tourist bank account uk

A Comprehensive Guide to Opening a UK Bank Account (Even For Non-Residents Online)

François Briod

Co-Founder of Monito and money transfer expert, François has been helping Monito’s users navigate the jungle of money transfer fees, bad exchange rates and tricks for the last ten years.

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

With its high standard of living and easy-going way of life, the UK is one of the world's most popular countries for living and working.

Whether you've just arrived in the country or are planning to move there soon (or whether you're there for university, work, or anything else), one of the things you'll need to get in order is a local bank account. This comprehensive guide delves into the nitty-gritty of how to open a bank account in the UK for non-residents in particular . If you're already a UK resident, no problem; you'll find that much of our information still applies to you too.

Fortunately, depending on your needs, the process should be doable, and you'll likely be able to open a bank account online in the UK without much hassle. (And, if you've heard the horror stories about opening a bank account in the UK, don't worry too much!)

Are you in a rush? Here are our recommendations if you're...

• from the EEA with no UK residence: Revolut gives you a UK account number, sort code, SWIFT code, and a debit card to spend in over 30 currencies, including pounds.
• not from the EEA with no UK residence: A Wise Account gives you multi-currency bank details in nine countries, including in the UK.
• in possession of a UK residence: Starling Bank offers a fully-fledged online current account that costs next to nothing every month.

Because it's needed to open most bank accounts, proof of address is usually where newcomers and non-residents in the UK hit a brick wall. It's also challenging if you've landed in the UK to live with relatives, where you won't have any bills or rental contracts in your name.

Can I Open a UK Bank Account as a Non-Resident?

All told, there are three main paths to open a bank account online in the UK, and not all of them are suitable for all types of non-residents. As a result, the best UK bank account will depend heavily on your needs and preferences. These paths are as follows:

• High-street banks: This path requires proof of UK residence and is only open to non-residents who make significant investments or who will soon be relocating to the UK. It's best for those who want extensive banking services and don't mind the fees.
• Online banks: Although the application is significantly more straightforward than at high-street banks, this path still requires proof of UK residence. It's best for those who want low-cost, digital banking services and don't mind slightly less banking coverage.
• Multi-currency accounts: This path provides a UK bank account without proof of address and is ideal for those wanting to open a UK bank account online from abroad.

Without further ado, let's explore each of these paths in detail below:

• 01. Path 1: Use a high-street bank (UK residents only) scroll down
• 02. Path 2: Use an online bank (UK residents only) scroll down
• 03. Path 3: Use a multi-currency account (no UK residence required) scroll down
• 04. How to get proof of address in the UK scroll down
• 05. How to transfer your money to the UK scroll down
• 06. Recapping how to open a UK bank account for non-residents online scroll down
• 07. FAQ about non-resident banking in the UK scroll down

Key Facts About Banking in the UK

Path 1: high-street uk banks.

The biggest high-street banks in the UK are HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays, NatWest, and Standard Chartered¹. Other big names include RBS, Nationwide, Santander, and Metro Bank. By "high-street", we mean traditional big banks with physical branches across the country (versus online banks, which don't have any branches). 

High-street banks will generally only accept your application if you can provide proof of UK residence in your name. The only exceptions are for wealthy foreign investments (which we won't discuss in this article) and for opening an account before moving to the UK. In the latter case, some banks such as Barclays and Lloyds allow account opening from abroad within three months of moving to the UK. Still, they also require a higher barrier to entry, i.e. upwards of £50,000 in gross annual income or £25,000 saved or invested with the bank².

All deposits in UK high-street accounts are protected up to £85,000 in the case of bankruptcy by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)³, making them safe from a customer perspective.

Types of Bank Accounts in the UK

There are numerous types of accounts in the UK, but here are the two that most people mean when they talk about a "bank account":

• Current account: Called a 'checking account' in the US, this is what most people are looking for basic everyday use, such as paying bills and receiving a salary. They generally come with a debit card and overdraft facilities. Chequebooks are no longer automatically issued to new customers, but you can opt for one if you wish.
• Savings account: These accounts traditionally yield a higher interest rate and are meant for what their name implies — saving money. Some savings accounts require you to not touch the funds for a set number of months or years. However, some current accounts also pay interest on balances up to a set amount.
• Basic account: Major high-street banks in the UK are mandated by law to provide basic bank accounts to legal residents and citizens. Basic accounts are fee-free and offer only the most standard deposit and withdrawal operations, including failed payments to prevent overdrafts.
• Joint account: Joint accounts are legally shared between family members. They are generally used for married couples to combine their finances together, or for parents to manage expenses with their children.
• Student account: Banks usually offer accounts with added features and low fees for university students. The fees raise to their standard levels once you graduate or reach a certain age limit.
• Digital mobile account: With both high-street banks and UK online banks, you should be able to access your account balances by desktop or mobile app. User experience and service quality certainly varies from bank to bank, with UK online banks specialising in digital-only accounts.
• International non-resident account: International accounts are ideal for non-UK residents who want access to current accounts and everyday services in the UK. In addition to the resources found in this guide below, learn more with our guide about the 8 best international bank accounts for expats .
• Offshore account: UK banks with an international presence (such as HSBC or Barclays), and banks in your home country with a presence in the UK (like Santander or Citibank), may offer offshore accounts. These accounts have high minimum balance requirements and monthly fees, but they usually come with an account manager and balances held in multiple currencies . Offshore accounts are often used for real estate management, investment management, trusts, or holding deposits.

Documents Needed To Open a UK Bank Account

To open a UK bank account, you generally need the following:

• Proof of identity: Passports, driving licences, and national identity cards are accepted. In general, if you're a foreign national, your best bet is to use your passport — EU ID cards are usually accepted, but if you're from Australia, your home driving licence may not be.
• Proof of UK address: Generally, a recent utility bill, rental contract, or council tax bill will suffice. Mobile phone bills are generally not accepted.

There are no banks that don't need ID to open an account. Banks are required by law to collect this information for Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) reasons⁴.

Which UK High-Street Banks Offer Accounts For Non-Residents?

Below, you'll find the account offerings among major high-street UK banks that we found the most useful for newcomers to the UK. As we saw above, there are also premium accounts and specialised accounts for students and youth too, but we selected the basic current accounts for the sake of illustration:

HSBC is the UK's largest bank by market value and total assets.

• Account: HSBC Bank Account
• Monthly fee: £0
• Int'l transfer cost: 1.5% - 8% (depending on the currency)
• Int'l card payment cost: 2.75% with limits
• Proof of UK residence required: Yes

National Westminster Bank, known colloquially as 'NatWest', is a large British bank that's based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

• Account: Select account
• Int'l transfer cost: 5% - 10% (depending on the currency)
• Int'l card payment cost: 2.75%

3. Barclays

Barclays is a UK banking giant offering retail, business, and investment banking worldwide.

• Account: Barclays Bank Account
• Int'l transfer cost: 4% - 10% (depending on the currency)
• Int'l card payment cost: 2.99%

Famous for its black horse logo, Lloyds is a popular banking choice among UK residents, with millions of customers nationwide.

• Account: Classic Account
• Int'l transfer cost: 3.5% - 8% (depending on the currency)

Opening an Account Before You Move to the UK

If you plan to relocate to the UK soon, you can sometimes still open a British bank account without proof of residence.

At Barclays, for example, you can open a UK bank account online from your home country within 90 days of relocating there. You'll then be required to complete the application process at a Barclays bank branch after you arrive in the country. You'll be eligible to open the following two types of accounts this way: (1) the £0-per-month Barclays Bank Account mentioned earlier, or (2) the Premier Current Account , which has a high barrier to entry (£75,000 gross annual income or £100,000 saved or invested with Barclays) and comes with a lucrative rewards program.

Similarly, Lloyds offers customers the  International Current Account  in GBP before they move in from abroad. To open an account from your home country, you can apply online, though you must have a £50,000 gross annual income or £25,000 saved or invested with Lloyds (which is a lower barrier to entry than Barclays).

Learn more with our guide about the 8 best international bank accounts for expats .

Hire a Third Party to Sort Out the Paperwork

If you want a high-street bank account but merely thinking about all the options makes you lose your marbles, we recommend visiting  Sable International , which has relationships with several traditional banks, including Lloyds, Barclays, HSBC, and Metro Bank.

Sable facilitates an introduction to the banks, enabling you to open a UK bank account without the usual proof of residency documents, such as a utility bill. It offers several options:

• Bank account:  If you want to open a UK bank account, you can get one without proof of address. You have to provide a valid passport, proof of permission to live and work in the UK, a residential address to receive post (this can be a friend or relative you're staying with, you don't need a utility bill), and be able to attend an appointment in London with one of their banking affiliates.
• Relocation: If you'd like a UK bank account plus various bells and whistles, this option assists with setting up a UK bank account and obtaining a National Insurance (NI) number and offers one free international money transfer, a pay-as-you-go UK SIM card, and a guidebook covering life in the UK. 
• Tier 5 Visa:  If you want all of the above (including a bank account) and help to apply for a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa, then this option allows people between the ages of 18 and 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years. However, it's only available to citizens of certain countries (including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada).

Path 2: Online Banks

UK online banks (sometimes called "challenger banks" or "neobanks") can be either registered banks or non-bank fintechs. They're characterised by not operating out of branches, with all banking services handled online instead. These banks generally offer a more limited range of services than the high-street banks we explored above, but at a fraction of the price and over a user-friendly web or mobile app interface.

If you want to open a UK bank account without proof of UK address, then the only online banks that may accept your application will be  Monese and  Revolut  (although these will still require proof of residency in the EU/EEA or another country). On the other hand, Monzo and Starling Bank will require proof of address in the UK. Note that even if you don't submit proof of address, you might still need to supply a UK address to deliver your debit card.

Take a look at the UK's top three challenger banks according to our rankings, though we've summarised these rankings below too:

Starling Bank: Best UK Online Bank

Starling Bank  is a fully-authorised bank in the UK that's well known for its fee-free current account .

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.5
• Fees & Exchange Rates 10
• Customer Satisfaction 9.3

Because this account is entirely free and gives you access to an impressively complete range of financial services (including the Starling bank card , overdraft facilities, loans, joint accounts, youth cards, pensions, a euro account, interest rates, etc.), we think Starling offers the  best free bank account in the UK  — one we think makes an excellent replacement for a bank account at a high-street bank.

• Account name:  Personal Account
• Int'l transfer cost:  0.5% - 3% (depending on the currency)
• Int'l card payment cost:  0%
• Proof of UK residence required:  Yes
• More info:  See our full  Starling Bank review .

Monzo: Best Bank for Savers

Monzo  is a regulated UK bank and probably the country's most famous mobile-only bank account.

• Trust & Credibility 8.3
• Service & Quality 8.4
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.8

An excellent choice if you're looking to avoid fees, Monzo (like Starling) charges no fees for day-to-day card use in the UK and abroad. Moreover, because it offers one of the most advanced and comprehensive savings systems we've seen from any challenger bank (allowing lots of flexibility over your time horizon and savings goals), we think Monzo is especially well-suited for managing and growing wealth , regardless of your individual goals.

