What you need before you start
To open a bank account in the UK, you will need proof of identity, proof of address, and a National Insurance number. Most banks require a passport or photocard driving licence for identity. For proof of address, a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or tenancy agreement dated within the last three months works. If you do not have these documents yet, you will need to sort them first — banks will not open an account without them.
Some banks also ask about your employment status or reason for opening the account. This is standard practice and does not affect your chances. Have your National Insurance number ready when you apply; if you do not have one yet, you can contact HMRC to request one, though this can take several weeks.
If you are under 18, the process is different. Most high street banks offer junior accounts that require a parent or guardian to co-sign. The adult will need to provide their own identity and address proof alongside yours.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid passport or photocard driving licence, a recent utility or council tax bill, and your National Insurance number before any bank will open an account for you.
- Most high street banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander) process applications online or in branch within one to two weeks.
- If you have no address history or are newly arrived in the UK, specialist banks like Wise or Revolut may open accounts faster, though they offer fewer services than traditional banks.
- Once your account is open, you can request a debit card, set up standing orders, and receive your sort code and account number for receiving payments.
Opening an account at a high street bank
The five largest high street banks in the UK are Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Santander. All of them let you start the process online or in a branch. If you apply online, you will upload photos of your identity and address documents, answer questions about your employment and income, and receive a decision within one to two weeks. If you go in branch, staff can check your documents on the spot and often give you a decision the same day, though you may still wait a few days for the account to activate.
Each bank offers different account types. A basic current account is the standard option and usually free. Some banks offer accounts with cashback, travel insurance, or overdraft facilities, but these often come with monthly fees or higher income requirements. Start with a basic account unless you specifically need the extras.
Once approved, the bank will send you a debit card by post (usually within five to ten working days), a PIN by separate post, and your sort code and account number by letter. You can use your account number and sort code to receive payments before the card arrives.
Opening an account if you have no UK address history
If you have just moved to the UK or have no previous address on file, high street banks may ask for additional documents or refuse to open an account. This is because they cannot verify your address through standard checks. In this situation, you have two options: wait until you have three months of address history (a tenancy agreement counts), or use a specialist bank.
Wise and Revolut are digital banks that open accounts for people with limited UK history. Both let you open an account entirely on your phone using your passport and a video call. Wise is particularly useful if you need to send money internationally; Revolut offers multi-currency accounts. Neither offers a full range of services like overdrafts or mortgages, but both work for everyday spending and receiving wages.
If you are waiting for three months of address history to pass, you can ask your landlord or letting agent for a letter confirming your tenancy. Some banks will accept this alongside your tenancy agreement to speed up the process.
What happens after you apply
Once you submit your application, the bank runs checks with Experian or Equifax (credit reference agencies) and with the Electoral Register. These checks do not affect your credit score. The bank is looking for signs of fraud or money laundering, not your creditworthiness. If you have never lived in the UK before, these checks may take longer.
If the bank needs more information, they will contact you by phone or email. Respond quickly — delays here can push your opening date back by weeks. If your application is refused, the bank must tell you why. Common reasons are: no verifiable address, a mismatch between your documents and their records, or a previous account closure due to fraud or misconduct.
Once approved, your account is usually active within one to three working days. You can log into online banking immediately, though you may not be able to spend money until your debit card arrives.
Setting up your first payments and transfers
When your account is open, you will receive your sort code and account number. You can give these to your employer, benefits office, or anyone else who needs to pay you money. Payments into your account usually arrive within one working day if sent before 3 p.m., or the next working day if sent after.
To send money out, you can use online banking, a mobile app, or visit a branch. For regular payments (like rent or a subscription), set up a standing order through your bank's app or website. For one-off payments, use a bank transfer. Both are free. If you need to send money abroad, ask your bank about their international transfer service — fees and exchange rates vary widely between banks.
Your debit card will arrive with a PIN sent separately. Change this PIN as soon as you receive it. You can then use the card to withdraw cash at any ATM, pay in shops, and pay online.
Accounts for self-employed people and businesses
If you are self-employed or running a business, you will need a business bank account, not a personal account. High street banks offer these, but they require additional documents: proof of business registration (Companies House documents or a sole trader tax reference), business insurance, and sometimes a business plan.
Opening a business account takes longer than a personal account — usually two to four weeks. Some banks charge monthly fees for business accounts; others charge per transaction. Compare the options before applying. Starling Bank and Tide offer business accounts specifically designed for small businesses and self-employed people, with lower fees and faster opening times than high street banks.
What to do if your application is refused
If a bank refuses to open an account for you, ask them in writing why. They must provide a reason. Common reasons are: no verifiable address, a previous account closure, or a mismatch in your identity documents. If the reason is a data error (your name spelled differently, an old address still on file), contact the bank and ask them to correct it, then reapply.
If you have been refused by multiple banks, you may be on a fraud or money laundering register. You can check this by contacting the National Financial Crime Bureau or asking your local Citizens Advice Bureau for help. If you have a genuine reason for being on a register (for example, you were a victim of fraud), you can ask to be removed.
If you are still unable to open a standard account, a basic bank account may be available. These are designed for people with poor credit history or previous banking problems. They offer fewer features (no overdraft, no cheque book) but work for everyday spending and receiving wages. Ask your bank whether they offer one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a bank account in the UK?
Online applications usually take one to two weeks from submission to account activation. In-branch applications can be faster — you may get a decision the same day, though the account still needs one to three working days to activate. Digital banks like Wise can open an account in hours.
Can I open a bank account without a National Insurance number?
Most high street banks require a National Insurance number. If you do not have one, contact HMRC to request one — this can take several weeks. In the meantime, digital banks like Revolut may open an account using your passport alone, though you will eventually need an NI number to receive wages or benefits.
What if my address proof is older than three months?
Most banks will not accept address proof older than three months. If your documents are outdated, contact your utility company, council, or landlord and ask for a new letter or bill dated recently. A tenancy agreement does not have an expiry date, so that can be used even if it is old.
Do I need to visit a branch to open an account?
No. All major UK banks let you open an account online. You upload photos of your documents and answer questions through their app or website. A branch visit is optional and usually only speeds up the process if you want a decision the same day.
Can I open a bank account if I am not a UK citizen?
Yes, but you will need a valid passport and proof of UK address. If you have just arrived and have no address history, use a digital bank like Wise or Revolut. Once you have been in the UK for three months, high street banks will open an account for you.