To open a bank account, you can walk into the branch and enquire about the process or try to open a bank account online. Setting up the account can take a few days, so it may be necessary to keep your current bank account open and use your ATM card until then.
What documents are necessary?
For a bank to grant you an account, they must confirm your identity first. Typically, banks will require certain forms of identification, such as:
Passport
Residence permit issued by the Home Office to EU nationals
National driving licence
You will also need to provide a document that verifies your UK address, such as a council tax or utility bill. However, banks may accept other documents as proof of your UK address, including:
Tenancy agreement (if you have just started to rent a place in the UK and do not have any utility bills)
A letter or pay slip from your employer in the UK confirming your UK address
If you are staying in a hostel you may be able to use their address as a c/o (care of) address
Remember that banks will normally only accept original documents, not copies.
What can I expect from a UK bank account?
There are several types of current accounts on the market, from those that offer basic banking benefits to more sophisticated accounts. The features you get depend on the type of bank account you have.
A standard current account will usually provide:
a debit card
an overdraft facility (subject to approval by the account provider)
a cheque book (this may need to be specifically requested as payment by cheque is becoming less common)
the facility to set up payments by Direct Debit and standing order
You can normally open a standard current account for free and usually there aren’t any monthly charges.
Types of bank accounts
Current accounts: A current account is a useful tool for managing your everyday finances. It allows you to receive regular payments such as wages, benefits, tax credits, or pensions, and to set up outgoing payments in a way that is convenient for you. In the UK, individuals must be at least 16 years old to open a current account, although some banks may require a minimum age of 18. For children under the age of 18, it may be possible to open a current account with the assistance of a parent or guardian.
Basic bank accounts: If you do not have access to a standard bank account, a fee-free basic bank account can be a good option for managing your finances. These types of accounts do not typically offer an overdraft facility, which means you cannot spend more money than you have and accumulate debt.
Savings accounts: If you want to put away some money, you might be interested in savings accounts.
Joint accounts: A joint account is specifically designed to be shared with a partner or housemate. However, before setting up a joint account, it is important to have a clear discussion about how the account will be used. For more detailed information on joint accounts and other types of bank accounts, please consult The Money Advice Service website.