What you need before you start

Opening a UK bank account from the US is possible, but most UK banks will not let you do it entirely online. You will need to prove your identity, your address, and your reason for wanting the account — and most banks want to see these documents in person or through a video call with a real person, not just uploaded files.

The core requirement is a valid passport (US or UK), proof of your current US address (a utility bill, bank statement, or lease dated within the last three months), and proof that you have a connection to the UK — either a UK address, a job offer from a UK employer, or a letter from a UK institution. Some banks also ask why you want the account, so having a clear reason ready (moving to the UK, managing UK property, receiving UK income) makes the process faster.

Timing matters. If you are moving to the UK, open the account before you arrive. If you are already in the US and need UK banking for ongoing reasons, expect the process to take four to eight weeks from start to approval, depending on the bank and how quickly you return documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Most UK banks require a video call or in-person appointment to verify your identity, even if you apply online; a few allow US residents to open accounts by post with certified documents.
  • You will need a valid passport, proof of your US address (utility bill or bank statement from the last three months), and proof of a UK connection such as a UK address, job offer, or property ownership.
  • Banks that accept US residents include Wise, Revolut, and some traditional banks like HSBC and Barclays if you have an existing relationship or a job offer; check their website for current US residency rules before applying.
  • The process typically takes four to eight weeks from application to account opening, so apply well before you need the account to be active.
  • Once approved, you can fund the account from the US using a wire transfer or a service like Wise, though wire fees and exchange rates vary by bank.

Which UK banks accept US residents

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is the easiest route for most US residents. It is not a traditional bank, but a money transfer and multi-currency account service. You can open a Wise account entirely online from the US, and it takes about 10 minutes. Wise gives you a UK bank account number and sort code, which you can use to receive UK payments, hold multiple currencies, and send money internationally at mid-market exchange rates. The catch: Wise is not a full bank account, so you cannot get a debit card for UK shops (though you can get a card for online use), and some UK services that require a traditional bank account will not accept it.

Revolut is another fintech option. You can open a Revolut account online from the US in about 15 minutes using your passport. Like Wise, it is not a traditional bank, but it gives you a UK sort code and account number, a debit card, and multi-currency features. Revolut has more features than Wise (budgeting tools, cryptocurrency, insurance products), but it also has more restrictions on US residents — Revolut does not allow US citizens to hold certain features, so check their current policy before signing up.

HSBC and Barclays are traditional banks that sometimes open accounts for US residents, but only if you meet specific conditions: you already have an account with them in the US, you have a job offer from a UK employer, or you are moving to the UK and can provide proof. Contact their US branches directly to ask about their current policy for US residents opening UK accounts. If you may have access to, the process involves a video call and takes six to eight weeks.

Santander UK and Nationwide generally do not open accounts for people living in the US, though they may make exceptions for people with UK job offers or existing relationships. Call their customer service line to confirm before applying.

Documents you will need to gather

Start collecting these before you apply, because delays in sending documents are the main reason applications stall.

Proof of identity: A valid US passport is the standard. A US driver's license alone is not enough for most UK banks. If you have a UK passport, that is even better — bring both if you have them.

Proof of US address: A utility bill (electric, gas, water), a bank statement, or a lease agreement, all dated within the last three months. The document must show your full name and current address. If you are moving and your lease is ending, bring the lease plus a utility bill or bank statement from the same address.

Proof of UK connection: This is where the rules vary most by bank. Options include: a UK address (a lease, mortgage statement, or council tax bill); a job offer letter from a UK employer on company letterhead with a start date; a letter from a UK university, school, or employer confirming your enrollment or employment; or proof of UK property ownership (a mortgage statement or property deed). If you have none of these, some banks will accept a letter from a UK friend or family member confirming you will be staying with them, though this is weaker and may slow approval.

For fintech accounts (Wise, Revolut): Usually just your passport and proof of address. The process is faster because they do not require proof of a UK connection.

The application process step by step

For Wise or Revolut: Go to their website or app, enter your email, upload a photo of your passport, upload proof of your US address, and verify your phone number. Both will ask you to take a selfie to confirm you are the person in the passport. Once verified (usually within a few hours), your account is open and you have a UK sort code and account number.

For traditional banks (HSBC, Barclays, Santander): Start by calling their customer service line or visiting their website to confirm they accept US residents. If they do, they will either send you an application form by post or direct you to apply online. You will upload or post certified copies of your documents (your bank or a notary can certify them). The bank will then contact you to schedule a video call, usually within one to two weeks. During the call, a representative will ask you to confirm your identity, show your documents on camera, and explain why you want the account. After the call, approval typically takes two to four more weeks.

Certified copies: If the bank asks for certified documents, you do not need to go to a UK notary. A US notary public can certify copies of your passport and address proof. Many banks and post offices offer notary services for $5 to $15 per document. Some UK banks will also accept certified copies from your US bank.

How to fund your account from the US

Once your account is open, you will have a UK sort code and account number. You can fund it using a wire transfer from your US bank, though this usually costs $15 to $50 and takes three to five business days. The exchange rate your US bank applies may not be the best available.

Wise offers a cheaper alternative if you are using Wise itself: you can link your US bank account and transfer money at mid-market rates with a small fee (usually 0.41% to 0.71% depending on the amount). If you are funding a different UK bank account, Wise can send the money to that account's sort code and account number, and Wise will handle the conversion.

Revolut works similarly — you can link your US bank account and transfer money to your Revolut account at competitive rates, then transfer from Revolut to another UK bank if needed.

For traditional banks: Ask your bank what funding methods they accept from the US. Most accept wire transfers. Some also accept transfers from Wise or Revolut, which may be cheaper than a direct wire.

What to do if you are denied

If a bank rejects your application, ask them why. Common reasons are: you could not prove a UK connection, your address proof was outdated, or the bank does not currently accept US residents. If the reason is a missing document, you can usually reapply once you have it.

If multiple banks reject you, consider using Wise or Revolut instead. Both are easier to open from the US and serve most of the same purposes as a traditional bank account — receiving UK payments, holding UK currency, and making UK transfers. The main limitation is that some UK services (landlords, employers, government agencies) may not accept fintech accounts, so check whether your specific need requires a traditional bank.

If you are moving to the UK, you can also wait until you arrive and open an account in person. Most banks will open an account for you on the same day if you walk in with your passport and proof of UK address. This is often faster than applying from the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a UK bank account if I am a US citizen but do not live in the US?

Yes, the process is the same. You will need proof of your current address (wherever you are living), a valid passport, and proof of a UK connection. The bank cares about where you live now, not your citizenship.

Do I need a UK phone number to open an account?

No. You can use your US phone number. Both traditional banks and fintech services will send verification codes to whatever number you provide during signup.

How long does it take to get a debit card once my account is open?

For Wise and Revolut, you can usually order a card immediately after your account opens, and it arrives in seven to ten business days. For traditional banks, ask when you open the account — some send a card automatically within one to two weeks, while others require you to request it separately.

Can I use my UK account to pay UK bills if I am still living in the US?

Yes. Once your account is open and funded, you can set up standing orders and direct debits to pay UK bills (rent, council tax, utilities) from the US. You do not need to be physically present in the UK.

What happens if I move to the UK after opening my account from the US?

Nothing changes automatically. Once you move, update your address with the bank by logging into your online account or calling customer service. Some banks may ask for proof of your new UK address (a lease or council tax bill). Your account will continue to work normally.