Banking
Banking in the UK
Open a UK bank account quickly — even without a credit history or permanent address.
Wise
Most popular with immigrantsSend money home at the real exchange rate
No hidden fees, no inflated rates. Wise uses the mid-market rate — the same one you see on Google. Trusted by 16 million people worldwide.
Partner link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Open a Monzo Account in minutes
Just a passport and a selfie — no credit check →
How to open a UK bank account
Choose your bank
Digital banks (Monzo, Starling) are fastest — passport only, no credit check. High-street banks (Barclays, HSBC) take 1–5 days but help build a credit score.
Gather your documents
Passport or BRP card. Most digital banks stop there. High-street banks may also ask for proof of address (tenancy agreement, utility bill, or council tax letter) and your BRP/visa.
Apply online or in branch
Monzo and Starling: download the app, scan your passport, take a selfie — done in 10 minutes. Barclays/HSBC: book an in-branch appointment or apply online.
Documents you'll need
Photo ID
- •Passport (required by all banks)
- •BRP / biometric residence permit
- •UK driving licence (if you have one)
Proof of address
- •Tenancy agreement / lease
- •Utility bill (gas, electric, water)
- •Council tax letter
- •Some banks accept a bank letter from abroad
Visa evidence (high-street)
- •BRP card front & back
- •Visa vignette in passport
- •Share code (for eVisa holders)
- •Note: Monzo & Starling do NOT require this
Digital vs high-street banks
| Digital (Monzo / Starling) | High-street (Barclays / HSBC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Documents | Passport only | Passport + address proof |
| Time to open | ~10 minutes (app) | 1–5 days (branch / online) |
| Credit building | Limited | Yes — helps credit score |
Building your UK credit score
Your UK credit score starts at zero — here's the fastest path to good credit:
Open a bank account and register on the electoral roll (gov.uk/register-to-vote).
Apply for a credit-builder credit card — try Aqua, Capital One Classic, or Vanquis.
Consistent on-time payments create a visible credit score on Experian / Equifax / TransUnion.
You become eligible for most mainstream credit products including mortgages.
🪪 You'll also need a National Insurance Number
Apply at gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number. You need it to work, pay taxes, and access some benefits in the UK.
In-depth Banking Guide
Opening a Bank Account
3 topics covered
UK Bank Accounts
📱Monzo
Digital bank — open with just a passport, no credit history needed
Starling Bank
Fee-free UK bank account, easy to open online
Barclays Basic Account
High-street basic account for those with no UK credit history
HSBC Basic Account
Simple, fee-free account for new arrivals
Send Money Internationally
💷Wise
Mid-market exchange rate — best for regular transfers home
Revolut
Free transfers up to £1,000/month, then small fee
Western Union
Cash pickup option — great if family has no bank account
MoneyGram
Competitive rates for Africa & South Asia corridors
Revolut
Free plan availableUK account + free international transfers up to £1,000/month
Open a full UK account in minutes. Free transfers, currency exchange at great rates, and budgeting tools — all in one app.
Partner link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a UK bank account without a UK address?▾
Yes. Monzo and Starling Bank both allow you to open an account using just your passport, with no UK address or credit history required. High-street banks like Barclays and HSBC generally require a proof of address.
Which bank is best for new immigrants to the UK?▾
Monzo and Starling Bank are the best options for new arrivals — you can open an account in 10 minutes with just a passport and a selfie. For building a UK credit score, also open a Barclays or HSBC account once you have a proof of address.
Do I need a National Insurance number to open a bank account?▾
No — you do not need a National Insurance number to open a bank account in the UK. You can open a Monzo or Starling account with your passport alone, before you have an NI number.
How long does it take to open a UK bank account?▾
Digital banks (Monzo, Starling) take 10–15 minutes via the app. High-street accounts (Barclays, HSBC) typically take 1–5 working days.
Can I use Wise or Revolut as my main UK bank account?▾
Wise and Revolut are great for international transfers but are e-money accounts, not full UK bank accounts, and not covered by FSCS. Use Monzo or Starling as your primary account.
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