New to the UK

Any UK current account will allow you set up direct debits, and online/mobile/internet banking is standard. If you are in the EU, you can open some accounts now, e.g.
https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/bankaccounts/compare-current-accounts/basic-account/#collapse1-1494018974059

Once you are in the UK it is quick to open an account. Some banks need you to show you are here for a period of time, so for example if you are a student you will need a letter from your college or university.

Most accounts can be opened online, which means you would have your sort code and account number instantly (which you need to set up a direct debit) - just click apply online, e.g..
https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/bankaccounts/classic/

Note: TSB are having IT issues which mean you need to go into a branch if you want to bank with them.

I would research accounts in the UK and just open one when you get here. Check their ID requirements on the website to make sure you have all the documents you need (usually passport, proof of address etc). For proof of address your accommodation contract may be ok, or a letter from a university/employer for the purposes of opening an account.

dj1471 wrote: »

Not if you're new to the UK with no credit record...

In my experience Monzo are good as they're relatively permissive about what ID they'll accept, don't require proof of address and you submit everything through the app:
https://monzo.com/blog/2018/09/07/new-to-the-uk/

There are a few other banks who are similar, but the big names will almost certainly require a branch visit and multiple original documents to be supplied which someone new to the UK won't have.

If the OP plans to receive money from overseas, I think I would have some concerns about Monzo - they don't (by their own admission) have a reliable method of receiving money from overseas, so you'd need another account able to do this.
https://monzo.com/blog/2018/07/24/receiving-international-payments/

Many banks do let you open the account online, but yes, often need you to physically show up at a branch with your ID.

I work with international students mostly on Tier 4 visas, and part of what we do is help them open accounts in their first week in the UK. Typically they need 3 things
* Their passport
* A letter from us confirming they are a student
* Proof of address (usually an accommodation contract matching the address on our letter)

At the end of the day, my advice would be to check with the bank and they will keep you right.

Here's what i did couple of months back. Opened a Monzo account, asked one of my cousins to transfer some money in that. Used it for TFL and other small purchases for couple of days, requested them to send me a signed bank statement via in-application chat and then applied for a current account at Natwest online. Submitted BRP/Passport and Monzo bank statement as proof of address. Had a Natwest account up and running in matter of few days. For mobile sim, i would say buy a Pay as you Go number for first couple of months and then apply for a sim only contract and port your old number to new network.