a UK citizen, tell the bank upfront — some require a UK address or proof of visa status, and some won't open accounts for certain nationalities.
High street banks: in-person and by appointment
The major UK banks — Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander — all have physical branches and can open a current account on the spot if your documents are in order. Walk in with your ID, proof of address, and National Insurance number, and most branches will complete the application the same day. You'll leave with a debit card within five to ten working days.
Many branches now require you to book an appointment rather than walk in. Check the bank's website or call the branch directly to book a slot. The appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. If the branch can't verify your address on the day — for example, if your proof of address is a tenancy agreement and they want to see a utility bill — they'll ask you to post the documents to them, which adds one to two weeks.
High street banks also offer overdraft facilities and are linked to the Faster Payments system, which means transfers between UK accounts arrive within two hours. They're the standard choice if you need a mortgage or loan later, because lenders expect to see a history with a major bank.
Online-only banks: faster but no branches
Revolut, Wise, Starling, and Monzo are online-only banks that open accounts entirely through an app. You upload a photo of your ID and a selfie, and the app verifies you in minutes to a few hours. You don't need to visit a branch or post documents. The debit card arrives within five to ten working days, and you can use a temporary virtual card immediately while you wait.
Online banks are fastest if you need an account quickly and your documents are clear and readable. They're also useful if you don't have a UK address yet — some will open accounts for people with overseas addresses, though they may restrict certain features until you provide a UK address. Wise and Revolut are particularly common for people who send money internationally, because they offer multi-currency accounts and lower exchange rates than high street banks.
The trade-off is that online banks have no physical branches. If you need to deposit cash or speak to someone face-to-face, you'll have to use a partner bank's branch or a post office. Some online banks also don't offer overdrafts or mortgages, so if you plan to borrow money later, you may need a second account with a high street bank.
Building societies and smaller banks
Building societies like Nationwide, Yorkshire, and Coventry operate similarly to high street banks but are member-owned rather than shareholder-owned. They have branches, offer current accounts, and follow the same identity checks. The application process is identical — bring your documents to a branch or apply online — and the timeline is the same.
Smaller banks like Metro Bank and Aldermore also have branches and accept new customers, though they have fewer locations than the major banks. Metro Bank is known for opening accounts on the same day, even without an appointment, though you should still call ahead to confirm.
What happens after you apply
Once you've submitted your application, the bank runs a credit check and verifies your identity against the Electoral Register and other databases. This takes one to three working days. If everything matches, you'll receive confirmation by email or post, and your account is active immediately — you can use it to receive payments even before your debit card arrives.
If the bank can't verify your address or identity, they'll contact you by phone or post and ask for additional documents. This is common if you've recently moved, if your name appears differently on different documents, or if your address isn't yet on the Electoral Register. Providing the extra documents usually takes another week.
Once your account is open, you can set up standing orders, Direct Debits, and Faster Payments transfers. Most banks also offer online banking and a mobile app on the day your account opens, so you can check your balance and make transfers immediately.
If you're not a UK citizen
Non-UK citizens can open bank accounts, but the rules vary by bank and by your visa status. If you have a UK work visa, student visa, or settled status, most banks will open an account without extra questions. If you're on a visitor visa or don't yet have a visa, some banks will refuse, and others will ask for additional proof — such as a letter from your employer, a university acceptance letter, or a rental agreement.
Wise and Revolut are more flexible with non-UK residents than high street banks. Both will open accounts for people without a UK address, though they may limit features until you provide one. If you're moving to the UK and don't yet have a UK address, opening an account with an online bank before you arrive can save time.
If you don't have a National Insurance number yet, tell the bank upfront. Some will issue you a temporary reference number and open the account anyway. Others will ask you to apply for a National Insurance number first through HMRC, which takes four to six weeks. The fastest route is to ask the bank whether they can proceed without one before you visit.
Documents checklist and timeline
| Document | What counts | How recent it must be |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | UK passport, UK photocard driving licence, European national ID, biometric residence permit, travel document | Must be current and valid |
| Proof of address | Utility bill, council tax bill, tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, landlord letter, bank statement from overseas | Dated within the last three months |
| National Insurance number or Tax Reference | Your NI number (nine characters starting with two letters) or your Tax Reference from HMRC | No expiry date |
The timeline depends on the bank and whether your documents need verification by post. In-person applications at high street branches usually complete the same day, with your account active within one to three working days. Online applications through apps like Revolut can complete within hours. If the bank needs to verify documents by post, add one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a UK address?
Online-only banks like Wise and Revolut will open accounts for people without a UK address, though they may restrict some features until you provide one. High street banks typically require a UK address before they'll open an account. If you're moving to the UK and don't yet have an address, opening an online account first is the fastest option.
What if my proof of address is older than three months?
Most banks won't accept it. If you've recently moved and don't have a recent bill, ask your landlord for a letter on headed paper confirming your tenancy and move-in date, or use a recent bank statement from your previous address plus a tenancy agreement for your new one. Call the bank before you visit to confirm what they'll accept.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Most banks send debit cards within five to ten working days of opening your account. Online banks often provide a temporary virtual card you can use immediately while you wait for the physical card. If you need cash urgently, ask whether the bank offers a post office card account or a partner bank where you can withdraw.
Do I need a National Insurance number to open an account?
Most banks require either a National Insurance number or a Tax Reference number. If you don't have either, ask the bank whether they can proceed without one or whether they'll help you apply for a National Insurance number. Some banks will open the account and issue a temporary reference while you wait for your official number.
Can I open an account if I have a poor credit history?
Yes. Banks run a credit check, but a poor credit history won't prevent you from opening a basic current account. You may not be offered an overdraft, but the account itself will open. If one bank refuses, try another — different banks have different policies on credit history.