{"id":556253,"date":"2025-03-17T14:54:45","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T14:54:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?p=556253"},"modified":"2026-03-23T15:46:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T15:46:04","slug":"opening-a-gbp-bank-account","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/business-banking\/opening-a-gbp-bank-account","title":{"rendered":"Opening a GBP bank account"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve recently moved to the UK or you\u2019re setting up a business here, you might be looking to open a bank account to manage your expenses and\/or receive your wages in GBP. <\/p>

If so, there are various options to explore, as this guide explains. <\/p>

How to open a consumer bank account where you can deposit GBP<\/h3>

If you\u2019ve recently arrived, or are soon to arrive in the UK, it can be worth opening a GBP bank account as soon as possible. Doing so means you can provide your employer with your bank account details straight away, so there are no delays receiving your salary. Opening a GBP account also means you\u2019ll pay lower fees when withdrawing cash in the UK, and when making payments to local accounts. <\/p>

Depending on the provider, you may be able to open a bank account online before or after you come over to the UK, or on the phone or in branch once you\u2019ve arrived. <\/p>

If you open an account in branch, you\u2019ll need to bring with you a valid form of ID<\/a>, such as a passport or national ID card. Many high street banks will also ask for proof of your address in the UK, such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement. <\/p>

If you\u2019ll struggle to provide proof of address, some of the high street banks, such as Lloyds, HSBC and Barclays, have international arms which means you can open selected accounts as a non-UK resident. You can often start your application online in your home country and then complete your application in branch once you arrive in the UK.<\/p>

The downside is many of these accounts have strict qualifying criteria. This can include having several thousand pounds saved or invested with the bank or meeting a minimum income requirement. <\/p>

Another option is to open your account online with a digital provider. You can usually do this via their app and you will need to provide a few personal details, as well as take a photo of your ID and upload this along with a selfie video. <\/p>

Not all digital providers require proof of address<\/a> \u2013 though you may still be asked for a UK address so that you can receive your bank card. In some cases, you may need to provide your visa details or proof of employment in the UK, or a letter from the university you\u2019re attending if you\u2019re a student.<\/p>

Setting up your account with a digital provider is usually quick and easy and your account could be up and running the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n