What you need before you start
To open a bank account in England, you will need proof of identity, proof of address, and a National Insurance number. Most banks require a valid passport, driving licence, or biometric residence permit as your identity document. For address proof, a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or tenancy agreement dated within the last three months works for most banks.
Your National Insurance number is mandatory — banks use it to verify you against HMRC records and to comply with anti-money-laundering rules. If you do not have one yet, you can request it from HMRC before opening an account, though some banks will help you apply during the account opening process.
If you are not a UK citizen or resident, the rules change. Non-residents can open accounts at some banks, but they typically need additional documents such as proof of employment in the UK, a UK address, or a reference from another bank. Asylum seekers and people with refugee status have specific routes through banks that work with the Home Office.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a valid identity document (passport or driving licence), proof of address from the last three months, and your National Insurance number.
- Most high street banks and building societies let you start the process online, but you may need to visit a branch or use video verification to complete it.
- Opening an account typically takes between one and seven days once you have submitted all documents, though some banks offer same-day accounts.
- If you have no credit history or a poor one, consider a basic bank account or a building society account, as these have fewer checks.
- Non-residents and people without a permanent UK address have fewer options but can still open accounts at specialist banks and some high street branches.
The difference between banks, building societies, and basic accounts
High street banks like Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest offer current accounts with overdraft facilities, debit cards, and online banking. They are the fastest route if you have a clean credit history and all your documents ready. Most let you begin online and complete the process through video verification or a branch visit.
Building societies such as Nationwide, Santander UK, and Yorkshire Building Society operate similarly to banks but are member-owned rather than shareholder-owned. They often have more flexible lending criteria and may be more willing to open accounts for people with limited credit history. The account opening process is the same as for banks.
Basic bank accounts are designed for people who have been refused a standard account or have no credit history. They offer a debit card and online banking but no overdraft. Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest all offer basic accounts, and the checks are simpler — you still need identity and address proof, but credit history is not considered. These accounts open faster and are a legitimate first step if you are new to banking in England.
How to open an account online or by post
Most banks now let you start online. Go to the bank's website, select "open an account", and enter your personal details. You will be asked for your name, date of birth, National Insurance number, and current address. The bank will then ask you to upload photos of your identity document and address proof using your phone or computer.
After you submit documents, the bank carries out identity checks against HMRC and credit reference agencies. This usually takes one to three working days. Some banks then ask you to verify yourself using video call — a staff member will ask you questions about your documents and may ask you to show your identity document on camera. This step takes about ten minutes and is the final hurdle before approval.
Once approved, the bank sends you a debit card and PIN by post, usually within five to seven working days. Your account is live as soon as approval is confirmed, so you can set up direct debits and receive payments before the card arrives. A few banks, including Starling and Revolut, issue a virtual card immediately so you can spend online straight away.
If you prefer not to use a computer or camera, you can open an account by post. Request an application pack from the bank, fill it in by hand, and send it back with photocopies of your documents. This route takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because the bank has to process everything manually.
Opening an account in a branch
Walking into a branch with your documents is still an option and often the fastest route if you need an account urgently. Bring your original identity document, original address proof, and your National Insurance number. A staff member will check your documents, run the identity verification on the spot, and in many cases approve you immediately.
If you are approved in branch, you can walk out with a temporary debit card or a card number to use online the same day. Your permanent card arrives by post within five to seven days. This route is especially useful if you do not have a computer at home or are uncomfortable with video verification.
Branch opening hours vary, but most high street branches are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday mornings. Some branches have reduced hours, so check the bank's website or call ahead. You do not need an appointment at most banks, but calling first means you will not wait in a queue.
What happens if you do not have all your documents
If you do not have a National Insurance number, you can still open an account. Contact HMRC to request one — this takes about four weeks by post. Some banks will let you open an account while you wait and add your National Insurance number later. Others will not proceed until you have it. Call the bank's customer service line to ask what they accept.
If you do not have a permanent address, a basic bank account is your best option. Some banks accept a care home address, a hostel address, or a temporary address. A few accept a workplace address or a friend's address if you can provide a letter from that person confirming you live there. Building societies are often more flexible on this than high street banks.
If you have no identity document, you can apply for a provisional driving licence from DVLA, which takes about three weeks. Alternatively, some banks accept a passport card or a biometric residence permit. If you are from outside the UK and do not have these, contact the bank directly — some have specialist teams for non-UK residents.
Timeline and what to expect after approval
Online applications typically take one to seven days from submission to approval. Video verification (if required) happens within 24 to 48 hours of you uploading documents. Branch applications are often approved on the same day. By post takes two to three weeks.
Once approved, your account is open and usable immediately. You can set up direct debits, standing orders, and receive payments into the account before your debit card arrives. Your card and PIN arrive separately by post within five to seven working days — never in the same envelope for security reasons.
Your first statement arrives either by post or online (depending on what you chose during setup) after your first month. Check it carefully for any transactions you do not recognise and report them to the bank within 13 months if you spot fraud.
Special circumstances: non-residents, asylum seekers, and people without credit history
If you are not a UK resident but work in England, you can open an account at most high street banks. You will need a UK address (your workplace, a friend's address, or a temporary rental) and proof of employment or a work visa. Some banks ask for a reference from your employer or a letter from your home country bank.
Asylum seekers can open accounts at Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander. You will need your asylum application number instead of a National Insurance number, and a letter from the Home Office confirming your status. Some branches are more experienced with asylum applications than others — call ahead to find a branch that handles them regularly.
People with no credit history (such as recent arrivals to England or young people opening their first account) are not refused. Banks simply cannot check your credit history because there is none. A basic account or a building society account is often the fastest route because these have simpler checks. After six to twelve months of using the account responsibly, you can upgrade to a standard account with overdraft if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account without a UK address?
Most banks require a UK address, but some accept a temporary address, a workplace address, or a letter from someone confirming you live with them. Basic bank accounts and building societies are more flexible. Call the bank before you apply to ask what they accept for your situation.
How long does it take to get a debit card after opening an account?
Your debit card arrives by post within five to seven working days of approval. Your account is live and usable immediately after approval, so you can receive payments and set up direct debits before the card arrives. Some banks issue a virtual card number on the day of approval so you can spend online straight away.
What if the bank rejects my application?
Banks reject applications for identity verification failures, address verification failures, or sanctions checks. If you are rejected, ask the bank why — they must tell you. You can then apply to a different bank or a building society, which may have different criteria. A basic bank account has simpler checks and is a good next step if a standard account is refused.
Do I need a credit card to open a bank account?
No. A bank account and a credit card are separate products. You open a bank account (current account) to receive salary and pay bills. A credit card is a borrowing product you can apply for later, once your account is open and you have built some credit history.
Can someone else open an account on my behalf?
No. Banks require you to verify your identity yourself, either in person or by video. You cannot send someone else to do it. If you are unable to visit a branch or use video, you can open an account by post, though this takes longer.