How to Open a Bank Account in the UK: The Easy Way 2026

If you’re an expat planning your relocation – or even if you’ve moved to the UK already – you might be wondering how best to get a UK bank account to hold and spend in British pounds (GBP).

While it’s possible to get a British bank account before you get to the UK, it can be expensive and complex to get set up with a bank. This guide runs through options offered by UK banks and alternative providers that may suit people who don’t yet have a UK address, including Wise and Revolut. The right choice depends on eligibility, features and fees.

Go to Wise account

Key points: Online bank account opening

To open an account as a foreigner living in the UK you’ll need to prove your identity and address – banks also may need proof of income or savings
UK bank accounts are also available for non-residents through banks and alternative providers like Wise and Revolut
Non-resident accounts from banks can have restrictive eligibility requirements and high minimum balances
UK bank accounts may not have ongoing fees, but transaction fees are pretty inevitable. These vary depending on how you use your account
There’s no single best UK bank account for foreigners, new arrivals and non-residents – compare a few to help you choose

Writer’s tip: how to open a bank account in the UK from Australia

Delays usually come from address and identity checks, not the application itself. Before you apply, get clear photos of your ID and a recent proof of address ready, and check what the provider accepts if you don’t yet have UK paperwork in your name.

If you’re opening an account before you arrive, prioritise options that accept an international proof of address and let you set up GBP access in-app. Once you have a UK address and supporting documents, you can always compare UK resident accounts and switch later if needed.

What documents do I need to open a UK bank account?

UK banks need to complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification checks – much like banks all around the world. That means most British banks will ask customers for the following:

Proof of identity – a valid passport, national identity card or driver’s licence for example
Proof of UK residential address – a bank or credit card statement, utility bill or tax return in your name

KYC checks are designed to stop fraud, money laundering and illegal account use. However, if you don’t have a UK proof of address yet it can make it harder to get your GBP account set up with a British bank.

Some specialist providers and expat services from major UK banks are able to help non-residents to legally get a UK account, by accepting a broader range of documents for verification checks. Expat banking services often target high wealth individuals, and have high minimum balance requirements. Specialist online services may be more flexible – more on that coming right up.

Open a UK bank account from Australia: Save the paperwork with providers like Wise or Revolut

UK banks usually require customers to provide a proof of residence document showing a local UK address. That can make it tricky if you’re not a resident yet – or even if you’ve just moved to the country and don’t yet have bills and household paperwork in your name.

Specialist services like Wise or Revolut can help. These alternatives to banks have been built with international customers in mind, and can accept a proof of address from the UK or a range of other countries. Verification is done by uploading images of your paperwork online or in the provider app. Just use your proof of address from your country of residence, to open a Wise or Revolut account online, and open up a GBP balance.

Once you’re all set up you can receive, hold, and spend GBP easily before you even arrive in the UK – a helpful option for expats, non-residents and digital nomads who want to hit the ground running.

Go to Wise Go to Revolut

Wise

Wise offers both low cost international payments, and personal and business multi-currency accounts. The Wise account is a good option for non-UK residents and new arrivals looking to manage their money across GBP and 40+ other currencies.

You can get up and running with an international proof of address and manage your account online or in the Wise app. Currency exchange uses the mid-market exchange rate, with a transparent fee, and you’ll be able to receive 8+ currencies with local account details, including a UK account number and an Australian account number and BSB code. You can also send payments to 140+ countries and spend using your Wise international debit card in over 150 countries.

Account types: Wise personal accounts are free to open, with no minimum balance or monthly fees to pay.

Eligibility: Available to non-UK residents and new arrivals in the UK. Not all services and features are available in all locations – full details by location available on the Wise website.

Is it safe? Wise accounts include security features such as two-step login, in-app notifications, and the ability to freeze a card instantly in the app. Account access and transactions are monitored, and you can manage devices and security settings in the app.

