You cannot open a Post Office Savings Account online — you must visit a branch in person
The Post Office does not offer online account opening for savings accounts. You will need to walk into a Post Office branch with your documents and complete the application there. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you can start using your account the same day.
This applies to all Post Office savings products: the Post Office Savings Account, the Post Office Premium Savings Account, and the Post Office Instant Savings Account. Each one requires an in-person visit to open, though you can manage the account online after it is set up.
Key Takeaways
- Post Office savings accounts must be opened in person at a branch; no online opening is available.
- You will need a valid ID, proof of address, and your National Insurance number to open an account.
- The account is active the same day you open it, and you can access it online or by phone once it is set up.
- You can find your nearest Post Office branch and check opening hours on the Post Office website or by calling 03452 66 00 00.
- If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to open an account by post for certain products, though this takes longer.
What documents you need to bring to the Post Office
Bring a valid form of ID — a passport, driving licence, or national ID card. The Post Office will also ask for proof of your current address, such as a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last three months. You will need your National Insurance number as well.
If you do not have a National Insurance number, tell the Post Office staff when you arrive. They can still open the account, but the process takes longer because they will need to contact HMRC to verify your details. This can add one to two weeks before your account is fully activated for online access.
How to find a Post Office branch near you
Use the Post Office branch finder on the Post Office website. Enter your postcode or town name, and it will show you all branches within a few miles, along with their opening hours and services offered. Not every Post Office branch offers all savings products, so check that the branch you plan to visit handles the account type you want.
You can also call 03452 66 00 00 to ask which branches near you can open savings accounts. Some smaller branches handle Post Office services but may not offer all products. Calling ahead takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.
What happens when you arrive at the Post Office
Hand your documents to the staff member at the counter. They will check your ID and proof of address, record your National Insurance number, and ask you basic questions about yourself — your date of birth, employment status, and whether you have other accounts. This is standard anti-money-laundering procedure.
You will then choose how much money to deposit to open the account. Most Post Office savings accounts require a minimum opening deposit of £1, though some products ask for £100 or more. Ask the staff member what the minimum is for the specific account you want. Once you hand over the money and sign the paperwork, your account is open and you can use it immediately.
Setting up online access after you open the account
The Post Office will give you a welcome pack with your account number and initial login details. You can set up online access on the Post Office website using these details. Online access usually works within 24 hours of opening the account, though it can take up to two working days.
Once you are logged in, you can check your balance, view transactions, transfer money between your Post Office accounts, and set up standing orders. You cannot deposit money online — deposits must be made at a Post Office branch, by cheque, or by bank transfer if your account supports it.
Opening an account by post if you cannot visit a branch
Some Post Office savings accounts can be opened by post if you cannot visit in person. You will need to send your completed application form, a photocopy of your ID, and a photocopy of your proof of address to the Post Office address given in the application pack. Do not send original documents.
Opening by post takes four to six weeks because the Post Office has to verify your documents by mail and then send you your account details. Your account will not be active until the Post Office receives and processes everything. This route is slower but available if you are housebound or live far from any branch.
What to do if you do not have all the documents
If you do not have a valid ID, you can ask the Post Office whether they will accept alternative documents. Some branches will accept a bus pass, library card, or other official document if you also bring proof of address. Call 03452 66 00 00 before you visit to ask what the branch near you will accept.
If you do not have proof of address, ask whether the Post Office will accept a letter from your employer, a recent mobile phone bill, or a statement from an online bank. Rules vary slightly between branches, so checking first saves time. If you genuinely cannot get any of these documents, ask whether opening by post is an option — the Post Office may be able to work with you on a case-by-case basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Post Office savings account over the phone?
No. The Post Office requires you to open an account in person at a branch or by post. Phone opening is not available for any Post Office savings product. You can call to ask questions or to find your nearest branch, but you cannot complete the opening itself over the phone.
How much money do I have to put in when I open the account?
The minimum opening deposit varies by product. Most Post Office Savings Accounts need £1, but some accounts ask for £100 or more. Ask the staff member which account you are opening and what the minimum is for that specific product before you hand over money.
Can I open an account for someone else, like a child or elderly relative?
You cannot open an account in someone else's name. The account holder must be present at the Post Office with their own ID and proof of address. For children, a parent or guardian can open a Junior Savings Account, which has different rules — ask the Post Office about this if you are opening for a young person.
What if I lose my login details after I open the account online?
You can reset your password on the Post Office website using your account number and other security details. If you cannot remember your account number, call the Post Office on 03452 66 00 00 and they can help you recover access. You can also visit a branch in person to reset your details.
How long does it take to get my debit card after I open the account?
Post Office savings accounts do not come with debit cards. You can withdraw money at any Post Office branch using your account number, or by bank transfer if your account supports it. If you need a debit card, you will need to open a current account instead, which is a different product.