Opening account - from abroad

Jenny189

Hi

Just starting living in the UK, from abroad. How easy (or difficult!) is it for me to open a bank account in this country?

DCFC79

Jenny189 wrote: »

Hi

Just starting living in the UK, from abroad. How easy (or difficult!) is it for me to open a bank account in this country?

So are you living in the UK ?
If you are I'm not sure, if your asked to go into branch could you do that ?

xylophone

https://www.litrg.org.uk/tax-guides/migrants-and-tax/other-migrant-issues/how-do-i-open-uk-bank-account


https://www.lloydsbank.com/banking-with-us/joining-lloyds/new-to-the-uk.asp

https://www.barclays.co.uk/moments/new-to-the-uk/

PRAISETHESUN

As long as you have proof of identity and your address you will be fine to open an account in the UK - my biggest hurdle was getting proof that banks would accept to prove my address.

I always recommend Monzo, Starling or Revolut to people in your situation as you only need to provide proof of identity and a valid UK postal address where your card can be sent to - this will give you a working bank account to at least get you started while you decide who you ultimately want to bank with.

eDicky

PRAISETHESUN wrote: »

I always recommend Monzo, Starling or Revolut to people in your situation as you only need to provide proof of identity and a valid UK postal address where your card can be sent to -.

But will they require proof of address if they cannot verify your address electronically?

Monese state that proof of address is not required for their account application,, but although usable for most things it's not a true bank and involves fees

jonnygee2

But will they require proof of address if they cannot verify your address electronically?

No, they won't. As long as you have a residential UK address on your account you are okay.

Monzo and Starling definitely best in this situation.

Flobberchops

I believe some banks still accept NINO letters as proof of address? Those that don't may however accept an HMRC Tax Code confirmation which is easy to obtain after.


As a new UK resident there's no minimum period you need to wait before applying for a provisional driving licence. A postal application with payment by postal order is £43, and you'll get a licence within 3 weeks.


And as mentioned you can open many app-only bank accounts with no address docs, and the statements from these accounts could then be used as proof of address is you want to go on to open a branch-based account.