Yes, you can open a bank account in England, but the requirements depend on whether you are a UK resident, a non-resident, or a non-citizen

If you live in England, most high street banks and building societies will open a current account for you. The process typically takes a few days to a week. You will need proof of identity (a passport or driving licence), proof of address (a utility bill or council tax letter dated within the last three months), and sometimes proof of employment or income. Non-residents and non-citizens face stricter rules: some banks will not open accounts for you at all, while others require additional documentation like a visa, proof of UK employment, or a letter from your employer.

The specific documents and timelines vary by bank. Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander all have different policies for non-residents. Some will open accounts online; others require you to visit a branch in person. If you are moving to England temporarily or permanently, starting this process before you arrive—or as soon as you land—matters, because some banks have waiting lists or require you to be physically present in the UK to complete the account opening.

Key Takeaways

  • UK residents can open a current account at most banks with a passport or driving licence, a recent utility bill, and proof of income.
  • Non-residents and visa holders face stricter requirements; some banks require proof of UK employment, a UK address, or a letter from an employer before they will open an account.
  • The process usually takes three to seven working days, but some banks require you to visit a branch in person rather than applying online.
  • Building societies and smaller banks sometimes have different rules than the major high street banks, so it is worth checking multiple providers if you are refused by one.
  • You will need a UK address to open an account; a temporary address (such as a hostel or a friend's address) may be accepted, but you must be able to prove it with a recent letter.

What documents you need to bring

Every bank in England requires proof of identity and proof of address. For identity, a UK passport or photocard driving licence is standard. If you do not have either, some banks will accept a national identity card from an EU country, or a passport from another country, though this may trigger additional checks. A few banks will accept a birth certificate plus a second form of ID, but this is less common.

For proof of address, the bank needs a document dated within the last three months that shows your name and your current UK address. A utility bill (gas, electricity, water), council tax letter, or mortgage statement all work. If you have just arrived and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a letter from your landlord or a tenancy agreement can sometimes substitute, but call the bank first to confirm. A bank statement from another country will not work.

If you are not a UK resident or do not have UK employment, bring your visa (if you have one), a letter from your employer confirming your role and salary, or a letter from your university if you are a student. Some banks also ask for a reference from your previous bank in your home country, though this is becoming less common.

Which banks accept non-residents and visa holders

The major high street banks—Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander—all open accounts for visa holders and some non-residents, but their rules differ. HSBC is often the most flexible for expats and non-residents because it has a global presence and understands international moves. Barclays and NatWest also have dedicated services for expats, though you may need to visit a branch rather than apply online. Lloyds and Santander are stricter and may refuse if you cannot prove UK employment or a long-term visa.

Building societies—such as Nationwide, Yorkshire Building Society, and Coventry Building Society—sometimes have different policies than banks. Some are more willing to open accounts for non-residents; others are not. Smaller online banks like Revolut, Wise, and Starling have looser requirements for non-residents and can often open accounts faster, but they may not offer all the services a traditional current account does (for example, some do not issue cheque books or accept standing orders in the same way).

If you are a student, your university may have partnerships with specific banks that make opening an account easier. Contact your university's international student office before you arrive; they often have a list of banks that will open accounts for students without requiring UK employment or a long-term address history.

How long the process takes and what happens next

If you apply online and the bank has all your documents, you can expect a decision within three to five working days. If you need to visit a branch in person, the appointment itself takes 20 to 40 minutes, and the account is usually active the same day or the next working day. If the bank needs to verify your identity or address further—which is more common for non-residents—the process can stretch to two weeks.

Once your account is open, the bank will send you a debit card by post, usually within five to seven working days. You can set up online banking and mobile banking immediately, even before the card arrives. If you need to make payments before the card arrives, you can use your account number and sort code to set up bank transfers or standing orders.

Some banks offer a temporary card or a digital card you can use on your phone while you wait for the physical card. Ask when you open the account whether this is available.

Opening an account if you do not have a UK address yet

If you are moving to England but do not yet have a permanent address, you have a few options. Some banks will accept a temporary address—such as a hostel, a hotel, or a friend's address—as long as you can prove it with a letter from the landlord or a booking confirmation. You will need to update your address once you have found permanent accommodation, which you can usually do online or by phone.

A few banks will open an account with a care-of address (c/o someone else's address) if you can provide a letter from that person confirming you are staying with them. This is less common but worth asking about if you are stuck.

If no bank will open an account without a permanent UK address, consider opening an account with an online bank or fintech company first—these sometimes have more flexible address requirements—and then switching to a traditional bank once you have settled.

What to do if a bank refuses to open an account for you

If one bank refuses, try another. Different banks have different risk assessments, and a refusal from Barclays does not mean Nationwide or Wise will refuse. Keep a record of which banks you have approached and why they refused, because this information can help you understand what documents or proof you are missing.

If you are a UK resident and a bank refuses without explanation, you can ask for the reason in writing. Banks must follow anti-money-laundering rules, and sometimes a refusal is based on information they cannot disclose. However, if you believe you have been refused unfairly, you can complain to the bank's complaints department and, if you are not satisfied, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

If you are a non-resident or visa holder and multiple banks refuse, the issue is usually that you do not meet their criteria for non-residents. In this case, focus on banks and fintech companies that explicitly state they accept non-residents or expats. Wise, Revolut, and N26 are designed for this situation and have fewer address and employment requirements than traditional banks.

Using a fintech or online bank instead of a traditional bank

If you cannot open an account at a traditional bank, an online bank or fintech company may be faster and easier. Wise, Revolut, Starling, and N26 all allow non-residents to open accounts and can do so entirely online. The process usually takes a few hours to a day. You will still need proof of identity and address, but the requirements are often less strict.

The trade-off is that these accounts are not always full current accounts. Some do not issue cheque books, do not accept standing orders, or do not work with all UK payment systems. However, they are excellent for receiving salary payments, making transfers, and spending abroad. If you need a cheque book or specific services, ask the provider before you open the account.

Many people open an account with a fintech company first, then switch to a traditional bank once they have been in the UK longer and have more documentation. This is a common and sensible approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a National Insurance number to open a bank account?

No. A National Insurance number is not required to open a bank account. However, if you are working in the UK, your employer will need one, and you should apply for one through HMRC as soon as you can. The bank will not ask for it during the account opening process.

Can I open an account by post or phone without visiting a branch?

Most banks now allow you to open an account online, and some allow it entirely by phone. However, some banks—particularly for non-residents—require you to visit a branch in person to verify your identity. Check the bank's website or call them before you start the process to confirm whether a branch visit is necessary.

What if I have a criminal record or a poor credit history?

A criminal record or poor credit history will not automatically prevent you from opening a basic current account. Banks are required to offer basic accounts to anyone who is refused a standard account. However, if you have been convicted of money-laundering or fraud offences, banks may refuse. If you are refused, ask the bank for the reason in writing and consider contacting the Financial Ombudsman Service if you believe the refusal is unfair.

How do I open an account if I am homeless or do not have a fixed address?

This is difficult but not impossible. Some banks will accept a care-of address (c/o a hostel, a day centre, or a support organisation) if you can provide a letter from that organisation confirming you are using their services. Charities and homeless support services sometimes have partnerships with banks to help people in this situation. Contact your local council or a homelessness charity for advice on which banks in your area will work with you.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes, most banks offer joint accounts. Both account holders will need to provide proof of identity and address, and both must be present (in person or online) to open the account. Joint accounts are useful if you are moving to England with a partner or a family member and want to share finances.