• Account name:  Monzo
• Monthly fees:
• Int'l transfer cost:   0.2% - 2.5%
• More info:  See our full  Monzo review .

Suits Me: Best For New Arrivals

Suits Me is a reliable banking alternative for new arrivals in the UK.

• Trust & Credibility 7.3
• Service & Quality 7.0
• Fees & Exchange Rates 6.1
• Customer Satisfaction 8.6

It offers an easy and fast account opening process without requiring credit checks or proof of address. Additionally, Suits Me gives you a prepaid debit Mastercard, online banking services, and the ability to receive payments from employers and other sources (e.g. Faster Payments, BACS, and CHAPS, although not international SWIFT transfers).

• Account names:  Essential, Premium, Premium Plus
• Int'l transfer cost:  Not available
• Int'l card payment cost: £1.00 + 2%
• Proof of UK residence required: No
• More info:  Go to the website .

Path 3: Multi-Currency Accounts

Online multi-currency accounts aren't full banks in the UK but rather fintech companies (known formally as Electronic Money Institutions or EMIs) that often compete to offer the cheapest ways to transfer money globally. However, in addition to money transfers and currency exchange, multi-currency wallets normally come complete with a debit card, multi-currency account balances, and even foreign bank details.

Below, we go over three of the most prominent multi-currency fintechs: Revolut, Wise, and Monese.

Revolut: Best UK Account for EEA Residents

Probably the UK's most famous fintech, there's a good chance you've heard of  Revolut .

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4

Using its innovative personal finance platform, you'll not only have access to a broad range of financial services unique among free online accounts, but you'll also be able to take advantage of these services at a comparatively low price. However, because it's  not yet a bank  in the UK, we think Revolut is best used as a powerful spending tool next to a main bank account, as opposed to in place of it (even if that bank account is in your home country).

Sadly, although Revolut is also available in the US, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, and Japan, its British pound account details are only available to EU/EEA and UK customers who get both an EU IBAN account (in Lithuania) and a British current account number, sort code, and SWIFT code.

• Account names:  Standard, Plus, Premium, Metal
• Monthly fee:
• Int'l transfer cost: 0.5% - 1.5%
• Proof of UK residence required: Not necessarily
• More info:  See our full  Revolut review or visit the website .

Wise: Best UK Account for Non-EEA Residents

The Wise Account is the best way to open a UK bank account from abroad (especially if you're not from the EU/EEA and don't have access to Revolut).

• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.6

Wise will work for you no matter whether you want to hold money in pounds, spend money on holidays abroad, shop online, or receive earnings from the UK. Fortunately, after opening your account online, you'll only be required to verify your identity; you won't need to show proof of residence in the UK to sign up and obtain the VISA debit card (although you will need to show proof of residence in the EU/EEA, US, Singapore, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand).

Here's what Wise has to say about opening an account without proof of residence in the UK⁵:

"You can then choose to either supply proof of address from a standard list of documents, or to send in a selfie, in which you're holding your proof of ID. This can be a great alternative if you're still waiting to move to the UK or haven't yet got bills and other paperwork registered in your name."

Wise's Top Features

Your Wise Pound account will be held by Barclays Bank and come with the following details unique to you:

• A sort code;
• An account number;
• A British  IBAN  (starting with "GB").

This means you'll be able to spend and be paid just like a local in the UK and convert your GBP balance into your home currency without the exorbitant bank fees. Here's an overview of the other features you'll get:

• Local bank details, not just in the UK, but also in the US, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Romania, Canada, and Hungary.
• Hold, exchange, and top-up up to 56 currencies.
• A multi-currency VISA debit card that's handy for paying in foreign currencies without hidden fees.
• Access to  Wise 's powerful international money transfer service right from your account balance.

An Example of How Wise is Useful

To get a sense of how helpful Wise can be for expats and non-residents in the UK, let's say that you've just moved from Paris to London and need an active online account to receive and spend pound sterling. With a Wise, you'll be able to...

• send euros from your bank to your Wise euro account,
• convert all or part of your euro balance into sterling at a low fee of around €6.94 to add £1,000,
• pay with your Wise debit card, make or receive  SEPA  and  SWIFT payments, and set up  direct debits .

You'll also have UK bank details to share with an employer. Note that this account does not offer overdraft facilities, and you also won't earn interest on any in-credit balances.

Monese: Another Option for EEA Residents

Monese  is a mobile-only challenger bank that offers fully-fledged checking accounts to more than two million customers in the UK and across much of Europe.

• Trust & Credibility 7.6
• Service & Quality 9.0
• Fees & Exchange Rates 6.6
• Customer Satisfaction 8.7

Because Monese doesn't require you to prove your residence to meet the minimum creditworthiness standards to open an account in the UK, we think Monese is especially well-suited for new arrivals to the UK from the EEA. Although we don't find Monese quite as feature-rich as Revolut, we do think it has an advantage over Wise if you plan to split your life between the UK and a country in Europe.

Although you only get a Euro IBAN (starting with 'BE') if you're an EU/EEA resident, you will be able to use this to receive British pounds too. It's currently illegal to discriminate based on the origin of an IBAN in the UK and EU.

Here's an overview of Monese's offering:

• Account name:  Starter, Classic, Premium
• Int'l transfer cost:   0.5% - 1.5%
• Int'l card payment cost:  0% (0.4% - 0.8% for cash withdrawals)
• Proof of UK residence required:   Not necessarily
• More info:  See our full  Monese review .

How To Get Proof of Address in the UK

Regardless of which bank account you choose, if you're planning to move to the UK for a more extended period, getting your proof of address in order will be a necessary step in the long run.

Following modern anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, banks and other financial institutions are required to ask for appropriate evidence of identity whenever certain financial transactions occur. Checking that identity and proof of address match minimizes the chance that the account is opened under a false identity⁶.

What Document Count as Proof of Identity?

Banks and other financial institutions will require proof of identity in the form of a valid, government-issued passport, original birth certificate, EU/EEA member state ID card, current UK or EU/EEA driving licence, registration card for self-employed individuals, Resident Permit issued by the Home office to EEA nationals, National Identity card, or a Firearms certificate.

Provisional driving licenses and biometric residence permit (BRP) cards are often not accepted as proof of ID by UK banks.

What Document Count as Proof of Address?

In addition to a proof of identity, you'll also be required to provide one (even two) original documents to prove that you live where you claim to live (i.e. your residential address) in the UK. The following documents are practically always accepted:

• Utility bills, such as for electricity, gas, satellite, TV, or landline that are at most three months old. (Note that a mobile phone bill will not be accepted).
• A local authority council tax bill for the current council tax year.
• A valid UK driving licence.
• Bank or building society statement or passbook less than three months old (bank statements won't be accepted if they're from Monzo).
• Mortgage statement (issued for the last full year).
• Solicitors letter within the last three months confirming the property purchase (or the land registry confirmation of address).
• A council or housing association rent card or tenancy agreement for the current year.
• HMRC self-assessment letters or tax demand dated within the current financial year.
• Electoral Register entry.
• NHS medical card or letter of confirmation from GP's practise of registration for surgery.

Credit card statements or provisional driving licenses will not be accepted as proof of address. According to the  Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) , if you're unable to provide the documents listed above, you can request to see if the bank will accept any of the following documents:

• A letter from a care home manager or warden of sheltered accommodation or a refuge.
• A letter from the warden of a homeless shelter.
• A letter from a probation officer or a hostel manager.
• A letter from a prison governor.
• If you are a traveller, a letter from the local authority that verifies your address.
• If you are an international student, a passport or European Economic Area National Identity Card and letter of acceptance or introduction from a body on the Department for Education list.
• If you're an asylum seeker, an application registration card.

What If My Application to Open a UK Bank Account is Refused?

There are 9 major high-street banks in the UK that are required to offer basic bank accounts to legal residents and citizens in the UK. These banks are: Barclays UK, the Co-operative Bank, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group (including Halifax and Bank of Scotland brands), Nationwide Building Society, NatWest Group (including Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank brands), Santander UK, TSB, and Virgin Money.

However, banks in the UK can still refuse to open bank accounts if you fail to provide proper documentation, such as a proof of ID or proof of UK address. Know Your Customer (KYC) laws require banks to obtain identity information about their customers to help prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.

Banks are not required to give their reasons for refusing an account. However, you can issue a complaint to the  Financial Ombudsman Service if you think you have faced discrimination. Typically, it takes 8 to 12 weeks to address such disputes. In the event that you are dissatisfied with the Ombudsman's final decision, you may consider pursuing legal action, though you will generally be responsible for covering your own legal expenses.

How To Send Money to a UK Bank Account

Once you've opened a bank account in the UK, you'll need to consider how to move your funds across , a process that can be exceptionally costly if you're depositing money from a currency other than pounds. To deposit money into your new pound sterling account from your home currency before you move, you'll need to go to your online banking and choose between one of two options:

• Sending a  wire transfer  through your bank directly;
• Sending a bank transfer via a money transfer specialist.

We don't recommend using your bank to transfer money internationally, as the fees can be exorbitant, and the waiting times can be lengthy. This is mainly because banks wire funds over the  SWIFT network , which adds many timely and expensive steps to the money transfer process.

Instead, if the amount you'd like to send to the UK is in the order of several hundred or thousand Pounds or equivalent, then we recommend you use a money transfer specialist service ( Wise  is one among many.) To compare which services are cheapest for your transfer amount and your home country to the UK, run a search on Monito's real-time comparison engine here .

On the other hand, if you're moving large amounts of money from your home currency to your new bank account in the UK (i.e. anything upwards of £30,000 or equivalent), services such as Wise may not be your cheapest bet. Instead, we recommend exploring your options among the  foreign exchange brokers  that support transfers from your country to the UK. These services specialise in negotiating favourable exchange rates on your behalf. They are the most cost-effective option for transferring large sums of money (such as life savings or liquid investments) across borders.

To find out which service will offer you the best deal in real-time, run a search on our comparison engine below:

Find the best deal when sending money to the United Kingdom:

Recap: what are the best online bank accounts in the uk.

To conclude, let's recap the main recommendations we explored in this non-resident banking guide:

• Revolut : Best GBP non-resident account for EU/EEA residents.
• Wise : Best GBP non-resident account for non-EU/EEA residents.
• Starling Bank : Best low-cost online bank for UK residents.
• Monzo : Best online savings account for UK residents.
• HSBC : Best traditional banking experience for UK residents.
• Monito : Best way to compare money transfers to the UK.

See our guide on the best online-only banks in the UK for more.

FAQ About Opening a Bank Account Online in the UK For Non-Residents

Few solutions offer a bank account in the UK when you don't have proof of address in the UK. With Monzo or Monese, you can open a UK bank account with just a few clicks, although you'll need to show proof of residence. Generally, we consider the Wise Account the best UK bank account for non-residents. See all the details about  opening a bank account in the UK without proof of address in our in-depth guide.

Expats moving to the UK might find it difficult to open a traditional bank account. To open a bank account, you need proof of address, which might be hard to get if you are a non-resident. The good news is that companies like Monzo or Monese offer a UK bank account without proof of address. You can have a UK bank account with just a few clicks. You will find more info about UK bank accounts for non-residents in our blog post .

