Yes, you can open most Barclays savings accounts entirely online
Barclays lets you open several types of savings accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can fund the account immediately after opening it. You will need to be a UK resident, at least 18 years old, and have a valid form of ID and proof of address.
Not every Barclays savings product is available online — some specialist accounts still require a branch visit or phone call. But the most common options, including their easy-access savings accounts and fixed-rate bonds, can be opened from your computer or phone.
Key Takeaways
- You can open Barclays savings accounts online using their website or mobile app if you are a UK resident aged 18 or over.
- The online process requires a valid passport or driving licence and a recent utility bill or council tax bill as proof of address.
- Most easy-access and fixed-rate savings accounts open within minutes, though some specialist products require a branch visit or phone call.
- You can transfer money into your new account immediately after it opens, and interest rates vary depending on the account type and how much you deposit.
What you need before you start
Have these documents ready before you begin the online process. You will need a valid UK passport or UK photocard driving licence — Barclays uses these to verify your identity. You will also need proof of your current address, which can be a recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water), council tax bill, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months.
If you do not have a UK address or your documents are older than three months, you may need to contact Barclays by phone or visit a branch instead. Have your National Insurance number handy as well — Barclays will ask for it during the online process.
The online opening process step by step
Go to the Barclays website or open the Barclays Mobile Banking app and select the option to open a new savings account. You will be asked to choose which type of account you want — Barclays offers easy-access savings, fixed-rate bonds, and notice accounts online. Each has different interest rates and rules about when you can withdraw money, so read the terms for the account you choose.
Enter your personal details: full name, date of birth, address, and contact information. Barclays will then ask you to upload or photograph your ID and proof of address. Take clear photos of both sides of your driving licence or passport, and a photo of your utility bill or council tax bill. The upload usually takes a few seconds.
Barclays will verify your identity and address in real time. If everything matches their records, your account opens immediately and you will see your account number and sort code on screen. If verification fails, you will be told what the problem is — usually a mismatch in your name or address — and given the option to correct it or contact Barclays.
How long it takes and when you can use the account
Your account is usually active within minutes of completing the online process. You can transfer money into it straight away using your new account number and sort code. The first transfer may take one to two working days to arrive, depending on your bank.
Interest starts accruing from the day you deposit money, though the rate depends on the account type. Easy-access accounts pay interest monthly or annually depending on which version you choose. Fixed-rate bonds lock your money away for a set period — typically one to five years — and you cannot withdraw without losing interest or paying a penalty.
Which Barclays savings accounts you can open online
Barclays Savings accounts available online include their easy-access savings account, which lets you withdraw money whenever you want with no notice period. They also offer fixed-rate bonds in various terms, and notice accounts that require 30 or 60 days' notice before you can withdraw. Interest rates change regularly, so check the Barclays website for current rates before you open an account.
Some specialist accounts — such as certain junior savings accounts or accounts linked to specific products — may require a phone call or branch visit to open. When you start the online process, Barclays will tell you immediately if the account type you have chosen cannot be opened online.
What happens if verification fails
If Barclays cannot verify your identity or address online, you will see an error message explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name in Barclays' records, or an address that does not match. You can usually correct the information and try again immediately.
If the problem persists, you can contact Barclays by phone on 0345 600 2000 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; Saturday, 9am to 5pm) or visit a branch in person. A staff member can verify your details manually and open the account for you over the phone or in the branch.
Moving money into your new account
Once your account is open, you can transfer money in using your new account number and sort code (20-76-39 for most Barclays savings accounts). If you are transferring from another UK bank account, use Faster Payments or CHAPS — Faster Payments usually takes one to two working days, and CHAPS is same-day but may have a fee.
You can also set up a standing order from another account to pay money into your Barclays savings account regularly. Some people use this to save a fixed amount each month without having to remember to transfer it manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Barclays current account customer to open a savings account online?
No. You can open a Barclays savings account online even if you do not have a Barclays current account. However, you will need to provide proof of identity and address, and Barclays will carry out identity verification checks regardless of whether you bank with them already.
What if I do not have a UK driving licence or passport?
Barclays requires either a UK passport or UK photocard driving licence for online opening. If you do not have either, contact Barclays on 0345 600 2000 to discuss alternative ways to open an account, which may include a branch visit or additional verification steps.
Can I open a joint savings account online with Barclays?
Joint accounts typically require both account holders to verify their identity, which can usually be done online if both people have valid UK ID and proof of address. Start the online process and select the joint account option — Barclays will guide you through adding the second person.
How much money do I need to open a Barclays savings account online?
Barclays does not require a minimum opening deposit for most savings accounts. You can open the account with zero pounds and transfer money in later. However, interest rates may vary depending on your balance, so check the terms for the specific account you choose.
What if my proof of address is older than three months?
Barclays requires proof of address dated within the last three months. If your documents are older, you will need to contact Barclays by phone or visit a branch to open your account. They may be able to verify your address using other methods, such as checking electoral roll records.