How do I open an account?

How do I open an account in United Kingdom?

These days it is much easier for people to work abroad. When we do we usually need a bank account in the country we move to so that we can at least be paid, get cash and pay others. In most countries banks are required by law to know the identities of customers they open accounts for and because of this, they normally require new customers to provide documents to verify their identity (ID). In the UK there is no official ID card, so the bank will also need to see documents that can verify your address.

To open a UK bank account you will require the following documentation:

Your passport and a valid visa
EU citizens can use their National Identity Card instead of a passport
Your acceptance letter from your UK University
This must be an unconditional offer of a place on your course

Proof of your address in the UK and probably in your home country as well.
Proof of your UK address will probably be your accommodation contract, but check with the bank beforehand

The process of opening a bank account in the UK should take around two weeks if you have all the required documents available. Most UK universities will require you to have a bank account before registering for your course.

If you are opening the account in person banks will usually accept as proof of your identity:
• Passport
Or if you are from a country in the European Union or European Economic Area:
• National identity card
• Residence permit issued by the Home Office to EU nationals
• National driving licence

Proving your address in the UK may be more difficult but the following documents may be acceptable:
• Tenancy agreement
• A letter from your employer in the UK confirming your UK address(and if you already have pay slips from that employer it may help to show those too)
• The bank may also want to see proof of your previous or permanent address in the country that you come from. Your national identity card or driving licence may be acceptable for this purpose. The bank may ask for your written permission to get a reference about you from a bank or financial institution if you have an account in the country that you come from.