Yes, it is possible to have a Euro bank account in the UK, and some UK banks offer bank accounts in Euros. However, the fees for such accounts are quite high. For low-fee (or even free) solutions, take a look at our guide to the best Euro bank accounts in the UK .

To open a bank account in the UK, you'll generally need two things:

• Proof of your identity: E.g. Passport, drivers license, or national identity card. In general, if you are a foreign national, your best bet is to use your passport.
• Proof of the address in the UK: E.g. a recent utility bill, rental contract, council tax bill. Mobile phone bills are generally not accepted. If you don't have proof of address, then we recommend opening a Wise Account to take care of your finances until you sort one out.

UK banks ask customers to prove who they are and where they live in the UK before they open a bank account. Proof of address ensures that a bank account is not opened under a false identity. Each bank accepts different documents, but in general, you will be asked to show two official documents, for example:

• Utility bills
• Local authority council tax bill for the current council tax year
• Current UK driving license
• Bank, Building Society or Credit Union statement
• Mortgage statement
• A council or housing association rent card or tenancy agreement for the current year
• Solicitors letter within the last three months confirming the property purchase (or the land registry confirmation of address)
• HMRC self-assessment letters
• Electoral Register entry
• NHS Medical card

Foreigners can open a traditional bank account in the UK as long as they have proof of the address, which sometimes it's hard to get. The good news is that there are companies like Monzo or Monese which offer UK bank accounts even without proof of the address. All the information about  opening a bank account in the UK you will find in our blog post .

A non-resident cannot open a bank account in the UK in a strict sense, as proof of address is always required by British banks for new customers. However, to open an account ahead of a move to the UK, you can opt to open a British pound foreign currency account at your local bank in your home country, or, you can open a savvy only multi-currency account in pounds (and dozens of other currencies) via Wise that gives you a full set of official UK banking details, including an IBAN, account number, and sort code.

• Current account: Called a 'checking account' in the US, this is what most people are looking for basic everyday use, such as paying bills and receiving a salary. They generally come with a debit card and overdraft. Chequebooks are no longer automatically issued to new customers, but you may be able to opt for one if you wish.
• Savings account: These accounts have traditionally yielded a higher interest rate and are meant for what their name implies — saving money. However, a number of current accounts also pay interest on balances up to a set amount.

There are also basic accounts (which are generally on offer for people with a poor credit history), as well as premium current accounts (which cost a monthly fee and come loaded with features), as well as current accounts aimed at youth and students.

Yes, in some cases, it's possible to open a Spanish bank account from the UK, although you'll need to prove a legitimate interest in Spain and obtain a certificate of non-residency (and the associated NIE number) in order to do so. Take a look at our guide to opening a non-resident bank account in Spain to learn more.

If you don't yet have a UK ID and are planning to move to the country, you can opt to open a British pound foreign currency account at your local bank in your home country, or, alternatively, you can open a savvy only multi-currency account in pounds (and dozens of other currencies) via Wise that gives you a full set of official UK banking details, including an IBAN, account number, and sort code.

Yes, it's possible to open a bank account online at most UK banks, although many high-street banks will require you to come in for an appointment too. To get an overview of which banks are completely online in the UK, take a look at Monito's guide to the best UK challenger banks .

• Statista: Largest banks in the United Kingdom (UK)
• Lloyds Bank: International Current Account
• FSCS: What we cover
• GOV.UK: Your responsibilities under money laundering supervision
• Wise: How to get a proof of address in the UK
• GOV.UK: Proof of identity checklist

Compare Top Online Banks in the UK

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• Supported currencies open Pound sterling (8) Euro (6) US dollar (5) Australian dollar (4) Canadian dollar (4) See all
• Overdraft open No (5) Yes (3)
• Annual interest rate open Very low (6) High (1) Low (1)
• Supports cash deposits open Yes (5) No (3)
• International transfers open Yes (8)
• Overall Monito Score
• Trust & Credibility
• Service & Quality
• Fees & Exchange Rates
• Customer Satisfaction
• Service & Quality 7.8
• United Kingdom
• Full bank account
• Everyday banking
• UK account no. & sort code
• Pound sterling
• Overdraft Yes
• Supports cash deposits Yes
• International transfers Yes
• Saving money
• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United States
• New Zealand
• Multi-currency account
• Spending while abroad
• Hungarian account no.
• US account & routing no.
• Australian account & BSB no.
• New Zealand account no.
• Canadian account
• institution no.
• Romanian account no.
• Singaporean account no. & bank code
• Turkish IBAN
• Australian dollar
• Bulgarian lev
• Canadian dollar
• Swiss franc
• Czech koruna
• Danish krone
• Croatian kuna
• Japanese yen
• Malaysian ringgit
• Norwegian krone
• New Zealand dollar
• Polish zloty
• Romanian leu
• Swedish krona
• Singapore dollar
• Turkish lira
• United Arab Emirates dirham
• Chilean peso
• Moroccan dirham
• Pakistani rupee
• Tanzanian shilling
• Uruguayan peso
• Argentine peso
• Botswana pula
• Chinese yuan
• Egyptian pound
• Ghanaian cedi
• Indian rupee
• Kenyan shilling
• Mexican peso
• Ukrainian hryvnia
• Vietnamese Dong
• Costa Rican colon
• Israeli new shekel
• South Korean won
• Ugandan shilling
• Bangladeshi taka
• Sri Lankan rupee
• Nigerian naira
• Philippine peso
• Russian ruble
• Overdraft No
• Supports cash deposits No
• All-in-one finance app
• Spending online
• Hong Kong dollar
• Qatari riyal
• Saudi riyal
• Trust & Credibility 8.6
• Service & Quality 8.6
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.9
• Travel card
• Easy registration
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.8
• Customer Satisfaction 6.2
• Service & Quality 5.4
• Fees & Exchange Rates 6.0
• Customer Satisfaction 7.9
• No account details (balance only)

Non-Resident Bank Accounts in the UK vs Other Countries

Many countries allow non-residents to open a bank account within their legal jurisdictions, but exactly what kind of requirements non-residents face can differ drastically from country to country and even bank to bank. See the list below to get a better idea of this:

Last updated: 18/2/2022

Other Banking Guides in the UK

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How To Open A UK Bank Account For Non-British Citizens

Ross Irvine

Finance Director

Have you just arrived to the UK, or planning to move soon? If you’re moving for work or international studies and want to be ready for settling here, you might be eligible for a UK bank account as a non-British citizen. But is opening a UK bank account essential if you are planning to stay here? And can you open a bank account online even without proof of residence in the UK? Can you have a UK bank account if you live abroad?

To answer these questions, we take a look at some of the best bank accounts for non-British citizens in the UK, from expat accounts to app-based online banking. Read below to find out everything about expat banking.

In this article

• UK bank account for non-residents: why do you need one?
• Types of banks and bank accounts in the UK
• How can you open a UK bank account without proof of address?
• How do you choose a bank account?
• What is the easiest UK bank account to open?
• What else do you need to consider about banking and sending money abroad as a non-British citizen?

UK bank account for non-British citizens: why do you need one?

When thinking of moving to the UK, it’s important to make sure you understand how to manage your money. The good news is that there are a lot of reliable banks in the UK, so if you are moving for work, study, or retiring, there will be plenty of options for you.

Whilst y ou can get a bank account in the UK as a foreigner – you should be aware that banks and building societies require proof of address in the UK. This can make things a little difficult when you first arrive as an expat.

We explore all of the options below, from high street banks to expat accounts to app-based banking and more.

Do you have to open a bank account as a non-citizen in the UK?

Whilst you don’t legally have to open a bank account when you move to the UK, you may find it makes your life a lot easier if you do! It is not required by law to have a bank account to live in the UK (and not all British residents have one) but you may find that very few employers pay into foreign accounts or pay by cash.

Also, you may see higher transaction charges for using a foreign account in shops and cash machines in the UK. Moreover, you will certainly need a bank account to pay your utility bills and get a mortgage.

If you don’t want to go down the route of opening a traditional bank account in the UK, there are alternative money management options such as:

• Building societies
• Credit unions
• National Savings and Investment accounts (formerly Post Office Savings accounts)

Why is it more difficult to open a bank account in the UK as a new resident?

The proof of address detail is where people moving to the UK from abroad often hit a wall. It’s also tough if you’ve landed in the UK and live with relatives and don’t have any bills in your name or a rental contract.

Here are our recommendations in short:

If you want to open a bank-like UK account without proof of address, Revolut, Monese and Monzo are a few online services that will set up a UK account without residency. All offer UK account numbers and sort codes, and debits cards you can use in retailers or pay for items online. Each service has different rules, so read the detail section for each provider to make sure you find the best service for your needs. In the case of Revolut, you might have to get in touch with the customer support team to open an account without the address in the UK.

What can you do to prepare for opening a bank account in the UK as a non-British citizen?

Before you open a UK bank account as a non-British citizen, you can still manage your money from your overseas account. However, to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible, you might want to:

• check with your home bank if your debit or credit cards can be used abroad
• make sure that you know the exact costs of transaction fees and currency exchange fees
• double check if your home bank is able to help you open a bank account in the UK if it has a correspondent banking relationship with a UK bank

Alternatively, some UK banks have international accounts for non-citizens that can be opened up from abroad (especially in the EU), so you could open an account in advance of your move. Some banks charge monthly fees for these accounts, though, so check first and don’t open an account months in advance of moving if it will mean hefty charges.

Why is it worth opening a bank account in the UK as a non-citizen?

• If you’re planning to work in the UK, your future employer will be transferring your salary into a UK bank account
• It will be easier to rent a property if you can cover the costs from a UK account
• You’ll be charged currency conversion fees each time you use your debit card or withdraw cash in the UK. Currency exchange rates fluctuate, making it harder to keep to a budget
• You will need a local bank account for your bills, such as mobile phone contracts, gym membership and energy bills
• Last but not least, if you get locked out of your home bank account because you’ve forgotten your PIN code, it will be challenging to deal with it internationally as opposed to a local branch

Is it harder for expats to get mortgages in the UK?

What to look out for when applying for an expat mortgage, banking in the uk if you’re a non-british citizen: traditional vs online banks.

The UK is one of the global financial centres and its financial services sector consists of private UK banks, international banks, and publicly owned lending institutions such as building societies and credit unions.

The UK has the biggest banking sector in Europe , with 300 banks and 45 building societies. The banks available to the public are called ‘high street’ banks: the major ones include Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Royal Bank of Scotland. Santander is also a big name. The biggest building society is Nationwide. Most high street banks are available online as well as on the high street.

Types of UK bank accounts

• Current account – Usually referred to as a ‘checking account’ in the US. This is your day-to-day account, the one your main salary is paid into. Current accounts offer debit cards and, depending on your circumstances, will permit you to go overdrawn up to a set limit. Some of these accounts charge a fee, for which you get benefits in return, like cashback on your spending and/or interest on your balance when you’re in credit or roadside car insurance.
• Basic banking accounts – these are a type of current account, mainly aimed at people with a low income or with a poor credit rating. As the name suggests, they only offer the basics. You won’t get an overdraft, for example.
• Savings accounts – these come in different types, including regular savings accounts where current account customers get a preferential rate, and ISAs, where interest earned is protected from tax.

