How to Open a Bank Account in the UK: What You Need and What to Expect

To open a bank account in the UK, you’ll need a photo ID and proof of address. Most banks let you apply entirely online through your phone, with your account active the same day. Some digital banks, like Zopa, need even less documentation – making it one of the more painless things on your UK to-do list.

Whether you’re setting things up before you arrive, sorting it out in your first week, or simply switching to something better, here’s everything you need to know.

Key takeaways 

• Most UK bank accounts can be opened online in under 15 minutes with a smartphone. You can open a Biscuit account with Zopa in minutes on our app. 

• You’ll typically need photo ID and proof of address – though some digital banks are more flexible. 

• Basic bank accounts are available to almost everyone, including those with limited documentation. 

• Digital banks tend to have the simplest application processes; high street banks offer more in-person support. 

• If you’re new to the UK or unsure where to start, reading about your options on a trusted resource like MoneyHelper can help you make a confident choice. 

What is a bank account and why do you need one?

A bank account is held with a bank or building society. It lets you receive money, make payments, and manage your day-to-day finances. In the UK, having a current account is essentially a necessity – most employers pay salary directly into a bank account, and you pay bills by Direct Debit.  

If you’re new to the UK, a bank account is one of the first things worth getting in order: without one, everyday life becomes noticeably more complicated. Accessing your wages, paying rent, or just buying something in a shop (more and more places have stopped accepting cash) all become much harder without one. 

Types of bank accounts in the UK

Before you open an account, it helps to know the main types available: 

• Current accounts: The standard day-to-day bank account for receiving salary and paying bills. At Zopa, our current account is called Biscuit.  

• Basic bank accounts: A stripped-back account for people with a bad credit score who don’t qualify for a standard account. No overdraft, but you can make and receive payments. 

• Savings accounts: Separate from your current account, designed for putting money aside. 

• Student accounts: Designed for university students, often with interest-free overdraft buffers. 

• Joint accounts: Shared accounts for anyone managing joint expenses. 

What documents you’ll need to open a bank account

Most UK banks require you to prove who you are and where you live. The exact documents they accept vary, but there are common options that almost all providers recognise. 

Proof of identity requirements

You’ll generally need one of the following to prove your identity: 

• Valid passport (UK or international) 

• UK driving licence (full or provisional) 

• National Identity Card (for EEA nationals) 

• Biometric Residence Permit (for non-EEA nationals with leave to remain) 

If you’re applying online, you can usually take a photo of your ID using your phone. Some banks use video verification instead. 

Proof of address documents

You’ll also typically need to confirm your address. Accepted documents usually include: 

• Utility bill (gas, electricity, water)  

• Council tax bill for the current year 

• Bank or building society statement  

• HMRC correspondence  

If you’ve recently moved and don’t yet have utility bills in your name, a tenancy agreement or a letter from your employer on headed paper may be accepted. Some banks are flexible here, particularly for students or those who have recently moved to the UK. 

Additional requirements for non-UK residents

If you’re new to the UK – or arriving soon and you want to get ahead – opening a bank account is very much doable, even before you’ve fully settled in.  

Digital banks like Zopa are generally the most straightforward option here, as many tend to be more accommodating to people who don’t yet have a full UK address history or the usual utility bills to prove where they live. If you want to open a Biscuit account with Zopa, you will need to be a UK tax resident with no US citizenship. 

You may be asked for additional documents such as a visa, biometric residence permit, or proof of employment or study in the UK. Some banks also accept a letter from your employer or university confirming your address. 

For detailed information on your rights and options, the Citizens Advice banking guidance is a useful resource. 

How to Open a Bank Account Online (Step-by-Step)

For most people, opening an account online is the quickest and easiest route. Here’s how the process typically works: 

Step 1: Choose your bank and account type 

Decide what you need before you start. Are you looking for a fee-free everyday account, one with cashback rewards, or one the gives you access to a credit card too? Use a comparison site, like MoneySuperMarket, Compare the Market, or MoneySavingExpert, and check individual bank websites to narrow down your options. 

Step 2: Prepare your documents 

Have your identity document and proof of address to hand before you start. You’ll also need your National Insurance number for most applications (though not all banks require this upfront). Most online applications ask you to take a photo of your ID with your phone, so make sure your documents are current and clearly legible. 

Step 3: Complete the online application 

Fill in your personal details and read each step of the application carefully – some banks have additional eligibility criteria or optional add-ons you’ll want to make an informed choice about, so allow time to do a little extra research. 

Step 4: Verify your identity 

Most banks, including Zopa, now verify your identity digitally, using your phoneto photograph your ID and take a selfie for comparison. Some use live video verification, where you briefly speak to a member of staff or an automated system. Others may ask you to visit a branch for final check. 

Step 5: Set up your account features 

Once approved, you’ll typically receive your account details within minutes. Your debit card will arrive in the post within a few working days. Set up any regular payments, Direct Debits, or savings features you need through the app or online banking portal. 

Opening a bank account in branch: what to expect

Need support with the process or just prefer face-to-face conversations? While online applications are quicker, some people prefer to open an account in person.  

Preparing for your appointment

Some banks allow walk-ins for account opening; others prefer you to book an appointment in advance. Bring your identity documents and proof of address – the same as you’d need for an online application. 

It’s worth having a clear idea of what type of account you want before you go, as bank staff may try to upsell packaged accounts. There’s nothing wrong with these, but it helps to know in advance what you’re looking for. 

What happens during the appointment

A member of staff will take you through an application form, verify your documents, and ask a few questions about your financial situation – mainly to confirm your identity and assess your overdraft eligibility. The whole process usually takes 30–45 minutes. 

Your account details will often be available immediately, though your debit card will arrive in the post. Some banks can provide a temporary card or arrange for your card to be ready sooner if you need it urgently. 

How long does it take to open a bank account?

 Times vary between banks and depend on how quickly your identity can be verified. If you’re opening a Biscuit account with Zopa, it only takes a few minutes on our app. 

If your application requires a manual review – which can happen if your documents are unclear or your identity can’t be confirmed automatically – it may take longer. 

Which banks are easiest to open an account with?

Some banks have simpler application processes than others. Here’s a general guide: 

Digital and challenger banks 

Digital and challenger banks – including Monzo, Starling, Chase, and Zopa – have optimised their account opening processes for speed. Applications are typically completed through an app in minutes, with identity verification handled entirely digitally.  

Digital and challenger banks tend to be more flexible on the types of ID they accept, which can be particularly helpful if you’re new to the country or don’t yet have a full UK address history. These are often the easiest accounts to open. 

High street banks 

Legacy banks like Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, and HSBC offer well-tested online applications, but their verification processes can be more rigorous. They’re reliable and have lots of branches if you need in-person support. 

Can you open a bank account without photo ID?

Under FCA Know Your Customer (KYC) rules, banks are required to verify the identity of every customer. For most people, this means a passport or driving licence. But if you don’t have traditional photo ID, you’re not necessarily out of options. 

Basic bank accounts are designed to be accessible to people who may not have standard documentation. These accounts accept a wider range of identity documents, including letters from government departments or local authority housing letters. 

If you’re struggling to open an account, MoneyHelper provides impartial guidance on your options and rights when it comes to accessing banking services. 

Ready to get started? 

Biscuit is Zopa’s current account – no monthly fee, no hidden charges, and you can apply entirely from your phone in minutes. You even get interest on your balance and cashback on Direct Debits. Whether you’ve just arrived in the UK or you’re simply looking for something better, it’s a straightforward place to start. Heads up that you must be a UK resident to get Biscuit and only have tax residency in the UK and can't be a United States citizen.