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Opening a UK Bank Account FAQs

Many thousands of UK bank packages have been purchased through WORKgateways. Here is a compilation of the most commonly asked questions.

  1. Why is it so difficult to open a UK bank account?
  2. Why purchase a UK bank account through WORKgateways partners?
  3. I am not a Commonwealth or EU citizen; can I still apply for the packages?
  4. Is there a minimum deposit?
  5. Where are the ATMs I can use located?
  6. Do I need a visa or passport before I can apply for the packages?
  7. I have not yet received my visa (it’s on its way); can I still apply for the package?
  8. How long does it take to process the applications?
  9. Am I able to transfer money into my UK bank account before I leave my home country?
  10. Can I apply for the packages now although I will be traveling for a few months before arriving in the UK to work?
  11. Do I have a choice as to which bank I can get my account?
  12. What is a High-Street bank?
  13. Has anyone ever been rejected from getting a bank account?
  14. Can I open a joint bank account?
  15. What if I can’t attend an orientation session in London?

Quick Links and more information

1. Why is it so difficult to open a UK bank account?
Since September 11, UK banks have tightened the requirements necessary to open a UK bank account and if you try to apply directly to them they request items such as UK tenancy agreements and utility bills in your name. Clearly, this can be quite difficult if you have just arrived in the country but fortunately, there are companies like 1st Contact and Visa First who have found ways to cut through the red tape.

2. Why purchase a UK bank account through WORKgateways partners?
We are on a continuous mission to provide the best information and (if appropriate) services that can assist you in your transition to the UK. We are here to assist you before or after you purchase your bank account - Email us

3. I am not a Commonwealth or EU citizen; can I still apply for the packages?
If you are a Commonwealth citizen (and eligible to work in the UK) or EU citizen, you are eligible for both packages.
If you are not a Commonwealth or EU citizen, 1st Contact may still be able to assist you. To check, email your place of birth and we can check with the bank. Email us

Deposit: There is no minimum deposit required to open an account through this package.

4. Is there a minimum deposit?
There is currently no minimum deposit required to open an account using the packages on WORKgateways

5. Where are the ATMs I can use located?
You will be able to use ATMs throughout the UK and can use your ATM card throughout Europe.

6. Do I need a visa or passport before I can apply for the packages?
No, but you will need to be eligible to work in the UK. This means you will need to be in the process of organising your visa and/or passport or at least know you are entitled to one that will enable you to work in the UK.

7. I have not yet received my visa (it’s on its way); can I still apply for the package?
Definitely. Both packages are designed to help you get the wheels in motion for your bank account.

8. How long does it take to process the applications?
1st Contact – “The package is processed within 24 hours of 1st Contact receiving your application”
Visa First – “It takes up to 48 hours to get your confirmation e-mail”

9. Am I able to transfer money into my UK bank account before I leave my home country?
Yes, a Money Transfer service is optional for both packages. Both services charge $15 per transfer you can transfer your nominated funds into a holding account ready to go into your UK bank account when you arrive.

10. Can I apply for the packages now although I will be traveling for a few months before arriving in the UK to work?
You can and so that you have one less thing to worry about it is recommended that you apply before arriving in the UK.

11. Do I have a choice as to which bank I can get my account?
Both 1st Contact and Visa First have a relationship with three of the largest high-street banks: Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds TSB. All three banks are represented at the orientation sessions on different days so you can choose which you would prefer when booking in for your orientation session.

12. What is a High-Street bank?
A high-street bank is a large, popular, reputable bank in the UK similar to major banks at home.

13. Has anyone ever been rejected from getting a bank account?
As long as you can provide the very basic documentation your bank account will be opened. WORKgateways has assisted many thousands of bank accounts and we have not heard of anyone being rejected.

14. Can I open a joint bank account?
Joint bank accounts can be arranged, however as both applicants need to be in attendance at the orientation session to sign the application forms, you will both need to purchase a package each. You should both complete an online application form and they will be treated as two separate packages. When you arrive in the UK, you simply need to book your orientation session together.

15. What if I can’t attend an orientation session in London?
You can still open an account through either 1st Contact or Visa First, even if you can’t attend the orientation sessions in London. With 1st Contact, your account will be opened with Lloyds TSB (you won’t get a choice) and with Visa First, it will still be with Barclays. You must have an address that your bank application forms and SIM/international calling card can be posted to. You will then need to complete the forms, and visit a nominated bank branch to hand in the forms and ID yourself.

You should fill in the online application forms as normal and when you are contacted by a representative, let them know that you are unable to be in London.

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