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How to open a bank account in the UK
This article outlines essential information that you need to know if you are coming to the United Kingdom and you want to open a UK bank account.
You will need to have an official document showing the reason you have come to the UK . This document could be a letter of acceptance onto a college/university course or a contract of employment. You will also need your passport. In addition, if you are at a college or university the bank may require your enrolment form with your student number printed on it, or your student identification card. You may also be asked to produce proof of your home address in the UK , so take your tenancy agreement. |
It is advisable to bring a separate bank draft or some travellers cheques to fund your UK bank account. However, there is no requirement to deposit any specific amount of money at the time of opening a UK bank account.
It usually takes seven to ten working days (weekends are not counted) to receive your bank cards. It may be possible, at the discretion of the bank, to receive your UK bank account number after three working days, therefore enabling you to transfer funds from abroad.
The UK, along with the rest of the European Union, has strict money laundering legislation and banks are therefore legally required to verify the identity of account holders. A good rule is to take every piece of official documentation you can think of with you when opening a UK bank account and give the bank staff what they ask for.
These are general guidelines and you should check with individual banks as they may require additional documentation or have specific requirements for opening a bank account.
As you can see opening a bank account in the UK is a straightforward process as long as you have all the documents the bank asks for to hand. Once you're bank account is open, have fun in the UK!
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