Go to Wise

How to open an account with Wise

Download the Wise app or open the Wise desktop site
Click Sign up and create an account with your email, Facebook, Google or Apple ID
Follow the prompts to enter the details needed
Upload a snap of your ID and address documents
Once your account has been verified you’re good to go

Revolut

Revolut accounts have multi-currency functionality for over 30 currencies including GBP, a linked debit card for spending and withdrawals, and extra perks like budgeting and saving tools. Revolut customers can provide a proof of address from Australia, the UK or any of the other regions they operate in – making this a provider to look at if you want to set up your account before you head off to Britain.

Standard Revolut plans come with no monthly fees and an array of features including some no fee currency exchange. Or you can upgrade to a different account tier, where you’ll pay a monthly fee to get higher levels of no fee transactions and extra benefits.

Account types: Both personal and business accounts are available. Standard plans have no monthly fee, higher tier accounts have monthly fees up to 28.99 AUD, with different costs depending on your address when you open your account

Eligibility: Available to new UK arrivals and non-UK residents with addresses in countries and regions including the EEA, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Japan, and the US

Is it safe? Revolut accounts include app-based security features such as login protection, transaction notifications and card controls to help you manage spending and respond quickly if a card is lost.

Go to Revolut

How to open an account with Revolut

Download the Revolut app
Enter your phone number and set a PIN – you’ll get a verification message from Revolut
Use the verification code to access the app and enter the details needed to create your account
Upload the required documents for verification
You can deposit funds and use your account once verified

Barclays International

Barclays can’t offer international accounts to people based in Australia, but if you’ve already arrived in the UK and hold a biometric residence permit you’ll be able to get started applying for an account in the Barclays app. You’ll be asked to upload documents and provide 3 years of address details but once your account is verified you can use it right away.

For the standard Barclays current account there’s no monthly fee and you can apply for an optional overdraft if you want one. Or check out the range of other accounts to find the best one to suit your specific needs.

Account types: Broad range of different UK bank accounts, plus mortgages, loans, credit cards and more

Eligibility: UK citizens or residents, aged over 18 can apply using the Barclays app

Is it safe? Barclays offers standard bank security features such as secure app access, transaction monitoring and fraud support.

How to open an account with Barclays

Open the Barclays website or app
Find the account you’re interested in and tap Apply
You’ll be prompted to upload your ID documents and take a video selfie for verification
You can deposit funds and use your account once verified

HSBC Expat

The HSBC Expat division is based offshore, and offers accounts and services for high wealth individuals and people who live and work internationally.

HSBC Expat current accounts are offered in GBP, USD and EUR, with savings accounts available in 19 currencies. However, fairly high minimum balance requirements apply which can be a barrier. To qualify for an HSBC Expat account you’ll need to maintain a minimum balance of £75,000.

It’s usually fairly easy to open an HSBC UK account upon arrival if you already have a relationship with the HSBC Expat service.

Account types: Current accounts can hold GBP, EUR and USD, but savings accounts are available in 19 global currencies.

Eligibility: Accounts come with minimum balance requirements of £75,000.

Is it safe? HSBC also offers standard bank security features and fraud support through its digital banking tools and customer service channels.

How to open an account with HSBC Expat

Visit the HSBC Expat website and tap Check eligibility and apply
Confirm you’re eligible for the account and have the paperwork needed
Enter your personal information, following the prompts
Upload the required documents for verification
You can deposit funds and use your account once verified

Customer reviews: UK account opening experiences

Customer reviews can help illustrate how different providers perform when it comes to opening an account and day-to-day use. Below are examples of feedback shared by customers on Trustpilot, reflecting their experiences when opening and using UK or GBP accounts.

Wise customer review

“Incredible experience with Wise. Fast, transparent, and stress-free compared to UK banks. Full tracking, clear updates, and instant refunds when needed. UK banks feel outdated by comparison.”

— Shraine T.*

Revolut customer review

“Seamless innovative and reliable banking. Always evolving technologically making banking a very smooth and pleasant experience.”

— David O.*

Barclays customer review

Barclays does not have Trustpilot reviews specifically labelled for its international or expat accounts. However, customers have shared feedback relating to general account opening and support.

