Easiest and quickest bank accounts to open

Your bank account could be up and running the same day.

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By

Rachel Wait

Updated

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Gone are the days of making an appointment at your local bank branch to open a new bank account. Thanks to the rise of challenger banks – which has prompted high street providers to keep up – it’s become quick and easy to open a bank account online, and in some cases your account can be up and running the same day.

Of course, banks still need to verify you are who you say you are before you can open an account. But rather than trudging into your local bank branch armed with your passport and latest utility bill, you can often simply take a photo of your ID and a selfie video and send that in from the comfort of your own home.

Quickest banking apps and accounts to open

Revolut Standard

Revolut Standard

8.9 Great
Minimum opening balance£0
Account fees£0
Interest (AER)0% AER
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You can open an account with Revolut in just a few minutes. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and then enter your phone number and create a 4-digit passcode for your account. Once you've received your code to verify your account, you'll be asked to provide some personal details, such as your name, date of birth, current address, mobile number, and email address. You'll also need to upload a photo of your passport or ID card, as well as a selfie, to verify your identity. There are 5 different Revolut plans to choose from, one of which has no monthly fee.

Monzo Current Account

Monzo Current Account

9.3 Excellent
Minimum opening balance£0
Account fees£0
Interest (AER)0% AER
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To open an account with Monzo, download the Monzo app on either iOS or Android and then provide personal details such as your home address, email address and phone number, as well as what you do for a living. You'll need to take a photo of your ID, such as a passport, and take a video selfie so your identity can be verified. Monzo says this process should take no longer than 10 minutes and your account will then be up and running. There are 4 Monzo plans to choose from, one of which has no monthly fee. Your money will be protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Representative example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged interest at 39% EAR variable.

TSB Spend & Save Plus

TSB Spend & Save Plus

9.8 Excellent
Minimum opening balance£0
Account fees£3 per month
Interest (AER)0% AER
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Earn up to £60 cashback annually - ongoing £5 cashback every month with 20 debit card payments per calendar month (excludes cash withdrawals).

You can open your TSB Spend and Save account in around 15 minutes. You'll need to provide some personal details and contact information, and provide a valid passport or driving licence to confirm your age and identity. You must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident to apply. It's also possible to apply in branch or over the phone, but you'll need to make an appointment first so this will take longer. The account has no monthly fee and you can earn £5 cashback every month you make at least 20 debit card payments, for 6 months.

Representative example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged interest at 39.9% EAR variable. Account fee of £3 per month.

NatWest Select Account

NatWest Select Account

9 Excellent
Minimum opening balance£0.01
Account fees£0
Interest (AER)0% AER
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£200 switch reward.

To open this account from NatWest, you need to fill in the online application form, providing details about yourself. You will usually need to upload a photo of your ID and a selfie so that your identity can be verified. You may also be asked for proof of address. Once this has been confirmed, your account will be up and running. There's no monthly fee for holding the account and you can apply for an arranged overdraft. The app lets you set up savings goals, receive instant notifications and track your spending. You can also save your spare change through the Round Ups feature.

Representative example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged interest at 39.49% EAR variable.

Royal Bank of Scotland Select Account

Royal Bank of Scotland Select Account

8.4 Great
Account fees£0
Interest (AER)0% AER
See dealRead review
£200 switch reward.

You can open this everyday account from RBS by filling in the online application form, providing details such as your name, address and where you work. You'll also need to provide proof of ID and address - you may be sent an email to help you do this online. Once this is completed, your account will be up and running and you'll receive your debit card in the post. You can then manage your account through digital banking or the app to bank on the go. You may be able to arrange an overdraft on the account.

Representative example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged interest at 39.49% EAR variable.

Starling Current Account

Starling Current Account

9.8 Excellent
Account fees£0
Interest (AER)0% AER
See dealRead review

It only takes 5 to 10 minutes to apply for an account with Starling. Simply download the app from Google Play or the App Store and then provide some personal details and upload a photo of your ID. You'll also need to take a video selfie so your account can be verified. Once this is done, you'll be sent a notification to say your account is up and running, and your debit card should be with you within 5 to 7 days. There's no monthly fee for the account and you'll be able to enjoy fee-free spending abroad, plus instant notifications and categorised spending insights to help you track your spending and budget better

Representative example: If you use an arranged overdraft of £1,200, you'll be charged interest at 15% EAR variable.

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Our expert says: Kate Steere explains what else to look for in a banking app

"A bank account that is easy to set up is definitely a plus, but remember to look beyond the first few minutes and consider what you’ll be getting from your account once it’s up and running.

The good news is that the quickest banking apps to open are often the exact same ones offering innovative money management features and boasting happy users. For instance, in Finder’s 2026 customer satisfaction survey, both Revolut and Starling achieved a stellar 97% recommendation rate from their customers."

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Editor

Bottom line

A whole host of banks have made it easier and quicker to open your bank account online, making it great for customer choice. All you need to do is compare the other banking features available to see what best matches your requirements and your account could be ready to use on the same day.

Our “Best for” picks highlight top options in specific categories based on our independent evaluation (see our full methodology), while “Promoted” tags indicate sponsored placements. Selected products may not suit everyone. We track selected market offers, which may not cover every product. Products are listed in no particular order unless specified, and inclusion or ordering may be influenced by popularity or commercial agreements. Most comparison table data is provided by Defaqto or sourced directly from providers. Always evaluate your own circumstances and consider independent advice before making major financial decisions.
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Rachel Wait is a freelance journalist and has been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering everything from insurance to mortgages. She has written for a range of personal finance websites and national newspapers, including The Observer, The Mail on Sunday, The Sun and the Evening Standard. Rachel is a keen baker in her spare time. See full bio

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