How to Open a UK Bank Account as a New Immigrant
You need a UK bank account for your salary, rent, and bills. But most banks want proof of address. This is hard in your first weeks. App-based banks (Monzo, Starling, Revolut) often take on newcomers with just a passport and a visa. The nine largest personal current account providers must also offer a free basic account to people who can get one. This is for people who live in the UK legally and do not have another UK payment account with those features.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Free (standard accounts)
- Total time:
- 1 day to 2 weeks
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- gov.uk
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 15 min
Understand the two document hurdles
Banks must check your identity. A passport and visa are enough for this. Banks must also check your UK address. This is the hard part. If you have no UK address history, look for banks that accept a tenancy agreement or a letter from your employer. Or start with an app-based bank.
Click to mark as done
- Go 1–3 days
Try an app-based bank first
Monzo, Starling, and Revolut check your identity with a passport photo and a selfie video. Several of them accept people who have just arrived on a visa. Approval can take minutes, or up to a couple of days. These are full UK current accounts with FSCS protection. Check that the account itself has this protection, not just the e-money wallet.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare
Apply for a high-street account once you have an address
Once you have a tenancy agreement or a utility bill, you can apply to Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, or Nationwide. Apply online or in a branch. Bring your passport, your visa or eVisa share code, and proof of your address. Some banks let you book a branch appointment online. Do this if you can, as people without an appointment can wait weeks.
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- Submit & Pay
Ask for a basic account if rejected
If one of the nine largest providers refuses to give you a standard current account, ask about a free basic bank account. The bank must consider people who can get one. A basic account has no overdraft and no fees. But it comes with a full debit card and direct debit facilities. A rejection for credit reasons cannot stop you from getting a basic account.
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- Follow Up
Build your UK financial footprint
Once your account is open, set up your salary payment. Sign up for online banking. Keep the account active. After a few months, your statements will give you a proof-of-address record. This makes renting, getting a phone contract, and switching banks much easier.
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- Receive
Switch later for better deals
After you are settled, you can switch banks. The Current Account Switch Service moves your account to a new bank in 7 working days. It moves all your direct debits too. It is free, and it comes with a guarantee that nothing will break. Many banks pay switch bonuses of £100–£200.
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Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Only applying to high-street banks with no address proof. Proof of UK address is the hard hurdle for newcomers, and most banks want it. If you have no bills yet, start with an app-based bank, or ask your employer or university for a bank letter that confirms your UK address. A tenancy agreement also works at banks that accept it.
Waiting for your National Insurance number. You do not need an NI numberNational Insurance number — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗ to open a bank account. Banks ask for it for tax reporting on interest, but you can open the account without one and add it later. Do not delay, since you need the account for your salary long before your NI number arrives.
Assuming an app account is fully protected. App-based banks check your identity with a passport photo and a selfie video, and several accept people who have just arrived. But check that the account itself has FSCS protection, not just the e-money wallet.
Accepting a rejection as the final answer. If one of the nine largest providers refuses a standard current account, ask about a free basic bank account. The bank must consider people who can get one, and a rejection for credit reasons cannot stop you from getting a basic account, which still comes with a full debit card and direct debit facilities.
Walking into a branch without an appointment. Some banks let you book a branch appointment online. Do this if you can, as people without an appointment can wait weeks. Once you have a tenancy agreement or a utility bill, you can apply online or in a branch with your passport, visa or eVisaUK eVisa — The digital record of UK immigration status, accessed through a UKVI account. Replaces BRPs.Click for official info ↗ share codeUK immigration share code — A 9-character code that proves your UK immigration status to an employer or landlord. Generated online, valid 90 days.Click for official info ↗, and proof of address.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a UK bank account before I arrive?
Some international banks (HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds) let you start an application from abroad. This is only if you already have an account with them in another country. Otherwise, you usually need to be in the UK with your visa. Plan to use cash or a fee-free card in your first weeks.
The bank asked for a "bank letter" for proof of address. What is that?
Some employers and universities give you a letter that confirms your UK address. The letter is made for bank applications. Ask your HR department or your university accommodation office. Banks accept these letters from new arrivals who have no bills yet.
Do I need an NI number to open a bank account?
No. Banks ask for an NI number for tax reporting on interest. But you can open the account without one and add it later. Do not delay opening your account. You need it for your salary long before your NI number arrives.
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