Several high street banks also provide international student bank accounts . These can offer incentives, such as cashback and gift cards, and international students may be able to apply for a small overdraft.

Some banks offer expat accounts especially designed for those living and working outside their home country. These usually have minimum income or deposit requirements.

Which documents will you need to open a UK bank account as a non-British citizen?

To open a UK bank account, you generally need the following two things:

• Proof of your identity : it can be a passport, driving licence, or national identity card. In general, if you are a foreigner, you most likely will use your passport.
• If you are an international student , you will need to show a valid study visa, a Student ID or a letter of acceptance from your university, and sometimes a bank statement from your home bank.
• Proof of address : This is generally a recent utility bill, rental contract, council tax bill. Mobile phone bills are generally not accepted.

What are the best hospitals in the UK?

We look at everything you need to know about healthcare in the uk, how do you open a uk bank account without proof of address.

The proof of address requirement is where foreigners and non-residents in the UK who have just arrived in the country experience difficulties. However, with the recent surge of digital app-based banks launching in the UK, there is more choice than before for you to open a bank account to make your life in the UK easier.

According to a recent study by the Finder.com, 14 million Britons have already opened accounts in digital banks, and 18% of Brits plan to switch to an online-only bank by 2027. Convenience, better terms of service and the ability to track spending in real time are the three main reasons that British users enjoy the ‘disrupters’ online banks.

Note that even though you don’t have to submit proof of address, you’ll still need to supply a UK address – this is also where your debit card will be delivered.

How do you get proof of residence in the UK as an expat?

Banks and financial institutions, according to the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, are required to ask for appropriate Identity Evidence when certain financial transactions take place. By checking your ID (name) and a proof of address at your name, this minimises the chance that the account is opened under a false identity.

Banks and other financial institutions will require proof of name in the form of a current signed passport, original birth certificate, EEA member state identity card, current UK or EEA driving licence, registration card for self-employed individuals, Resident Permit issued by the Home office to EEA nationals, National Identity card or Firearms certificate.

UK banks ask customers to prove who they are and where they live in the UK before they open a bank account. Proof of address ensures that a bank account is not opened under a false identity. Each bank accepts different documents, but in general, you will be asked to show two official documents, e.g.:

• Utility bills
• Local authority council tax bill for the current council tax year
• Current UK driving license
• Bank, Building Society or Credit Union statement
• Mortgage statement
• Council or housing association rent card or tenancy agreement for the current year
• Solicitors letter within the last three month confirming the property purchase (or the land registry confirmation of address)
• HMRC self-assessment letters
• Electoral Register entry
• NHS Medical card

How do you choose a UK bank account as a non-British citizen?

If you are looking to open a bank account in the UK as an expat, which bank you decide to go for will depend on your own personal circumstances and what you are looking for. There are various factors you might want to take into consideration, such as:

• Flexibility – as an expat, if you’re looking for ease of access and 24/7 banking, digital and mobile accounts are well worth considering.
• International scope – if you want an account that will be well-linked to accounts and services overseas, you’ll need to check international and multi-currency account options as well as services such as international money transfers.
• Potential costs – some banks may charge you for withdrawing money. You also might want to check the commission you pay for exchanging currency.
• Range of products and services – this can range from account-related services such as credit and borrowing options to other financial services including UK mortgages, insurance in the UK, and investments.
• Incentives – many banks will try to attract customers by offering incentives such as cash deposits or interest-free periods, so shop around to see what’s available.

How can expats survive the cost of living crisis?

We look at how best to manage your budget and help you stay in control of your spending, what is the easiest uk bank account to open for non-british citizens.

The high street banks will want to see proof of your UK address, often in the form of a Council Tax bill or utility bills in your name, before they will allow you to open an account. But expats who’ve just arrived won’t have these .

Because of this, some expats find applying for an account with an online-only bank or e-money institution (such as a FinTech app) quicker and easier than with a high street bank.

As an expat, you might also want one that offers multi-currency accounts, especially if you’re a digital nomad working in different countries . Plus, you’ll probably be looking to send money back to your home country as cheaply as possible. The latter might be cheaper if you open an account with the same bank as your one at home.

Account opening requirements vary, so be sure to check the terms and conditions, but some options include:

Please note: we are not promoting any of these accounts and you will need to make an informed decision before opening one. Subject to change. Please check their websites for full information.

Depending on your salary, it might also be worth looking at the expat accounts offered by the high street banks . These include:

• HSBC Expat Premier account – sterling, USD and euro multi-currency accounts and exclusive foreign exchange rates. But you need a salary of £100,000 or £50,000 in an HSBC bank account.
• HSBC Currency Account – an easy-to-manage currency holding account, with no monthly account fee. You can choose from 14 major currencies and open a separate account for each one to store, send and receive money.
• Lloyds International account – a choice of sterling, USD or euro and free international money transfers. You’ll need an annual income of £50,000.
• Barclays International account – offers services in 70 countries, however, you will need to deposit at least £100,000 (or currency equivalent) across your accounts with Barclays.
• NatWest International Select account – pay in a minimum salary of £40,000 and manage your money on the mobile app.

How much does medical treatment cost away from home?

Prices vary significantly, so find out before you make a move, what else do you need to consider about banking and sending money abroad in the uk as a non-citizen, can you have a uk bank account if you don’t live in the uk.

You can simply keep your current account open if you leave the UK to live and work overseas. This might be a smart move, especially if you’re not moving permanently.

There are also some accounts you can open ahead of time if you’re planning to move to the UK. It’s a good idea to check with your bank to see if they have links with UK banks, as it can make doing this easier.

Online banking in the UK: what does it look like?

Online or mobile banking is available through mobile banking apps in the UK which can be downloaded onto smartphones and tablets. Services and features vary slightly between banks. Many offer the possibility of mobile banking for a range of accounts including current accounts, savings accounts, and business accounts.

Mobile banking features include:

• Mobile payments, so that you can pay bills, go shopping, and make P2P payments to other mobile users
• Money management and budgeting tools, including keeping track of loans and investments
• 24/7 access to your account and instant bank mobile bank statements
• International money transfers to multi-currency accounts
• Online support including through social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter
• Enhanced security features

Not all banking services are available through apps at the moment, with mobile-only banks unlikely to offer the full range of services available through traditional banks such as loans, mortgage options, and insurance. Mobile banking in the UK is also reliant on good Wi-Fi coverage, which can be a problem in some rural and remote areas.

Can a tourist open a bank account in the UK?

No. You need a UK address to open a bank account in the UK. If you’re just passing through, a multi-currency account with one of the banking apps might be a good option.

What about sending money abroad?

There are a lot of options, so it’s important to shop around for the best rates. You might want to investigate what banking apps have to offer. A few examples include:

• Paysend – transfer money online to over 90 countries.
• Wise (formerly TransferWise) – rates based on the real exchange rate. Receive money for free.
• Western Union – a huge global network and your choice of sending cash to a bank account, Western Union agent, or (in some locations) direct to a mobile number.

Can a foreigner open a bank account in the UK?

Foreigners can open a traditional bank account in the UK as long as they have proof of the address, which sometimes it’s hard to get.

Good news is that there are companies like Monzo or Monese which offer UK bank accounts, even without proof of the address.

Is it possible to have a Euro bank account in the UK?

Some UK banks offer bank accounts in Euro. However, the fees for such accounts are quite high. But we have good news – there is a possibility to open a bank account in Euro for free.

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Wherever you move, we can help you safeguard your health

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience helping expatriates move abroad and settle into their new lives overseas by providing world-class international health insurance . We produce lots of expert material to help you and your family adapt to life abroad.

Making the move to another country can be challenging. But no matter where you go, you can take one thing off your mind. William Russell offers global health insurance that can cover you for everything from minor injuries to long hospital stays, and we even offer medical evacuations to patients who require treatment in other countries. Speak to us today to find out more about how international health insurance could support you.

Looking for international health insurance?

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More results…

How To Open A UK Bank Account For Non-Residents

Uk bank account for non-residents: why do you need one, do you have to open a bank account as a non-resident in the uk.

• Building societies
• Credit unions
• National Savings and Investment accounts (formerly Post Office Savings accounts)

Why is it more difficult to open a bank account in the UK as a new resident?

What can you do to prepare for opening a bank account in the uk as a non-resident.

• check with your home bank if your debit or credit cards can be used abroad
• make sure that you know the exact costs of transaction fees and currency exchange fees
• double check if your home bank is able to help open a bank account in the UK for you if it has a correspondent banking relationship with a UK bank

Why is it worth opening a bank account in the UK as a non-resident?

• If you’re planning to work in the UK, your future employer will be transferring your salary into a UK bank account.
• It will be easier to rent a property if you can cover the costs from a UK account.
• You’ll be charged currency conversion fees each time you use your debit card or withdraw cash in the UK. Currency exchange rates fluctuate, making it harder to keep to a      budget.
• You will need a local bank account for your bills, such as mobile phone contracts, gym membership and energy bills.
• Last but not least, if you get locked out of your home bank account because you’ve forgotten your PIN code, it will be challenging to deal with it internationally as opposed to a local branch.

Banking in the UK if you’re a non-resident: traditional vs online banks

Types of uk bank accounts.

• Current account – Usually referred to as a ‘checking account’ in the US. This is your day-to-day account, the one your main salary is paid into. Current accounts offer debit cards and, depending on your circumstances, will permit you to go overdrawn up to a set limit. Some of these accounts charge a fee, for which you get benefits in return, like cashback on your spending and/or interest on your balance  when you’re in credit or roadside car insurance.
• Basic banking accounts – these are a type of current account, mainly aimed at people with a low income or with a poor credit rating. As the name suggests, they only offer the basics. You won’t get an overdraft, for example.
• Savings accounts – these come in different types, including regular savings accounts where current account customers get a preferential rate, and ISAs, where interest earned is protected from tax.

Which documents will you need to open a UK bank account as a non-resident?

• Proof of your identity : it can be a passport, driving licence, or national identity card. In general, if you are a foreigner, you most likely will use your passport.
• If you are an international student , you will need to show a valid study visa, a Student ID or a letter of acceptance from your university, and sometimes a bank statement from your home bank.
• Proof of address: This is generally a recent utility bill, rental contract, council tax bill. Mobile phone bills are generally not accepted.

How do you open a UK bank account without proof of address?

How do you get proof of residence in the uk as an expat.

• Utility bills
• Local authority council tax bill for the current council tax year
• Current UK driving license
• Bank, Building Society or Credit Union statement
• Mortgage statement
• Council or housing association rent card or tenancy agreement for the current year
• Solicitors letter within the last three month confirming the property purchase (or the land registry confirmation of address)
• HMRC self-assessment letters
• Electoral Register entry
• NHS Medical card

How do you choose a UK bank account as a non-resident?

