How to open a bank account in the UK

If you're in the UK, whether for work, study, or family, and need to manage your money, you'll likely be looking to set up a bank account to handle daily expenses, receive your salary, and set aside your savings.

And, if you want even more from your bank, you might be thinking about opening a Revolut account. We offer an alternative to traditional banking with fast setup and versatile money management tools, as well as a whole range of exciting features.

To help you decide what's best for you, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about opening a bank account in the UK. We'll cover who can open a bank account, if it can be done online, and what documents you'll need. You'll also learn how to choose the right type of account for you.

Can I open a bank account online? 

Yes, you can open a bank account online in the UK. Many banks offer this service, allowing you to set up your account remotely. However, some banks may need you to visit them in person to verify your identity.

Most UK banks offer online account opening to residents and, in some cases, non-residents. You’ll usually need to provide proof of identity and address. Non-residents might face more restrictions, and may need to choose a bank that caters to international customers.

You can open a Revolut account online in just a few taps, and start enjoying our features within minutes.

Can I open a bank account in the UK as a non-resident? 

Some banks allow you to open an international bank account in the UK without being a resident, but the process often looks different than for residents. Non-residents may need additional documentation, such as proof of employment or a UK visa, in order to follow the bank’s requirements.

Not all UK banks offer accounts to non-residents. In most cases, you'll need a valid UK address to open an account. For example, you can't open a UK Revolut account unless you're a legal UK resident. But you may be able to open a Revolut account in another country where we're available.

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

To open a bank account as a resident in the UK, you'll usually need to provide:

• proof of identity: a valid passport, national ID card, or driving ‌licence
• proof of address: a recent utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement from your current address

If you’re not a resident, you might need some additional documents, like proof of employment in the UK, a letter from your university (for students), or your visa details.

Which type of bank account should I choose? 

Choosing the right type of bank account depends on what you need. Here are the most popular options:

• Current account: ideal for everyday transactions like receiving your salary, paying bills, and shopping
• Savings account: offers interest on your deposits, and allows you to put money away for future plans
• International account: designed for non-residents or frequent travellers, and allows you to hold multiple currencies at once

The Revolut advantage

As a fully licensed UK bank, Revolut Bank UK Ltd offers FSCS-protected accounts alongside all the features you'd expect from a modern financial app. If you're looking for a flexible and modern bank account, Revolut could be the perfect choice for you.

With a Revolut account, you can:

• pay bills
• make transfers
• hold balances in multiple currencies
• receive money with local account details
• use a debit card
• set up Direct Debits
• schedule payments
• save and budget to reach your goals

Got shared expenses with family or friends? Check out our Joint accounts to simplify bill-splitting and track your shared spending.

What are some high-street banks in the UK?

Several traditional banks in the UK offer different types of accounts, each with unique features. Here are a few to consider:

• HSBC:offers a variety of accounts for both residents and non-residents. They also offer international accounts that support multiple currencies.
• Barclays: offers accounts tailored to new arrivals to the UK, for both personal and business banking needs.
• Lloyds: has competitive services with accounts designed for students, professionals, and expats, which may suit those looking to move their finances to the UK.
• NatWest: recognised for its support for new customers, including non-residents, and provides a variety of account options for different needs.

How to open a Revolut account

Get started with these simple steps:

1. Download Revolut from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Open the app and enter your phone number. You'll receive a verification code by text to set up your account.
3. Add your name, address, email, and any other requested information to finish setting up your account.
4. Verify your identity by uploading a valid, government-issued ID (like a passport or driving licence), and taking a selfie.
5. Add some money to your account via bank transfer, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, and you're ready to go.

Revolut Bank UK Ltd (https://revolut.com) is registered in England and Wales (Registered No. 12871051). Registered address: 30 South Colonnade, London E14 5HX, United Kingdom. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register No. 981170).