What are the requirements to open a bank account?

Have your information handy to make the application process run smoothly.

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Tim Falk

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The requirements to open a bank account vary from bank to bank, but you’ll generally need to provide your personal information and to verify your identity and address.

What information do I need to open a bank account?

If you’re already a customer with a bank, it will already have your personal information on file and you likely won’t need to supply any extra details unless you’re setting up a business or a children’s account. However, if you’ve never had an account with that particular bank before, you’ll need to provide:

  • Personal details. Including your gender, full name, date of birth and residential address.
  • Contact details. The bank will need your phone number and email address.
  • Photo ID. You’ll need a passport or driving licence to prove your identity.
  • Proof of address. Some banks will also ask you to provide a recent utility bill or tax document so they can check your address.

If you’re opening a joint account, you’ll need to provide the above information for all account holders.

How to apply for a bank account

There are several ways to apply. You can:

  • Apply online. You can open an account online by filling out an application on the bank’s website or, if you’re already a customer with the bank, through your online account.
  • Apply on the app. Many banks let you apply for a new account by following the prompts through their mobile app.
  • Apply by phone. Some will let you open a new account over the phone. You may be required to verify your identity online, by post or in person.
  • Apply in person. You can visit your nearest bank branch to apply for an account in person.
  • Apply by switching. If the new bank you want to join is part of the Current Account Switch Service, it will do the leg work for you by closing your old account, moving your balance and switching all your payments.

Bank and e-money accounts you can open online

Revolut Standard

Revolut Standard

8.9 Great
Minimum opening balance£0
Account fees£0
Interest (AER)0% AER
See dealRead review

Opening an account with Revolut is quick and easy via the app. You’ll usually need to provide proof of ID, such as a passport, national ID card or driving licence, as well as proof of address, such as a utility bill, rental agreement or bank statement from your current address. If you’re not a UK resident, you might need documents like a letter from your employer or university, or your visa details. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your card a few days later. The standard account has no monthly fee and you can benefit from airport lounge access and ‘RevPoints’ that can be turned into perks like air miles.

Monzo Current Account

Monzo Current Account

9.3 Excellent
Minimum opening balance£0
Account fees£0
Interest (AER)0% AER
Go to site Read review

You must be at least 16 years old to open a Monzo account. Simply download the app, fill in your details and provide the necessary documents. You’ll need to upload a photo of your ID such as passport, driving licence, national ID card or biometric residency permit, and then take a selfie video so your ID can be verified. The whole process should take no more than 10 minutes. Monzo’s free account offers fee-free spending abroad and the option to set up separate pots to keep money for bills or holidays separate from the rest of your balance. Your money is also protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

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

Chase Current Account

Chase Current Account

7.9 Great
Account fees£0
Interest (AER)0% AER
Go to site

To open an account with Chase, you’ll need a valid photo ID such as a passport, UK driving licence or EU national ID card. You’ll need to upload a photo of this as part of the application process and then take a selfie video so your ID can be verified. You must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident. There’s no monthly fee for the account, and you can earn cashback on certain purchases and take advantage of a linked savings account. Other benefits include fee-free spending abroad and FSCS protection.

Starling Current Account

Starling Current Account

9.8 Excellent
Account fees£0
Interest (AER)0% AER
Go to site Read review

You can apply for a Starling bank account online in minutes. You’ll need to provide some personal details and upload a photo of your ID. This could be a passport or driving licence. You’ll also need to take a video selfie. Once your account has been verified, you’ll be sent a notification and your account will be up and running. There’s no monthly fee for the account and you'll be able to take advantage of fee-free spending abroad, plus instant notifications and categorised spending insights to help you track your spending and budget better. An overdraft is also available.

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

Eligibility criteria

Before you apply for a bank account, you’ll need to make sure you meet any eligibility criteria that apply. These will vary depending on the type of account you’d like to open, but can include:

  • Age requirements. You’ll usually need to be at least 18 years of age to open an account by yourself, although some banks accept applicants from the age of 16.
  • Residency requirements. You’ll typically need to be a UK resident to open an account, but in some cases it is possible to open an account from overseas.
  • Deposit requirements. Some accounts require a minimum deposit in order to open an account.

Other criteria may apply, so it’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions before beginning an application.

What ID do I need to set up a bank account?

The exact ID requirements can differ slightly between banks, so it’s worth checking with your financial institution for their guidelines on acceptable forms of ID. However, you’ll generally need to supply some form of photo ID, such as a driver’s licence or passport. Some banks may also require you to submit proof of address, like a utility bill.

How can I provide photo ID?

Some banks allow you to verify your ID online. You’ll need to have your ID handy when applying for an account online and then follow the on-screen prompts to photograph your ID. Other banks, however, may require you to bring your ID to the nearest branch, or to provide a certified copy of your documents by post.

Bottom line

Opening a new bank account is a relatively simple process, but it’s a good idea to have all your personal documents handy to make sure the process runs smoothly. And to get the best bank account for your needs, compare savings accounts and current accounts before getting started.

Frequently asked questions

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Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 20-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio

Tim's expertise
Tim has written 10 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Banking
  • Personal Loans
  • Car Loans
  • Stock Trading
  • Cryptocurrency
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