• Flexibility – as an expat, if you’re looking for ease of access and 24/7 banking, digital and mobile accounts are well worth considering.
• International scope – if you want an account that will be well-linked to accounts and services overseas, you’ll need to check international and multi-currency account options as well as services such as international money transfers.
• Potential costs – some banks may charge you for withdrawing money. You also might want to check the      commission you pay for exchanging currency.
• Range of products and services – this can range from account-related services such as credit and borrowing      options to other financial services including UK mortgages, insurance in  the UK, and investments.
• Incentives – many banks will try to attract customers by offering incentives such as cash deposits or interest-free periods, so shop around to see what’s available

What is the easiest UK bank account to open for non-residents?

• HSBC Expat Premier account – sterling, USD and euro multi-currency accounts and exclusive foreign exchange rates. But you need a salary of £100,000 or £50,000 in an HSBC bank account.
• Lloyds International account – a choice of sterling, USD or euro and free international money transfers. You’ll need an annual income of £50,000.
• NatWest International Select account – pay in a minimum salary of £40,000 and manage your money on the mobile app.

What else do you need to consider about banking and sending money abroad in the UK as a non-resident?

Can you have a uk bank account if you don’t live in the uk, online banking in the uk: what does it look like.

• Mobile payments, so that you can pay bills, go shopping, and make P2P payments to other mobile users.
• Money management and budgeting tools, including keeping track of loans and investments.
• 24/7 access to your account and instant bank mobile bank statements.
• International money transfers to multi-currency accounts.
• Online support including through social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter
• Enhanced security features

Can a tourist open a bank account in the UK?

What about sending money abroad.

• Paysend – transfer money      online to over 90 countries.
• Wise (formerly TransferWise) – rates based on the      real exchange rate. Receive money for free.
• Western Union – a huge global      network and your choice of sending cash to a bank account, Western Union      agent, or (in some locations) direct to a mobile number.

Can a foreigner open a bank account in the UK?

Is it possible to have a euro bank account in the uk, thinking of moving abroad in 2022.

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Apply for an account when you're outside the UK

Need a uk account.

Do you live outside the UK but need a bank account to manage your finances in the UK? Or, are you planning a move to the UK and looking to open a UK bank account? Apply for an HSBC bank account from outside the UK and take full control of your finances.

Already in the UK?   Search for and open a UK account

Banking in the UK

Who can apply for an hsbc uk bank account .

You can apply for an HSBC UK bank account if you:

• Are 18 or older
• Are happy for us to do a credit check against your name (if you live in the UK)
• Can provide ID and proof of address (other eligibility criteria may also apply)

How do I open an HSBC UK bank account? 

The easiest way to open an HSBC UK bank account is to apply online. If you need support, you can also visit one of our branches in the UK and we’ll help you with your application. 

If you have a smartphone or tablet, bring it with you if you're visiting a UK branch in person.

What do I need to open an HSBC UK bank account? 

To open an account, you'll need:

• Your current employment, income, and tax details
• Proof of ID, such as your passport or driving license
• Proof of address, such as utility bill or bank statement

For more information, visit our page on  what you need to open an HSBC UK bank account .

Can I set up an HSBC UK bank account from abroad? 

You can set up an HSBC UK bank account from many locations abroad. Once you've chosen your preferred account, use the apply button to find out if you might be eligible.

Why open an HSBC UK bank account

Convenient ways to bank

24/7 access to your account using mobile, online, automated phone banking and a debit card.

No monthly account fee

We don't charge you a fee just for keeping your account with us.

Enjoy discounts and offers

HSBC debit card holders can access offers with a number of retailers with our home&Away offers programme.

Bank wherever you are

Manage all your HSBC accounts around the world from anywhere with our mobile app and online banking.

Choose the HSBC UK bank account that's right for you

HSBC Premier Account

HSBC’s premier banking service, recognised globally and created for your constantly changing world.

Plus, if you have HSBC accounts in other countries or regions, you can manage them all online and make fee-free transfers between them in minutes.

ATM withdrawal limit

GBP1,000 per day

Fee for using your card outside the UK

Eligibility

To be eligible, you’ll need to meet and maintain one of the following criteria :

• Be an existing HSBC Premier customer in another country
• Have savings or investments of at least GBP50,000 with HSBC UK (within 6 months of opening your account)
• Have an individual annual income of at least GBP75,000 and one of the following with HSBC UK: a mortgage, an investment, life insurance or a protection product (to be held within 6 months of account opening)

You may be required to provide ID and proof of address if needed.

You may not be eligible for some account features if you remain resident outside the UK.

HSBC Advance Account

Get everything you need from everyday banking and lots more.

GBP500 per day

2.75% plus a 2% fee (minimum GBP1.75, maximum GBP5) when withdrawing cash

HSBC Bank Account

Easily manage your everyday finances and activate your life in the UK.

HSBC customers with an HSBC debit card can access home&Away offers with a number of retailers.

GBP300 per day

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International Money Made Simple

Open a Bank Account in the UK

About Author: Hi, I’m Quinn Askeland. In 2014, I started Transumo after experiencing expensive, slow, and frustrating international money transfers and payments through banks. Once I discovered how to manage my own international currencies much better, I became driven to help others improve their transfers and payments. Fortunately, today, there are many excellent options. See My Full Bio .

Many years ago I struggled to open my own bank account in the UK. While it remains a solid task, in addition to traditional high street banks, you can also consider the convenience of opening a digital account with services like Wise or Revolut and others which can save time, money and frustration.

It can be frustrating opening a UK bank account – usually documents are needed to prove your residency in the UK.

Fortunately:

There are some banks who can make it easier and great online alternatives that can be opened without the need for documents which prove your address. We will show you the minimum requirements for many of traditional “high street” banks.

But there are pros and cons to both options.

First we will explain the difference between traditional high street bank accounts and digital (or neo) banking alternatives. Then we will discuss the documentation needed for the different options and finally the pros and cons of each option.

Let’s dive in.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and savings on transfers if you use some of the links! For more information, see my disclosures here .

Traditional Vs Online Banking (Requirements)

Traditional banks have a wide range of bank accounts and offer lots of other services like loans, mortgages, insurance and wealth management services. Also UK banks have deposit protection through the (FSCA) Financial Services Compensation Scheme which means that even if the bank goes bust, your money is safe up to £85,000.

However these banks are subject to more regulation and as a result they also generally require proof of identity and proof of a UK address to open them. However there are some banks that offer slightly easier ways (we will show you in a moment).

This can be a problem if you are not yet in the UK or have just arrived.

Fortunately you can open a bank-like account  without  proof of a UK address.

These online accounts from companies like Wise, Revolut, Monzo, Starling, Monese and others have limitations but tend to be very user friendly with great apps , multi-currency accounts and international prepaid debit cards .

Most importantly they enable you to to get paid by your employer in British pounds, pay bills and pay others.

Skip down to 4 Best Online Banking of Alternatives Below .

3 Best High Street Bank Accounts (+ How to Open Them)

There are a few expat-friendly banks in the UK including HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds Banking Group.

These banks offer both free and paid bank accounts and let you manage your account offline (at a branch) and online (website and mobile app). They also offer deposit protection up to £85,000 GBP. 

Every bank has a different sign up process, and a handful of banks also let users open an account from overseas before moving to the UK – more on that in a moment.

1.3 How to get address proof in the UK as a non-resident/expat

UK banks accept the following alternatives as address proof for expats and non-residents:

• Salaried individuals: A letter from the employer confirming an applicant’s address
• International Student: Passport and a letter from the educational institution confirming the applicants acceptance and current address
• Frequent traveler/digital nomad: A letter from a local authority verifying the current address
• Asylum seekers: Application registration card 

The preference may vary from bank to bank and it’s best to ask what you can submit to make the account opening process go smoothly.

1.4 UK bank options

1.4.1 hsbc overseas account (for existing customers).

Account type: Overseas Account

Who is it for? Existing HSBC One, Jade or Premier customer in 30 countries

Monthly fee: £0

International transfers? Yes

Proof of UK residence required? No (but must show probable cause to move to the UK)

If you are not an existing HSBC customer you may find that only Council tax bills are accepted for proof of address.

1.4.2 HSBC for international Students

Account type: UK Current Account for International Students

Who is it for? Students living in the live in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man

Proof of UK residence required? Yes

1.4.3 Barclays International Bank Account

Account type: Global Bank Account (Savings and Current)

Who is it for? Non-residents living in 70 eligible countries

Monthly fee: NA – but must maintain £100,000 balance

Proof of UK residence required? No (but proof of residence in eligible country overseas required)

1.4.4 Barclays Current Account

Account type: Regular and Premier Current Account

Who is it for? Anyone with a UK biometric residence permit

Monthly fee: £4 monthly fee

1.4.5 Lloyd’s Classic or Basic Account

Account type: Current Account 

1.5 International Alternatives

Although a bit of a long shot, over 250 foreign banks operate in the UK and it may be possible to set up a UK bank account if you have a corresponding account in your home country. 

Some of these banks include:

• CitiBank (the US)
• Triodos (the Netherlands)
• Axis Bank (India)
• Emirates NBD Bank (Middle East)

1.6 How to Choose the Best Bank Account

With so many options, it can be hard to zero in on the best UK bank account for you as an expat. To make things easier, consider the following. 

Ease of signup and covers basic needs: If your goal is simply to get established in the UK (get paid and pay others) an online bank-like alternative may be the best way to get started. After you are more established opening a high street bank will be easier and you can benefit by having both.

Specific products and services: Ask yourself how you plan to use the bank account – do you plan to use it only for receiving your salary or expenses? Do you need savings or investment options? Do you want to manage multiple currencies? What kind of debit or credit card do you need?

Costs: Most UK bank accounts are free, but some premium accounts may have monthly or annual fees. If the perks offset the features, sometimes having a paid account can be worthwhile.

User friendliness: Ultimately, the experience you have with the bank will help you can get out of your account. Dig deeper into customer service, flexibility of usage across mediums (offline and online), 24×7 banking, etc.

4 Best Digital Accounts (+ How to Open Them)

New age digital services (also known as challenger banks or neo banks) operate fully online and offer many helpful features that make managing your money easier. 

Opening an account with them is a smooth and fast process and some do not even need a UK proof of address (you will need to provide a valid ID and proof of address from your home country though. 

Most of them have free accounts , but the paid options do come with some cool features, expand the capacity of the account (ATM withdrawal limits, deposit limits, etc.), and help to save money in the long run. 

Here are our tried and tested recommendations:

1. Wise – Best Multi-Currency Account (for frequent travellers and digital nomads)

Wise is not a bank but they offer many banking-like features with their multi-currency account (and they’re a regulated financial institution in the UK by the FCA ). If you’re a frequent traveler, expat or digital nomad, Wise can work really well.

For example, regardless of where you open your Wise account you can get paid like a local through unique UK account details. The Wise debit card (review) is also a winner, enabling you to then spend in British Pounds wherever Visa is accepted (everywhere). Once signed up their App pulls everything together.

The best thing about them is their radical transparency and low fees. Check out Wise Multi Currency Account here .

With Wise, you can hold, manage, and convert between 50+ currencies, use their debit card to withdraw money in the UK (and anywhere in the world), and even get a spending account in GBP which can make you instantly fee like a local.