“So far so Good! Recently opened an account and had a small problem with transferring money. Phoned – spoke to a UK Caller who could actually understand me which was a great start these days. Imagine my surprise when they actually just did what I asked and actually helped to open a better account that would suit me better! Very rare thing these days so thanks Barclays for not going AI or foreign call centres that are useless – I will be recommending everyone to open an account with you. The app is great too.”

— Mr C.*

HSBC Expat customer review

“Hassle Free opening. I was utterly astounded at how easy it was to open the account, I expected masses of documents, Notarizations, apostle, Translations, etc.. but it was so easy and simple with very reasonable expectations with regards to the documents, the account was opened in a week.”

— Lee M.*

*Customer name changed for privacy. The customer was not paid to share a review. Results may vary. Review taken from Trustpilot, 7th February 2026.

How to open a bank account in the UK

The standard requirements to open a bank account with a high street bank in the UK include:

Proof of identity
Proof of UK residential address
A completed application with all your personal details
Opening deposit – there may be a minimum deposit requirement

If you have all of these documents already you’ll find it relatively easy to open a UK bank account. Some banks let you upload your paperwork online, but others prefer you to visit a branch to hand over your documents in person.

The tricky bit often comes if you don’t have proof of a UK address. Opening an account with a proof of address from overseas is perfectly legal, but because it’s harder for the bank to verify, many just don’t allow it. Instead, major UK banks may refer you to their expat division, which is set up to offer accounts to non-residents. However, the accounts on offer are often packaged as exclusive options for high wealth individuals – and typically come with high fees.

If you’re not getting what you need from a UK bank it might be time to look at alternatives – more on that later.

Open your Wise account

What do I need to know before opening a bank account in the UK?

To open a UK bank account you’ll usually be asked to prove your ID and your UK address, and you may also need to provide documents showing you’ve got the legal right to reside in the UK if you’re asked. Check with your preferred bank to see if you can open an account online or through an app – while this is usually available to UK residents with standard paperwork, it may not be an option if you don’t have UK issued documents.

It’s also helpful to check if the account you’ve picked needs a minimum opening deposit amount. In this case you’ll have to take along cash to deposit, or make a bank transfer to your new account, to activate it.

Can I open a bank account in the UK before arrival?

To open a bank account in the UK prior to arriving in the country you’ll need to find a provider which will let you use an international proof of address for KYC purposes. That may mean picking:

An account from a British high street bank’s expat services division
Accounts from digital only banks which operate in the UK
A specialist provider which offers multi-currency accounts

As we mentioned, expat banking services can be pricey. Digital banks are an option, and some – like Monese – do let you get an account to handle GBP with a non-UK address. However, restrictions can still apply, and to open a Monese account, you’ll need to be living in the UK or one of the 30 countries in the European Economic Area, which isn’t much use if you’re still in Australia.

If you want to get ahead of the game and get your GBP bank account set up before you arrive you’ll probably be better off with a specialist service designed for international use – like Wise or Revolut.

Can I open a bank account in the UK only with my passport?

You’re unlikely to be able to open a UK bank account with just a passport. Opening an account with a UK bank usually means you need to be a UK resident – and you’ll often be asked to provide a proof of address to back this up.

Which account is best in the UK for foreigners?

Let’s walk through the features and fees for some UK and GBP accounts you can open, to hold or spend in British pounds. We’ve compared a couple of non-bank providers – Wise and Revolut – against the options from popular UK banks Barclays and HSBC. Barclays’ international division can’t help people living in Australia to open a UK account so you’ll need to wait until you arrive – but HSBC does have expat accounts you can open to hold GBP from Australia.

