Everyday lifeUnited Kingdom

Opening a bank account in the UK

Choose between high street, digital and basic accounts, prepare ID and proof of address, and use Faster Payments and debit cards.

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Overview

A resident in Britain needs a bank account (current account) to receive salary and pay rent and bills. The commonest banks: Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, Halifax and Nationwide (a building society), and digital banks such as Monzo, Starling, Revolut and Wise.

Your account consists of a sort code (a six-digit branch code) and an account number (eight digits), and issues you a debit card, and you pay contactless. There are no monthly fees on most basic accounts. Every legal resident has the right to a basic bank account if he does not meet the requirements of an ordinary account. And you can open an account without a credit history. This guide explains account types, documents, opening procedures, cards and payment, international transfers, protecting your money, fraud, and complaints.

1

Types of accounts

The current account at a traditional bank in a branch or online, and may charge a monthly fee for premium accounts, and is mostly free.

  • The basic bank account has no overdraft and no credit, and is a right for those without an account, and offered by the big banks, and suitable for new migrants.
  • Digital banks (Monzo, Starling and Revolut) are opened with a phone app by photographing the ID and a selfie, and provide budgeting tools and instant alerts.
  • And building societies such as Nationwide offer accounts with good terms.
  • And there are also foreign currency accounts and student accounts with benefits such as an interest-free overdraft.
  • Compare the options on MoneySavingExpert and MoneyHelper, and note any fees on foreign transfers and withdrawals abroad.
2

Required documents and proof of address

You usually need: photo ID (passport, driving licence or eVisa/BRP), proof of address (a utility bill or council letter or rental contract or statement), sometimes an NI number, phone number and email, and proof of immigration status (share code) or a letter from the employer or university.

  • It may seem a problem on new arrival since you do not yet have bills in your name, so ask the landlord for a letter confirming your residence with the contract, or the university for a student letter, or start with a digital account that accepts lighter documents, or a basic account.
  • For refugees and asylum seekers letters from the Home Office or support organisations.
  • If your application is refused ask the reason and use your right to a basic account, and complain to the Financial Ombudsman if necessary.
  • And do not pay any intermediary to open the account.
3

Cards, payments and transfers

You get a debit card (Visa Debit or Mastercard) to pay contactless (up to 100 pounds) or by PIN, and to withdraw from ATMs (often free).

  • You create a standing order for fixed payments such as rent, and a direct debit for variable bills such as energy and council tax, and instant Faster Payments transfer between accounts using the sort code and account number.
  • And you can use Confirmation of Payee to verify the recipient's name.
  • For transfers abroad you use international remittances via the bank (fees and exchange rates) or cheaper services such as Wise, Remitly and Western Union, so compare prices, fees and the exchange rate.
  • And apps for paying between friends are available.
  • And use Apple Pay and Google Pay technology.
  • And for an account without enough balance fees may be charged or payments refused, so monitor your balance.
4

Protecting your money and fraud

Deposits are guaranteed under the FSCS up to 85 thousand pounds per person with the licensed bank (120 thousand from December 2025 according to the change), so there is no need to fear for your savings.

  • And beware of fraud: calls or messages from your bank asking for an OTP code or moving your money to a safe account, or fake delivery messages, or fantasy investment offers, or romance fraud.
  • The real bank does not ask you to move your money or give it your code.
  • End the call and call the bank on 159 (a unified service) or the number on the back of your card.
  • And if an amount is transferred to a fraudster inform the bank at once, since the money may be recovered under the Authorised Push Payment (APP) reimbursement scheme which compensates most victims (up to 85 thousand pounds).
  • And report to Action Fraud.
  • And use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
5

Complaints, switching bank and help

If you have a problem with your bank submit a written complaint via the complaints procedure, and the bank has eight weeks to respond.

  • Then if unsuccessful you have the right to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) free of charge.
  • You can change your bank via the Current Account Switch Service within seven working days with regular payments transferred automatically.
  • And a financial incentive may be offered for switching.
  • For help with debt and budgeting contact MoneyHelper, StepChange or Citizens Advice.
  • And in financial hardship ask the bank about arrangements.
  • And look for a credit union for small loans at low interest.
  • And avoid fast loans (payday loans) and loan sharks.
  • And remember that your credit score is built over time: pay your bills on time and register on the electoral roll.
  • And check your report via Experian, Equifax and TransUnion free of charge.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Compare a high street bank, a digital bank and a basic account.

  2. 2

    Prepare ID, proof of address and the share code.

  3. 3

    Open the account by appointment or via the app.

  4. 4

    Activate the app, alerts and two-factor authentication.

  5. 5

    Give your employer the sort code and account number.

  6. 6

    Compare the cost of transfers to your country.

Documents checklist

  • Passport and eVisa or BRP.
  • Proof of address.
  • NI number.
  • Employer or university letter.
  • Share code to prove status.

Key vocabulary

  • current account
  • sort code
  • account number
  • overdraft
  • standing order
  • direct debit
  • balance
  • statement
  • transfer
  • fraud
  • credit score

Useful phrases

  • I would like to open a current account.
  • What documents do I need?
  • Are there any monthly fees?
  • I have lost my card.
  • I do not recognise this transaction.
  • Can I set up a standing order?

Opening an account at a branch

  • Adviser

    Good morning. How can I help you today?

  • You

    I would like to open a current account, please.

  • Adviser

    Do you have ID and proof of address?

  • You

    Yes, my passport, my eVisa share code and a letter from my landlord.

  • Adviser

    That is fine. There are no monthly fees. You will get a card within a week.

  • You

    Thank you very much.

Common mistakes

  • Giving an OTP code to a caller claiming to be the bank.
  • Not comparing international transfer fees.
  • Relying on the overdraft without calculation.
  • Not telling the bank of a change of address.

Cultural tips

  • Start with a digital account if proof of address is difficult.
  • Set up a standing order for rent.
  • Monitor your balance via the app weekly.
  • Take free advice from MoneyHelper.

Official links

Check yourself

Question 1 of 5

What is a sort code?

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