Account Fees: Free to open and hold an account (other fees applicable)

Interest on savings: No

International transfers: Yes – at very affordable rates in 70+ currencies

Learn more about the Wise Multi-currency Account (review) here.

2. Revolut – Overall best online UK account for new Arrivals (no UK address proof to sign up)

Revolut (founded in 2015) has a EU banking license and offers fully digital checking and savings accounts. But Revolut is not a bank in the UK – yet anyway.

Users love their all-in-one money management features and the fact that they don’t need a UK ID address proof to sign up makes them a go-to option for new expats. (However you do need a mobile phone, which can be tricky in itself)

Click here to  see the options and pricing available in your country   (opens a new tab so you can keep reading).

Note: Revolut and other online banks are great as current accounts because they make day-to-day money management easier. We recommend opening a high street bank account for your savings for higher interest rates and deposit guarantee.

3. Monzo – Best Online Current Account in the UK

Monzo has a UK banking license and offers deposit protection up to £85,000 GBP.

This means you you’ll need a UK mobile phone and a valid ID. They accept:

• Driving licence (your provisional is fine)
• National ID card
• Biometric residency permit 

They will also need a residential address in the UK where they can send your card .

They specialize in digital current accounts with fee-free overdrafts up to £1,000 GBP and loans up to £15,000 GBP. 

The account also comes with a debit card, lets you set up direct deposits for bills, and integrates with both Apple Pay and Google Pay

Account Fees: Monzo Free Monzo Plus (£5/month) Monzo Premium (£15/month)

Learn more about what you get with each tier in our Monzo review

Interest on savings: Yes (AER/Gross fixed)

International transfers: Yes – via Wise

4. Starling – Most cost effective online bank in the UK

Starling is a regulated online bank in the UK that offers fee-free current accounts with overdraft features. 

The account also comes with a debit card, dedicated savings spaces, and the ability to set up direct debits. 

Starling also has the option to get an EUR account as an add on so you can move money between the two accounts easily. 

You will need a UK address proof to open an account , but the application process is completely online. 

Interest on savings: Yes – on balances up to £85,000

International transfers: Yes – to 35+ countries

Note: Revolut and other online banks are great as current accounts because they are often easier to open and make day-to-day money management better. But opening a high street bank account eventually for higher interest rates on savings, deposit guarantee and other financial services like credit cards, loans may be a very good idea.

Types of bank accounts (and why you might want them).

Here are the most common types of bank accounts in the UK.

Current Account (also called a Checking Account in the US): This is the most common type of bank account used for receiving wages and managing everyday expenses like grocery shopping, paying bills, etc. These accounts come with debit cards as well as overdraft facilities. Some banks also offer low-cost current accounts for expat students. 

Savings Account: These accounts are for exactly what the name suggests – building your savings and they come with a variety of investment options and interest rates. Every bank has their own terms and conditions about how they help their users grow their money. For example, you may need to have a certain amount or keep the money in the account for a predefined period before it can start accruing interest. 

Offshore accounts: These savings bank accounts are a great option for expats who have a high net worth. They also come with multi-currency options – usually EUR, GBP, and USD. You can open and operate an offshore UK account whether you live in the UK or overseas. However, these accounts have a high barrier to entry – you need to maintain a balance of £50,000 GBP – £100,000 GBP to get the account. 

Other Types of Bank Accounts in the UK

Basic accounts: These are bank accounts for individuals with low credit score and usually come with limitations like no overdraft or low ATM withdrawal limits. 

Joint accounts: You can also open a bank account jointly with a family member or a partner. 

Apart from high street banks, there are financial institutions in the UK called building societies who provide banking services like savings accounts and mortgages. 

While building societies can sometimes get you a better deal – lower mortgage rates or higher savings rates – they’re not as secure as they used to be and often have a limited choice of accounts (no current accounts).

Documents Needed for Traditional Banks

As licensed financial institutions, banks in the UK (and everywhere!) need current ID and address proof to make sure the accounts can’t be used for illegal purposes like money laundering. 

UK Banks usually accept the following as address proof:

• Utility bills (gas, water, electricity, etc.) – no older than 3-4 months
• Council tax bill 
• Valid UK driving license 
• Tenancy agreement
• Credit card or bank statement (no older than 2-3 months)

Some things to keep in mind:

• All documents for proof of address need to show your full name and current address
• They must be recent
• Council or tax bill can’t have validity of more than 12 months
• Submit separate documents if a bank asks for both ID proof and address proof

We get that most of these can be difficult to get your hands on if you just moved or are planning to move to the UK.

The good news is that there are digital alternatives .

Bottom Line

There are a few good ways to open a UK bank account from overseas or as a new arrival.

We think, if you are a non-resident the easiest way to open an account is through an online bank-like service (not a real bank). For our money, Wise is the best option if you are still overseas because of their ability to get paid like a local (in the UK) before you even arrive. Revolut on the other hand requires to local phone number, but has great app based service and card which can be super handy for travellers.

Ultimately you will likely want to open a real bank account eventually and real banks like HSBC, Barclays and Lloyds have relatively user friendly sign up options (above) which can save you a lot of time and hassle.

Happy Money!

It can take anywhere between a couple days to a week to open a bank account with a high street bank in the UK. 

For online banks, the sign up process is often instant and you can start setting up your account. However the verification process can take up to a week.

Yes – you can get a EUR account when you open an offshore account with a high street bank. Monzo offers a more affordable alternative with their add-on EUR accounts. 

If you’re only traveling to the UK, we recommend checking out Wise. They let you set up local spending accounts in 10 currencies (including GBP) so you can handle your money like a local.

Yes, online banks like Revolut and Monzo make it easy to open a bank account for your business. Wise also has a business option for their multi-currency account. 

These accounts let you receive money from businesses in the UK and abroad with low fees, pay vendors and suppliers overseas, connect with accounting software, etc. 

You can also open a business account with any of the high street banks if your business is local. 

All banks (high street and online) will need your address proof, company registration details, and other documentation to open the account.

If you’re planning to send small amounts below $7000 USD/£4000 GBP/€4500 EU/$9500 CAD/AU, we recommend Wise for their affordable and transparent rates. 

If you’re sending large amounts above $7000 USD/£4000 GBP/€4500 EU/$9500 CAD/AU like your savings or proceeds from a property sale, etc. we recommend OFX (review) , TorFx (review) , or Currencies Direct (review) for their fee structure for large amounts and personalized phone support.

How Do I Open a UK Bank Account from Overseas?

The majority of UK banks require that have proof of a UK address. Fortunately some high street UK banks are making it a bit easier but regulations in the UK can still make it a challenge. In practice though, digital bank-like services can do many things real banks do and at least one offers a way to get paid and pay others and they don’t require proof of a UK address.

What are the Main Differences between Real Banks and Online Accounts?

Digital bank-like accounts are generally very user friendly and have great Apps which make it easy to be paid and pay others. Real banks on the other hand tend to have additional fees but they also pay interest and have more services like credit cards, loans and a deposit guarantee.

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How to Open a Bank Account in the UK: A Full Guide 2024

If you’re an expat planning your relocation – or even if you’ve moved to the UK already – you might be wondering how best to get a UK bank account to hold and spend in British pounds (GBP).

While it’s possible to get a British bank account before you get to the UK it can be expensive and complex to get set up with a mainstream bank. This guide runs through the options for GBP accounts for a non-UK resident, including the documents you need and the likely costs. Because traditional banks aren’t always the best option we’ll also introduce some more user friendly solutions, such as Wise or Revolut . Let’s dive right in.

Get your free multi currency account

What documents do I need?

UK banks need to complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification checks – much like banks all around the world. That means most British banks will ask customers for  the following:

• Proof of identity – a valid passport, national identity card or driver’s licence for example
• Proof of UK residential address – a bank or credit card statement, utility bill or tax return in your name

KYC checks are designed to stop fraud, money laundering and illegal account use. However, if you don’t have a UK proof of address yet it can make it harder to get your GBP account set up with a regular British bank.

Some specialist providers and expat services from major UK banks are able to help non-residents to legally get a UK account, by accepting a broader range of documents for verification checks. Expat banking services often target high wealth individuals, and have high minimum balance requirements. Specialist online services may be more flexible – more on that coming right up.

Save the paperwork with alternative solutions like Wise or Revolut

UK banks usually require customers to provide a proof of residence document showing a local UK address. That can make it tricky if you’re not a resident yet – or even if you’ve just moved to the country and don’t yet have bills and household paperwork in your name.

Specialist services like Wise or Revolut can help. These alternatives to regular banks have been built with international customers in mind, and can accept a proof of address from the UK or a range of other countries. Verification is done by uploading images of your paperwork online or in the provider app. Just use your proof of address from your country of residence, to open a Wise or Revolut account online, and open up a GBP balance.

Once you’re all set up you can receive, hold, and spend GBP easily before you even arrive in the UK – a perfect solution for expats, non-residents and digital nomads who want to hit the ground running.

Go to Wise Go to Revolut

How to open a bank account in the UK

The standard requirements to open a bank account with a highstreet bank in the UK include:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of UK residential address
• A completed application with all your personal details
• Opening deposit – there may be a minimum deposit requirement

If you have all of these documents already you’ll find it relatively easy to open a UK bank account. Some banks let you upload your paperwork online, but others prefer you to visit a branch to hand over your documents in person.

The tricky bit often comes if you don’t have a proof of UK address. Opening an account with a proof of address from overseas is perfectly legal, but because it’s harder for the bank to verify, many regular banks just don’t allow it. Instead, major UK banks may refer you to their expat division, which is set up to offer accounts to non-residents. However, the accounts on offer are often packaged as exclusive options for high wealth individuals – and typically come with high fees.

If you’re not getting what you need from a regular UK bank it might be time to look at alternatives – more on that later.

Open a FREE multi currency account

Can I open a bank account in the UK before arrival?

To open a bank account in the UK prior to arriving in the country you’ll need to find a provider which will let you use an international proof of address for KYC purposes. That may mean picking:

• An account from a British highstreet bank’s expat services division
• Accounts from digital only banks which operate in the UK
• A specialist provider which offers multi-currency accounts

As we mentioned, expat banking services can be pricey. Digital banks are an option, and some – like Monese – do let you get an account to handle GBP with a non-UK address. However , restrictions can still apply – Monese needs a residential address from the UK or the European Economic Area for example, which isn’t much use if you’re still in Australia.

If you want to get ahead of the game and get your GBP bank account set up before you arrive you’ll probably be better off with a specialist service designed for international use –  like Wise or Revolut .

What do I need to know before opening a bank account in the UK?

To open a UK bank account you’ll usually be asked to prove your ID and your UK address, and you may also need to provide documents showing you’ve got the legal right to reside in the UK if you’re asked. Check with your preferred bank to see if you can open an account online or through an app – while this is usually available to UK residents with standard paperwork, it may not be an option if you don’t have UK issued documents.

It’s also helpful to check if the account you’ve picked needs a minimum opening deposit amount. In this case you’ll have to take along cash to deposit, or make a bank transfer to your new account, to activate it.

Can I open a bank account in the UK only with my passport?