Service	Wise	Revolut	Barclays	HSBC Expat
Currencies covered	40+ currencies including GBP, USD and EUR	30+ currencies	Current accounts in GBP Travel wallet coversUSD and EUR	Current accounts in GBP, USD and EUR Savings accounts in 19 currencies
Open before you arrive in the UK	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Open online	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Opening fee	No fee	No fee	No fee	Minimum balance: £75,000
Fall below fee	No fee	No fee	No fee	Under funding fee: £50
Maintenance fee	No fee	0 AUD – 28.99 AUD	No fee	Waived if minimum balance is maintained
International transfers	Low fee, varies by currency	Fee varies by currency and payment value	£0 – £25 + third party charges + possible exchange rate markup	Online transfers up to £6 + third party charges + possible exchange rate markup

*Details correct at time of research – 7th February 2026

As a non-resident or new arrival to the UK you do have a decent selection of options when it comes to getting a GBP account. Digital providers offering multi-currency functionality are flexible if you travel, send, spend or receive in a range of currencies.

Expat accounts may appeal if you want a more personal service or need to access a fuller suite of options including overdrafts, investments and credit.

What is a bank account in the UK needed for?

Having a GBP account can be helpful in lots of different scenarios:

If you’re planning to travel to the UK, or if you’re moving to the UK to live or work
If you like to shop online, and pay in GBP with UK based retailers
If you want to convert funds to GBP for investing or to diversify your savings
If you need to send GBP payments to others – such as paying for travel or an overseas mortgage
If you need to receive GBP payments, as a freelancer or when working for a UK employer for example

Benefits of opening a bank account in the UK

Not sure if you need a UK bank account? Here are a few benefits you can expect:

Cut down the costs of converting dollars to pounds
Avoid foreign transaction fees when spending in GBP
Receive GBP payments and hold your funds in dollars
Send money to others in the UK with lower overall costs

Can I open a UK bank account online?

As a foreigner, you may struggle to open a UK bank account online unless you already have proof of your UK address and a biometric residence permit. However, the good news is that there are other, non-bank, alternatives, like Wise and Revolut which can help you open an account to hold GBP.

With providers like Wise and Revolut you can apply from Australia, using your local ID and proof of address, to open a digital multi-currency account and card, which you can then use to hold, send and spend in pounds conveniently.

How long does it take to open a bank account in the UK

The amount of time it takes to open a UK bank account will depend on the provider you pick and the way you apply. Your account will need to be verified before use – which can often be done instantly, particularly if you’re applying in a branch or with a provider that offers video verification. However, for some banks, the verification process may take a day or two – or longer if you’ve got non-standard documents which need additional checks.

What are the types of bank accounts in the UK?

If you’re opening a UK bank account from Australia you may be offered a non-resident or expat account, which is designed for individuals who don’t live in the UK at the time of applying. Non-resident accounts can come with limitations compared to bank accounts, and may also have higher fees – double check the options available to you before you choose.

If you’re eligible for a UK resident account, your options are likely to include a current account or a savings account. It’s useful to know that the account options, features and fees in the UK can be quite different to those you’ll find in Australia, so you’ll need to read over all the details carefully.

How to choose a bank account in the UK?

Spend a bit of time researching bank account options in the UK to help you pick one. You’ll find plenty of options with no maintenance or account keeping fees, but it’s worth digging a bit deeper to make sure the bank’s costs aren’t just hidden in the transaction fees.

Banks in the UK have generally very good online and mobile banking, which means you’ll seldom need to visit a branch. However, it’s definitely worth checking if the bank you prefer has good in person, online and phone customer service which you can access easily if the self service banking options fail and you need help.

How much does it cost to open a bank account in the UK?

It’s usually free to open a bank account in the UK. However, if you’re choosing a premium tier account, or opening an account as an expat before you arrive in the UK, the chances are that you’ll need to make a pretty high initial deposit. If you don’t, fall below fees will apply which can mount up quickly.

If you’d rather an account which has no monthly fees without these eligibility requirements, you may want to take a look at alternative GBP account providers like Wise or Revolut, which both offer account plans which come without maintenance fees and with no minimum deposit required.

What are the additional costs?

