Opening a bank account

Jakub

It took a few weeks to open an account with a high street bank, which caused issues when my new employer tried to pay my salary. Nowadays, it’s a lot quicker with online banks - a friend opened an account on the same day!

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Scroll down the page to view the next sections: 'Step-by-step guide' and 'Helpful phrases'.

1. Having a UK bank account makes it easier to pay for services and receive a salary

You usually need a bank account to receive income from work or financial support from the government. Most payments such as household bills and rent are also made online. Having a UK bank account makes these monthly tasks easier and cheaper than using a bank card from your country of origin - it saves on international fees!

2. You will need to show key documents to open a UK bank account

Banks have to check that you are actually living in the UK, and have the right to live and work here. As an EU citizen, you do have these rights, and showing a valid identity document will be enough to demonstrate this. You may also be asked to show ‘proof of address’ in a separate document.

See ‘Organising documents & registrations’ for more details

3. Opening an online-only bank account can be easier and quicker than using a high-street bank

Online-only banks tend to have more relaxed rules. For example, Monzo and Starling do not ask for ‘proof of address’, although you must be living in the UK to apply.

You need a smartphone with internet or WiFi connection to apply - it takes a few minutes, and applications are usually processed within a week!

4. If you’re asked for documents you cannot provide, try another bank

Some banks may refuse to accept documents such as your ‘proof of address’. You can either try to show another document that meets their requirements or try another bank! It’s often easier and quicker to apply to an online-only bank as you can do this directly from your phone with WiFi connection.

5. Most cash machines are free to use, no matter who you bank with

For example, you can use a Lloyds bank card to take out money from a Barclays cash machine without paying an additional fee. The few machines that do charge a fee are usually within or outside small shops or stores:

Check the information on the screen before you insert your card!
Look for the ‘Link’ sign on cash machines - it shows that you can use it free of charge

6. Use a Contactless bank card to make quicker payments

Most bank cards issued by online and high-street banks are ‘Contactless’. This means you can pay for public transport and purchases of £45 or less by touching your card on a reader. It’s safer and quicker than carrying and paying in cash.

If your card doesn’t have the ‘Contactless’ symbol, ask your bank to issue a card with this function

Step 1: Select a bank
All banks offer basic accounts to store money, make payments and use a bank card:
- Full-service bank - you can visit them locally and access some services online e.g. HSBC, Barclays
- Online-only bank - all communication with the bank is online or by phone. It’s quick to apply and open an account. The most popular are Monzo & Starling.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
Check ‘Organising documents & registrations’ and the bank’s website for details of what you will need:
- Online-only bank - a ‘proof of identity’ (passport, national identity card or full EU photocard driving licence)
- Full-service bank - a ‘proof of identity’ and at least one document that shows ‘proof of address’ (e.g. a rent or household bill)
Step 3: Make an application
Show your documents and complete a form to provide basic details such as your name and date of birth:
- Online-only bank - download their app and follow the instructions.
- Full-service bank - you usually need to make an appointment. They will help you choose the account type, take copies of your documents, and complete a form with you.
Step 4: Pass a credit check and have your application processed

Banks have to carry out checks to make sure they can open an account for you. This includes confirming your identity and understanding your ‘credit score’ (a measure of trust that you can manage your money well). Don’t worry if you are new to the UK - they should be able to open an account for you.
Step 5: Receive your account details and bank card

Online-only bank - applications should be processed within a week. You will get an app notification once your account is open. Your bank card should arrive by post within a few days.

Full-service bank - applications should be processed within a couple of weeks. You will get a letter by post enclosing your account details.
Step 6: Reach out if you need help

Some banks may refuse to accept documents such as your ‘proof of address’. You can either try to show another document that meets their requirements or try another bank e.g. an online-only bank!

If you need help, get in touch with organisations such as ‘Connected Communities’. Read more in ‘Other local help & support’.

Opening a bank account

Jakub

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Key information

1. Having a UK bank account makes it easier to pay for services and receive a salary

2. You will need to show key documents to open a UK bank account

3. Opening an online-only bank account can be easier and quicker than using a high-street bank

4. If you’re asked for documents you cannot provide, try another bank

5. Most cash machines are free to use, no matter who you bank with

6. Use a Contactless bank card to make quicker payments

Step-by-step guide

Opening a bank account

Step 1: Select a bank

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Step 3: Make an application

Step 4: Pass a credit check and have your application processed

Step 5: Receive your account details and bank card

Step 6: Reach out if you need help

Helpful phrases

At the bank - request to open a bank account

At the bank - Asking someone for help to apply for a bank account

Asking for written details of the ‘proof of identity’ and address