You’re unlikely to be able to open a UK bank account with just a passport. Opening an account with a UK bank usually means you need to be a UK resident – and you’ll often be asked to provide a proof of address to back this up.

Which account is best in the UK for foreigners?

Let’s walk through the features and fees for some UK and GBP accounts you can open, to hold or spend in British pounds. We’ve compared a couple of non bank providers – Wise and Revolut – against the options from popular UK banks Barclays and HSBC. Barclays’ international division can’t help people living in Australia to open a UK account so you’ll need to wait until you arrive – but HSBC does have expat accounts you can open to hold GBP from Australia.

As a non-resident or new arrival to the UK  you do have a decent selection of options when it comes to getting a GBP account. Digital providers offering multi-currency functionality are flexible if you travel, send, spend or receive in a range of currencies.

Expat accounts may appeal if you want a more personal service or need to access a fuller suite of options including overdrafts, investments and credit.

Wise serves 11 million+ customers and offers both low cost international payments, and personal and business multi-currency accounts. The Wise multi-currency account is a good option for non-UK residents and new arrivals looking to manage their money across GBP and 50+ other currencies.

You can get up and running with an international proof of address and manage your account online or in the Wise app. All currency exchange uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup, and you’ll be able to get paid like a local from 30+ countries with your own bank details, including a UK bank account number and an Australian account number and BSB code. You can also send payments to 80+ countries and spend using your Wise international debit card all over the world.

Account types: Wise personal multi-currency accounts are free to open, with no minimum balance or monthly fees to pay.

Eligibility: Available to non-UK residents and new arrivals in the UK. Not all services and features are available in all locations – full details by location available on the Wise website .

Is it safe? Wise is fully FCA regulated in the UK and overseen by global bodies around the world.

How to open an account with Wise

To open a Wise account:

• Download the Wise app or open the Wise desktop site
• Click Sign up and create an account with your email, Facebook, Google or Apple ID
• Follow the prompts to enter the details needed
• Upload a snap of your ID and address documents
• Once your account has been verified you’re good to go

Revolut accounts have multi-currency functionality for 30 fiat currencies including GBP, a linked debit card for spending and withdrawals, and extra perks like budgeting and saving tools. Revolut customers can provide a proof of address from Australia, the UK or any of the other regions they operate in – making this a provider to look at if you want to set up your account before you head off to Britain.

Standard Revolut plans come with no monthly fees and an array of features including some fee free currency exchange. Or you can upgrade to a different account tier, where you’ll pay a monthly fee to get higher levels of fee free transactions and extra benefits.

Account types: Personal and business accounts available. Standard plans are free for both personal and business customers. Or you can upgrade to a paid plan for up to £12.99/month as a personal customer or £100/month as a business customer.

Eligibility: Available to new UK arrivals and non-UK residents with addresses in the EEA, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland, Japan, and the US[9].

Is it safe? In the UK Revolut is authorised by the FCA for all its activities. It also holds a European banking licence for the EU.

How to open an account with Revolut

To open an account with Revolut:

• Download the Revolut app
• Enter your phone number and set a PIN – you’ll get a verification message from Revolut
• Use the verification code to access the app and enter the details needed to create your account
• Upload the required documents for verification
• You can deposit funds and use your account once verified

Barclays International

Barclays can’t offer international accounts to people based in Australia, but if you’ve already arrived in the UK and hold a biometric residence permit you’ll be able to get started applying for an account in the Barclays app. You’ll be asked to upload documents and provide 3 years of address details but once your account is verified you can use it right away.

For the standard Barclays current account there’s no monthly fee and you can apply for an optional overdraft if you want one. Or check out the range of other accounts to find the best one to suit your specific needs.

Account types: Broad range of different UK bank accounts, plus mortgages, loans, credit cards and more

Eligibility: UK citizens or residents, aged over 18 can apply using the Barclays app

Is it safe? Yes. Barclays is a reputable and fully licensed UK bank

How to open an account with Barclays

To open an account with Barclays:

• Open the Barclays website or app
• Find the account you’re interested in and tap Apply
• You’ll be prompted to upload your ID documents and take a video selfie for verification

The HSBC Expat division is based offshore, and offers accounts and services for high wealth individuals and people who live and work internationally.

HSBC Expat current accounts are offered in GBP. USD and EUR, with savings accounts available in 19 currencies. However, fairly high minimum balance requirements apply which can be a barrier. To qualify for an HSBC Expat account you’ll need to maintain a minimum balance of £50,000 for an HSBC Premier account or £15,000 for the HSBC Advance.

It’s usually fairly easy to open an HSBC UK account upon arrival if you already have a relationship with the HSBC Expat service.

Account types: Current accounts can hold GBP, EUR and USD, but savings accounts are available in 19 global currencies.

Eligibility: Accounts come with minimum balance requirements of £15,000 to £50,000.

Is it safe? HSBC is one of the largest banks in the UK and a major global brand, fully regulated in the UK and around the world.

How to open an account with HSBC Expat

To open an account with HSBC Expat:

• Visit the HSBC Expat website and tap Check eligibility and apply
• Confirm you’re eligible for the account and have the paperwork needed
• Enter your personal information, following the prompts

What is a bank account in the UK needed for?

Having a GBP account can be helpful in lots of different scenarios:

• If you’re planning to travel to the UK, or if you’re moving to the UK to live or work
• If you like to shop online, and pay in GBP with UK based retailers
• If you want to convert funds to GBP for investing or to diversify your savings 
• If you need to send GBP payments to others – such as paying for travel or an overseas mortgage
• If you need to receive GBP payments, as a freelancer or when working for a UK employer for example

Benefits of opening a bank account in the UK

Not sure if you need a UK bank account? Here are a few benefits you can expect:

• Cut down the costs of converting dollars to pounds 
• Avoid foreign transaction fees when spending in GBP
• Receive GBP payments and hold your funds in dollars
• Send money to others in the UK with lower overall costs

Can I open a bank account online

As a foreigner, you may struggle to open a UK bank account online unless you already have proof of your UK address and a biometric residence permit. However, the good news is that there are other, non-bank, alternatives, like Wise and Revolut which can help you open an account to hold GBP. 

With providers like Wise and Revolut you can apply from Australia, using your local ID and proof of address, to open a digital multi-currency account and card, which you can then use to hold, send and spend in pounds conveniently.

How long does it take to open a bank account in the UK

The amount of time it takes to open a UK bank account will depend on the provider you pick and the way you apply. Your account will need to be verified before use – which can often be done instantly, particularly if you’re applying in a branch or with a provider that offers video verification. However, for some banks, the verification process may take a day or two – or longer if you’ve got non-standard documents which need additional checks.

What are the types of bank accounts in the UK

If you’re opening a UK bank account from Australia you may be offered a non-resident or expat account, which is designed for individuals who don’t live in the UK at the time of applying. Non-resident accounts can come with limitations compared to regular bank accounts, and may also have higher fees – double check the options available to you before you choose.

If you’re eligible for a UK resident account, your options are likely to include a current account or a savings account. It’s useful to know that the account options, features and fees in the UK can be quite different to those you’ll find in Australia, so you’ll need to read over all the details carefully. 

How much does it cost to open a bank account in the UK?

It’s usually free to open a bank account in the UK. However, if you’re choosing a premium tier account, or opening an account as an expat before you arrive in the UK, the chances are that you’ll need to make a pretty high initial deposit. If you don’t, fall below fees will apply which can mount up quickly.  Keep an eye out for the following costs when selecting the GBP account for you:

• Monthly maintenance fees – or fall below fees
• International payment fees
• Foreign transaction fees when spending or withdrawing with your card
• Overdraft fees
• Credit card costs including cash advances and interest
• Cheque book and cheque cashing fees
• Account dormancy or early closure fees

If you’d rather an account which has no monthly fees without these eligibility requirements, you may want to take a look at alternative GBP account providers like Wise or Revolut , which both offer account plans which come without maintenance fees and with no minimum deposit required.

Is it possible to open a fee-free account in the UK?

Most UK banks have accounts which don’t charge monthly fees. However, that doesn’t mean they’re free to use as transaction and service charges will almost always apply when you use your account.

If you’re looking for a low fee account option to hold and spend GBP, it’s worth checking out providers which have accounts with no maintenance costs, no minimum balance requirements, and low service fees which you’ll only need to pay for the services you use.

Tips for transferring money between Australia and the UK

Using your normal bank isn’t always the cheapest, fastest or most convenient option to send international payments. Instead, a specialist service may help you save money on both the fees and the exchange rate markups applied. Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Compare the exchange rate you’re offered against the mid-market exchange rate to see if a markup is being used
• Check the fees for different transfer types – arranging your transfer online is usually cheaper than doing so in a bank branch
• Ask about third party charges which can push up the overall costs significantly

Before you send money overseas, compare your own bank with a few specialist services to see if you can save.

If you’re already in the UK with a local address – and the paperwork to prove it – opening your bank account should be a breeze. Unfortunately though non-resident accounts with traditional UK banks tend to be tricky to open, expensive and inflexible.

If you want a GBP account because you’re a frequent visitor to the UK, a non-resident sending and receiving GBP payments, or a digital nomad getting paid from the UK,  a specialist online service like Wise or Revolut may well be a better bet. Specialist alternatives will usually offer a better overall deal compared to non-resident accounts from big UK banks, including a more straightforward verification process, lower fees and better exchange rates.

• How to open a bank account in Australia
• Opening a bank account in Singapore
• Opening a bank account in the US
• Opening a bank account in India

FAQ – How to Open a Bank Account in the UK

Can a foreigner open an account in the uk.

You can open a UK account as a foreigner – but the process is much easier if you’re a resident of the UK with a valid proof of address. If you don’t have this paperwork available you may find it easier to get an account with a specialist online provider instead of a regular UK highstreet bank.

How much do I need to open a bank account in the UK?

Many UK banks allow customers to open accounts for free, but non-resident accounts from expat banking services will often have a minimum deposit requirement you’ll need to know about. Compare a few providers to get the best deal for your needs.

Can I open a UK bank account online?

If you have proof of a UK address you’ll probably be able to get your GBP account online through a traditional bank. If not you may be better off with a specialist online provider which allows you to open your account on your laptop or mobile device, with an international proof of address.

How to apply for a bank account online in the UK?

You can open a bank account online in the UK if you choose an expat account with a high minimum  balance, or if you’re already a UK resident with a biometric residence card. If you don’t have these documents or funds to hand, you may want to look at specialist non-bank alternatives like Wise and Revolut which offer digital accounts you can open from home, which can hold and exchange Australian dollars alongside pounds.

Can I open a bank account in the UK before landing?

If you want to get all set up before you even arrive in the UK you can easily open an online GBP account from a specialist service like Wise or Revolut, to hold and manage multiple currencies all in one account.

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Candace Abroad

A London & Travel Blog

London , London Travel Tips & Inspiration , Moving to London Advice & Resources · August 16, 2023

How to Get a UK Bank Account From Anywhere in 2024

Table of Contents

Looking to get a UK bank account but not a UK resident? Not to worry! Thanks to fin-tech there are tons of options to get a bank account in multiple currencies, no matter where you are. Here’s how to get a UK bank account set up from anywhere in the world in a few simple steps — from a 7 year expat.

