How to open a bank account if you have just moved to the UK?
Yes, US citizen's can open either a bank account with a UK bank or an account with a specialist provider. However, non-residents will need to provide identification, such as a passport or drivers' license alongside other possible requested documents, like proof of address.
Yes, US citizen's can open either a bank account with a UK bank or an account with a specialist provider. However, non-residents will need to provide identification, such as a passport or drivers' license alongside other possible requested documents, like proof of address.
- a tenancy agreement or mortgage statement;
- a recent electricity or gas bill (less than 3 months old);
- a recent (less than 3 months old) bank or credit card statement.
- a current council tax bill.
- a letter from the HM Revenue & Customs.
UK Bank Account for Non-Residents – Documents Needed
To open a bank account, you will need identification. As a non-resident, opening a UK bank account will require a passport and drivers' license, but your bank may also request other documents, particularly one that shows your current address.
If you're bankrupt or have a record of fraud, you will not usually be allowed to open a bank account. Also, you may be refused permission to open a current account if you have a poor credit rating. However, if you're bankrupt or have a poor credit rating, you may be able to open a basic bank account.
- Citibank UK. Citibank Group is an incredibly large banking conglomerate founded and based out of the United States. ...
- Morgan Stanley Bank International. ...
- Northern Trust Global Services. ...
- Chase UK. ...
- Bank of America.
- Passport/valid photo ID.
- A recent utility bill (less than three months old) or council tax bill.
- A recent bank or credit card statement.
- Proof of studying in the UK (if applying for a student account)
- Proof of employment (some banks may ask for this)
ID and verification
We will need to carry out identification and verification checks on you, as well as anyone else who will be authorised to operate your account. In most cases you will only need to produce one of the following: A current UK photo driving license. Passport from the United Kingdom.
Standard Bank Optimum Account
Ideal for expats needing sterling, dollar (US and AU), or euro transactional banking, flexibility across borders, access to FX, savings, and lending services, and digital solutions like internet and mobile banking. Key Details: Minimum Balance: £5,000 (currency equivalent applies).
When you're applying for a bank account in the UK, you'll usually be asked to prove your identity and address. There are different types of documents that different banks accept for you to prove where you live and who you are.
How can I open a bank account without local address proof?
- Step 1: Research alternative banking options. ...
- Step 2: Contact the bank. ...
- Step 3: Provide alternative forms of identification. ...
- Step 4: Provide supporting documents. ...
- Step 5: Consider specialized accounts. ...
- Step 6: Seek assistance from local organizations.
Key takeaways. Non-U.S. citizens can open bank accounts in the U.S., but may need to go through extra steps, especially if they're nonresidents. Some banks and credit unions accept alternative forms of identification, such as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), for non-U.S. citizens to open accounts.
If you're living in the US but have yet to receive resident status, you can apply for a bank account in person. Online services are usually limited to US citizens and permanent residents only. Bank requirements can vary per branch or per state.
Common reasons consumers are turned down for a bank account include a history of overdrafts, unpaid bank fees or suspected fraud. Applications can also be denied due to mistakes on one's checking account report.
- Request a Consumer Disclosure Report. ...
- Report Any Discrepancies. ...
- Dispute Any Errors Found. ...
- Pay Off Outstanding Debts and Fees.
The reasons could include: Having no credit history or a poor one: your credit rating is usually checked when you apply for a current account. Supplying insufficient ID: if the account provider can't verify who you are, they won't give you an account.
International banks in the UK
International banking in the UK includes: Bank of America. Citibank. Santander.
Yes, a foreigner can open a bank account in the US without needing a US address. However, not all banking institutions allow for it. Even traditional banks that do offer accounts to non-residents often have requirements – like opening the account in person – that make it difficult for non-residents to apply.
The big US banks tend to have a daily limit on the size of a bank transfer from the USA to the UK. These limits are not required by law. Daily limits imposed by banks can be a frustration for customers looking to transfer a large sum of money from the US to the UK.
The top-rated UK banks for non-residents are Barclays, Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Starling Bank. Each bank offers its own unique set of services. For instance, Lloyds Bank provides international money transfer services, such as international bank or savings accounts, for non-residents.
Can I open a bank account in the UK if I am not a resident?
Yes, it is generally possible for a foreigner to open a bank account in the UK. However, the process and requirements may vary among different banks. Some common steps and considerations include: Residency Status: Some banks may require proof of residency in the UK, while others might be more flexible.
Bank account | Credit check required? | How to open |
---|---|---|
The Cooperative Bank Cashminder¹ | No | Online/branch |
Santander Basic Current Account² | Yes³ | Online/branch |
Virgin Money M Account⁴ | Yes - but just for application verification⁵ | Phone/branch |
Cashplus Freedom⁶ | Unknown | Online (not currently available) |
Common documents accepted as proof of address in the UK include utility bills, council tax bills, the UK driving licence, bank statements, and official government correspondence.
Letters from a recognized public authority or public servant/any government-issued correspondence; Current lease agreement with signatures of the landlord and the tenant; Credit card statement; Employer's certificate for proof of residence.
Yes, it is a good idea to tell your bank that you're moving. If you don't, you could find that access to services like online banking is restricted once you've moved abroad. The bank could also freeze or close your account.