Keep an eye out for the following costs when selecting the GBP account for you:

Monthly maintenance fees – or fall below fees
International payment fees
Foreign transaction fees when spending or withdrawing with your card
Overdraft fees
Credit card costs including cash advances and interest
Cheque book and cheque cashing fees
Account dormancy or early closure fees

Is it possible to open a fee-free account in the UK?

Most UK banks have accounts which don’t charge monthly fees. However, that doesn’t mean they’re free to use as transaction and service charges will almost always apply when you use your account.

If you’re looking for a low fee account option to hold and spend GBP, it’s worth checking out providers which have accounts with no maintenance costs, no minimum balance requirements, and low service fees which you’ll only need to pay for the services you use.

Tips for sending money between Australia and the UK

Your bank may charge fees and use an exchange-rate margin for international transfers. Therefore, it can be worth comparing providers to understand the total cost and estimated delivery time for your route. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Compare the exchange rate you’re offered against the mid-market exchange rate to see if a markup is being used
Check the fees for different transfer types – arranging your transfer online is usually cheaper than doing so in a bank branch
Ask about third party charges which can push up the overall costs significantly

Before you send money overseas, compare your own bank with a few specialist services to see if you can save.

Conclusion: Open a bank account online in the UK

If you’re already in the UK with a local address – and the paperwork to prove it – opening your bank account should be a breeze. Unfortunately though non-resident accounts with UK banks tend to be tricky to open, expensive and inflexible. If you want a GBP account because you’re a frequent visitor to the UK, a non-resident sending and receiving GBP payments, or a digital nomad getting paid from the UK, a specialist online service like Wise or Revolut may well be a better bet. Specialist alternatives may offer a better overall deal compared to non-resident accounts from big UK banks, including a more straightforward verification process, lower fees and better exchange rates.

Read also:

FAQ – How to open a bank account in the UK

Can a foreigner open an account in the UK?

You can open a UK account as a foreigner – but the process is much easier if you’re a resident of the UK with a valid proof of address. If you don’t have this paperwork available you may find it easier to get an account with a specialist online provider instead of a UK high street bank.

How much do I need to open a bank account in the UK?

Many UK banks allow customers to open accounts for free, but non-resident accounts from expat banking services will often have a minimum deposit requirement you’ll need to know about. Compare a few providers to get the best deal for your needs.

Can I open a UK bank account online?

If you have proof of a UK address you’ll probably be able to get your GBP account online through a bank. If not you may be better off with a specialist online provider which allows you to open your account on your laptop or mobile device, with an international proof of address.

How to apply for a bank account online in the UK?

You can open a bank account online in the UK if you choose an expat account with a high minimum balance, or if you’re already a UK resident with a biometric residence card. If you don’t have these documents or funds to hand, you may want to look at specialist non-bank alternatives like Wise and Revolut which offer digital accounts you can open from home, which can hold and exchange Australian dollars alongside pounds.

Can I open a UK bank account from overseas, before landing?

If you want to get all set up before you even arrive in the UK you can easily open an online GBP account from a specialist service like Wise or Revolut, to hold and manage multiple currencies all in one account.

Useful resources

The information in this guide is based on publicly available details from UK banks and international account providers, alongside official product pages and support documentation, including:

Wise: Account features, supported currencies, UK local account details, fees and eligibility for non-UK residents
Revolut: Account eligibility, supported countries, pricing tiers and GBP account features
Barclays: Current account eligibility, application requirements and digital onboarding process
HSBC Expat: Expat account eligibility, minimum balance requirements and supported currencies

Details are accurate at the time of writing and may change. Always check the provider’s official website for the most up-to-date terms and eligibility criteria.

Claire Millard

Author

Claire Millard

Fintech copy and content writer

Claire Millard is a content and copywriter with a specialty in international finance. Her work has featured in The Times and The Telegraph, as well as industry magazines and leading personal finance blogs.

Darini Rocha

Reviewer

Darini Rocha

Content Specialist

Darini is an editor and proofreader, working on content management about international finance. Fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish, she connects cultures and shares her knowledge.

Last updated

March 31st, 2026