Whether you can open a UK bank account from the US depends on which bank you choose and your residency status

Some British banks will open accounts for people living abroad, but most require you to be a UK resident or a British citizen with a UK address. The banks that do accept US residents typically ask for a US address, proof of identity, and sometimes proof of income or savings. A few specialise in expats and have streamlined the process; others make it deliberately difficult because of US tax reporting rules and anti-money-laundering compliance.

If you are a British citizen or hold settled status in the UK, your options are wider. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident living in the US, you will find fewer banks willing to take you on, and those that do may charge higher fees or require a minimum balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Most high street UK banks (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds) will not open accounts for people living in the US without a UK address or existing relationship with the bank.
  • Expat-focused banks like Wise, OFX, and Revolut can open accounts for US residents, but they are not traditional banks and do not offer the full range of services a UK bank does.
  • You will need a UK address to open most accounts, even if you do not live there — some people use a family member's address or a mail forwarding service.
  • US tax residency complicates things: US citizens and permanent residents must report UK accounts to the IRS, and some banks refuse US tax residents entirely because of the compliance burden.
  • Opening an account takes two to four weeks if the bank accepts you, and involves video verification, proof of identity, and sometimes proof of address.

Which UK banks will accept US residents

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the easiest route. It is not a traditional bank but a money transfer and multi-currency account service. Wise opens accounts for US residents, does not require a UK address, and charges low fees for international transfers. You can hold money in multiple currencies and receive payments from UK employers or clients. The account opens in days and requires only a photo ID and proof of address (your US address is fine).

Revolut is a digital banking app that also accepts US residents. It offers a debit card, currency exchange, and peer-to-peer transfers. Like Wise, it is not a full bank and does not offer overdrafts or mortgages. Revolut is faster to open than traditional banks but has had compliance issues in the past, so check current reviews before committing.

OFX (formerly OzForex) is an Australian-owned money transfer service that works similarly to Wise. It accepts US residents and is useful if you need to move money between the US and UK regularly.

HSBC will sometimes open accounts for US residents if you have an existing relationship with HSBC (for example, if you held an account before moving). Contact your local HSBC branch to ask; they may waive the UK address requirement. New customers living in the US are usually turned away.

Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander generally do not open accounts for people living outside the UK unless they already have an account with the bank. Some have closed accounts held by US tax residents because of the cost of compliance with US tax law.

The UK address problem

Most traditional UK banks require a UK address to open an account. If you do not have one, you have three options: use a family member's address, use a mail forwarding service, or accept that you cannot open an account with that bank.

Using a family member's address is common and legal as long as the address is real and you are honest about where you actually live. The bank may send statements or cards to that address, so make sure the person who lives there is willing to receive your mail and forward it to you.

Mail forwarding services (such as Anytime Mailbox or UK2Me) provide a UK address you can use for bank correspondence. They cost £10 to £30 per month and will scan or forward your post to your US address. Banks increasingly ask whether the address is a mail forwarding service, so this method is less reliable than it once was.

What you need to open an account

The documents required vary by bank, but most ask for the same core set. Have these ready before you start:

  • A valid passport or national ID card (photo ID that is not expired).
  • Proof of address: a utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement in your name, dated within the last three months. Your US address is usually acceptable for this.
  • Proof of income or savings (sometimes): a recent payslip, tax return, or bank statement showing funds. Not all banks ask for this, but expat-focused banks often do.
  • A UK address (for most traditional banks): yours, a family member's, or a mail forwarding service.

The bank will ask you to verify your identity through video call or in-person visit. If you are in the US, video verification is standard. You will be asked why you want to open the account, where your income comes from, and whether you have any criminal convictions. Answer honestly; banks share information with anti-money-laundering databases.

How long it takes and what happens next

Wise and Revolut can open an account in one to three days. Traditional UK banks take two to four weeks, and some take longer if they need to verify your documents with a third party.

Once approved, the bank will send you a debit card and online banking details. The card usually arrives within seven to ten working days if you are in the US. Some banks charge for international delivery; others include it. Check the terms before you commit.

Your first transfer into the account may be held for a few days while the bank confirms the source of the funds. This is normal and is part of anti-money-laundering checks. After that, transfers are usually processed within one to two working days.

Tax reporting and US residency complications

If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you must report any UK bank account to the IRS on your annual tax return. This is done through the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) if the account holds more than $10,000 at any point in the year, and through Form 8938 if you meet the threshold for that form as well.

Many UK banks refuse to open accounts for US tax residents because the compliance cost is high and the regulatory risk is seen as not worth it. If a bank does accept you, expect higher fees and stricter monitoring. Some banks have closed accounts held by US citizens without warning, so read the terms carefully and keep your contact details up to date.

If you are a UK citizen living in the US on a visa (not a permanent resident), you do not have to report the account to the IRS unless you become a US tax resident. Check your visa status and consult a tax professional if you are unsure.

Alternatives if you cannot open a UK account

If traditional UK banks turn you down, consider whether you actually need a UK bank account. Many people living in the US can manage with a US bank account and a money transfer service like Wise for moving money to the UK.

If you need a UK account for a specific reason — receiving payments from a UK employer, paying UK bills, or holding money in pounds — a digital service like Wise or Revolut may be enough. They are not banks, so they do not offer overdrafts, loans, or cheque books, but they do handle the core functions most expats need.

If you need a full UK bank account and cannot open one, ask whether your employer or a professional body you belong to offers banking services. Some do, and they may have different rules for overseas members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a UK address to open a UK bank account from the US?

Most traditional banks require one, but Wise and Revolut do not. If you do not have a UK address, a family member's address or a mail forwarding service can work, though banks increasingly ask whether the address is a mail forwarding service and may reject it.

Will a UK bank account affect my US taxes?

If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you must report the account to the IRS if it holds more than $10,000 at any point in the year. This does not mean you owe tax on the money, but you must disclose it. Consult a tax professional to understand your specific obligations.

How long does it take to open a UK bank account from the US?

Digital services like Wise take one to three days. Traditional UK banks take two to four weeks. The time depends on how quickly you provide documents and how long the bank takes to verify your identity.

Can I use a US address to open a UK bank account?

Yes, for proof of address. Most banks accept a US utility bill or bank statement as proof that you live in the US. However, they still usually require a UK address for the account itself, unless you use a service like Wise that does not require one.

What if a UK bank closes my account because I am a US resident?

Banks can close accounts for any reason and usually give 30 to 60 days' notice. If this happens, move your money to another account immediately and ask the bank in writing why they closed it. Keep records of all correspondence. You cannot force a bank to keep you as a customer, but you can report unfair treatment to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) if you believe you were discriminated against.