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Opening a UK Bank Account

You may have heard that it's not as easy as one might think to open a bank account in the UK. That is true; opening an account in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is easier however a few tips will help you and reduce hassles.

If you think of the bank as doing you a favour by allowing you to keep your money with them, you will be a step ahead in understanding the system, and less bewildered after your UK bank encounters.

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Your UK banking options:

  1. Open an Account from your home country
    [Hassle Factor = Medium] [Cost Factor = Medium to High]
  2. Purchase a 'bank account set-up' package from a travellers' company before you leave.
    [Hassle Factor = Very Low] [Cost Factor = Medium]
  3. Do not do anything and sort it out when you get there.
    [Hassle Factor = High] [Cost Factor = Low]

1. Open an Account from your home country

Some banks enable you to open a bank account in the UK from your home country. Generally they will require you to make a sizable initial deposit in the UK account. You will also need an account established with them in your country.

2. Purchase a 'bank account set-up' package from a travellers' company before you leave home

A popular and recommended option is to purchase a bank package prior to your departure that will allow you to open a UK bank account upon arrival. A bank package effectively eliminates the banking worries from your overseas trip by arranging everything for you and ensuring you are able to open a bank account, with a well-established London high-street bank, as soon as you arrive, job or no job, lease or no lease. It's very easy and makes settling in to your new country more enjoyable.

Please note: These particular bank packages are currently available only to citizens of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, America and EU Passport holders at this time.

Here are two recommended options for opening a UK bank account;

1st Contact and Visa First are both excellent options run by well known UK based traveler companies with offices in the UK and Australia. They cost the same ($75 AUD / Approx 35 Euro) and do not need a minimum amount for a deposit. Both use major high street banks like Barclays and HSBC.

Quick Links

1st Contact Kickstart

Basic Information

In addition to sorting out a UK bank account, a UK SIM card for your mobile, international phone card, and guidebook are also part of the package. A requirement is that you attend an orientation session in London. Orientation meetings are held a number of times each day from Monday to Friday.

More information and to Purchase Kickstart

Minimum Requirements

  • You must take your passport (with your visa showing your entitlement to work in the UK) with you to the orientation meeting in London when you get to the UK.

Best for

  • People who can attend orientation session in London
  • Those who do not have a UK residential address

For more Information and comparison see our UK Bank Account FAQs

Purchase or request more information

Visa First Bank Account

Basic Information

In September 2006 Visa First launched a new UK Bank Account product. There is no longer the need to be able to prove a fixed UK address. You simply need to provide evidence of a fixed address in your home country (for example - If you permanently reside in Australia - an Australian bank statement/utility bill/current drivers license - as long as it clearly displays your name and address).

In addition to a UK bank account, Visa First also provide a SIM card for your mobile and a phone card with credit reserving your number for you before you leave home. You will need to visit the London office to meet a bank representative where your account activated with one of the largest UK banks. Organise it before you leave home.

More information and to Purchase the Visa First bank account

Requirements

  • Proof of a residential address in your home country. An Australian/New Zealand bank statement/utility bill/drivers license - which clearly displays your name and residential address is sufficient.

Best for

  • Flexible ways to open a bank account

For more Information and comparison see our UK Bank Account FAQs

Purchase or request more information

3. Do not do anything and sort it out when you get there

Should you choose to wait until after your arrival to the UK to open a bank account, be prepared for delays and good potential for a lot of difficulties. In order to open a UK bank account, you will first need to acquire a job and a lease (with bills in your name).

It may aid the process if you were to bring a letter to the UK from your current bank branch in your home country stating how long you have been a customer and that your account is in good standing (hopefully!) If a letter of that type cannot be obtained, bring a recent and original banking statement ensuring that both your name and home address are shown on it.

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