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my  Disclosure & Privacy Policy  for more information.

Whether you’re planning on being in the UK for a short few months or simply don’t want to deal with currency conversions when you’re visiting across the pond, having a UK bank account makes dealing with day-to-day expenses super easy.

Not to mention avoiding the crazy currency exchange fees you’ll get at the airport.

Lucky for you, there’s now several quick and easy ways to get a UK bank account without being a UK resident.

Here’s how!

How to Set Up a UK Bank Account From Abroad

Can You Open a UK Bank Account from Abroad?

If you’ve ever tried to open a UK bank account from abroad, you may have noticed there was one thing they asked for that you definitely didn’t have…a UK address.

For most traditional UK banks, and even non-traditional ones like Monzo or Revolut , you’ll need a UK address to set up an account.

But then came borderless bank accounts…

What Are Borderless Bank Accounts?

With the world becoming more global by the day, borderless bank accounts (or international banking services) were designed to help people manage their finances in multiple currencies and countries.

These accounts can be opened from any country, making them ideal for those who travel a lot, work internationally or have family living abroad.

With these accounts, you can hold multiple currencies under one bank account at once. Making it perfect for sending money to friends and family worldwide, paying bills abroad, or having instant access to the currency of the country you’re in at the time (like the UK!).

How to Open a UK Bank Account From Abroad (in 4 simple steps)

First off, a complete disclosure that no part of this is sponsored. But as someone who’s used their borderless bank for years as a US expat in the UK, my #1 recommendation for a borderless bank account would be Wise . Plus, it’s completely free to use!

It’s an online account that lets you spend, pay and transfer money in over 50 currencies.

Unlike most banks and icky airport currency exchange booths, they don’t mark up exchange rates — meaning you’ll get the same mid-market exchange that you would find on Google etc.

To set it up, you’ll just need to:

• Download the Wise app or go to Wise.com on your desktop
• Get verified — this usually includes some form of government ID and proof of address (but again, even if you’re based in the US, Canada, Australia etc. you’ll still be able to open a UK account)
• Wait around 2 working days to get verified
• Get your Wise account! There’ll be a few admin bits to set up once you’re logged in, but other than that you’re good to go!

Once you have your UK bank account, you’ll have instant access to GBP and can switch over your home country’s currency easily.

So, for example, if you’re coming from the US to the UK, you could transfer the amount you want to use for the trip to your UK bank account and pay in pounds while you’re here instead of dealing with exchanging currency for every transaction.

You’ll also get an international Wise debit card you can use anywhere in the world that accepts Visa.

How to Set Up a UK Bank Account If You’re Moving to London

If you’re moving to London for the long term, then I suggest getting a Wise account to easily transfer money from your home currency to GBP alongside getting set up with a traditional bank and at least one digital or ‘non-traditional’ bank like Monzo or Revolut .

Setting up a traditional bank in the UK:

To set up a traditional bank in the UK, you’ll need to visit your bank branch in person or apply for an account online along with your proof of residence (such as your visa or right to stay in the UK), proof of address, and a government-issued ID.

The top traditional banks in the UK are:

• NatWest Group
• Santander UK 

Setting up a digital bank in the UK:

Digital banks like Revolut and Monzo have also been gaining popularity over the years for their easy setup, in-app budgeting tools, and lower fees.

To set up a digital bank account in the UK, all you’ll need is your proof of address and government ID.

For reference, most of my friends use a traditional bank account like Barclays or HSBC for their savings and/or paychecks and digital banks like Monzo or Revolut for their day-to-day spending.

Final Thoughts on Getting a UK Bank Account From Anywhere

I hope this guide helped you get one step closer to setting up a UK bank account from abroad.

If you have more questions about getting a UK bank account from anywhere, let me know in the comments or at @candaceabroad , and don’t forget to read up on my London Travel Tips or Moving to London tips before you go!

Happy Londoning,

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How to Open a UK Bank Account When Moving to the UK

17 September 2023

A UK bank account is essential for day to day living in the UK. It sounds obvious but you need a UK bank account to receive payments from UK employers, to store your money safely, to transfer money between accounts and to pay for all your daily living expenses. It is also a well-respected proof of identification.

When you land in the UK, you will also quickly realise how highly valued the British pound is. It’s not fun seeing your money halve in value. Hence, the faster you can set up a UK bank account and start earning and paying with British pounds, the easier your life is going to be and the less you will need to rely on savings back home.

However, getting a UK bank account has previously been notoriously difficult for people who have just moved to the UK. Luckily it is much easier nowadays and there are many more bank account options available. This article will help guide you on the different options and how to open your own UK bank account!

Note: This article contains some affiliate links. If you sign up using these links, we will get a commission to help keep building this site and we will be eternally grateful 🙂

If you are planning to live in the UK, it is strongly recommended to apply for a Wise multi-currency account before you even fly to the UK. You can use the Wise multi-currency debit card linked to your account to pay for things while you are travelling to the UK, and when you first arrive in the UK. Once you have arrived and have a physical address you can call home, you should apply for a Starling account (Don’t apply for a Starling account until you have a physical UK address). You can receive job payments into both bank accounts but Starling has a UK bank licence which means your money will be more secure there. Revolut and Monzo accounts are also worth considering once you arrive in the UK. Read here for a comprehensive side by side comparison of these four UK banks.

I think you can live in the UK just fine with the above cards. However, some people who stay long term may want to set up a bank account with one of the major UK banks: HSBC , Lloyds , Barclays , NatWest , Santander . Major UK banks are more established and offer a greater range of financial products and services. However, these banks have stricter application requirements and will generally take longer to set up. Other people may want to add Monzo and Revolut cards to their wallets as back up cards or to increase their total ATM withdrawal limits while travelling.

UK Bank Account Options

Broadly speaking, there are four major types of banks you can use in the UK:

UK Digital Banks

Digital banks are the latest type of banks which have appeared in the UK. These banks are completely online. They are also easier to get accounts from and they usually have cheaper fees than your traditional banks. They also have features better suited for travelling to Europe. Hence, they are great for people moving to the UK and for people who are living in the UK who travel often.

Two popular UK digital banks are Starling and Monzo . Both of these digital banks have UK bank licenses so your money up to £85,000 is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Read here for more details on Starling and Monzo’s application requirements, features and fees.

HOT TIP: Make sure you have a physical UK address before applying to Starling or Monzo. If you do not, you will be rejected and you will not be able to apply again.

UK Digital Financial Services

These are financial service companies which effectively operate like the above digital banks. However, they do not have UK bank licences and hence do not guarantee the first £85,000 you deposit despite having a lot of security measures and having bank licences in other countries.

Although they may not be your first choice for keeping your savings (or large amounts of money), they are great for travelling with cheap international transfers, currency exchanges and ATM fees overseas. They are also super convenient as you can apply for accounts without a permanent UK address. You can also receive salary payments into these accounts if you start working in the UK before you find a place to rent.

Examples of these types of accounts: Wise , Revolut . Read here for more details on Revolut and Wise’s application requirements, features and fees.

Traditional UK Banks

These are your traditional banks in the UK. They have a wide range of financial services and will have multiple brick and mortar stores in most towns and cities. Their debit cards are not good for use overseas though and they can have higher fees especially for currency exchange.

These used to be the only option for people moving to the UK and even their most basic accounts were difficult to get. This is because they require you to show proof of a physical UK address (utility bill, tenancy agreement, UK credit card statement) along with your Biometric residence permit (BRP). However, Lloyd’s bank may ask for only your BRP to prove your identity in some cases (use your phone to apply as they need a photo of your face too).

Examples of these types of banks: HSBC UK, Lloyd’s Bank, NatWest, Barclays.

International Bank Accounts

Some big banks offer international bank accounts which you can use in multiple countries. However, I do not recommend opening an International bank account as they typically require large sums of money deposited for them to be opened. If you are like me, who flew over with only a few thousand pounds, then this will not be a suitable option for you.

The problem with getting a UK bank account

Most Australians and New Zealanders run into problems getting a UK bank account as traditional UK banks require a current UK passport or a current UK photo driving licence (proof of identity) to create a bank account.

If you do not have either of those then you will need to provide both proof of identity and proof of address documents. The proof of identity can be your biometric residence permit which is easy enough to provide. However, the proof of address is much harder as most people who have just come to the UK do not have a permanent UK address. They will most likely be living in a hostel, Airbnb or sleeping on someone’s couch. All places you wouldn’t really want your bank account information sent to and all places which aren’t really going to add your name to their utility bills or tenancy agreement.

Instead, you have several options:

• Ask a trusted friend or family member to use their UK address.
• Create a Revolut and/or Wise account for your daily living expenses. Next, rent somewhere and use this new address for applying for UK bank accounts.
• Use a company like Britbound who help people move to the UK and allow you to use their address to get a UK bank account.

I personally got an HSBC basic bank account when I first arrived but it was very hard to get. I was very lucky to have landed a job before entering the UK and my UK employer who was also my landlord was very helpful in providing the required documents to help me set up my bank account. However, if I didn’t have an employer to help I would have definitely gone with the second option.

I also have a friend who recently applied for a Lloyd’s bank account and they only asked her for her BRP and her photo before approving her application. Lloyd’s website does mention they may request a proof of address sometimes during their application process but it is still worth a try if you want a traditional bank account.

How can I get a UK Bank Account?

Opening a bank account in the UK is relatively straight-forward. For UK digital banks, just go to the chosen bank’s website (Starling, Monzo, Revolut, Wise) and sign up. For traditional UK banks, you will need to organise an appointment at your local branch and make your application in person. What makes it difficult to get a UK bank account is providing all the necessary application documents the bank requests.

Remember for Starling, Monzo and any of the traditional bank accounts you need a physical UK address. As mentioned before, do not apply for Starling or Monzo without one. If you do, your application will be rejected and they will not give you a second chance to apply.

What do I need to open a UK bank account?

The major banks all differ in their application requirements to set up a bank account. However, the main requirements are:

• You are 18 years or older
• Proof you are a UK resident (UK passport, Biometric Residence Permit )
• Proof of identity (Passport with a valid UK visa or Biometric Residence Permit)
• Proof of address (utility bill, telephone bill, council tax bill, mortgage statement, rent agreement)

UK digital banks, Monzo and Starling, will require you to have a UK address.

Revolut and Wise accounts can be opened without a UK physical address. As they are international companies, you can use your local (Australian) details.

What is the easiest UK bank account I can open?

A Revolut or Wise account will be the easiest to open as you do not need proof of a physical address in the UK. However, they are not considered UK banks as they do not have a UK bank licence yet. Hence, the easiest UK bank accounts to open are Starling and Monzo banks.

How can I get a UK Bank Account before moving to the UK?

You cannot open most UK bank accounts before you arrive in the UK. You can apply for a Wise and/or Revolut account before entering the UK but they are technically not UK banks as these companies do not have UK bank licences yet. This is important to know as the UK FSCS does not cover these companies although they do have a lot of security measures to keep your money safe. They are still very useful accounts especially in the first few months of living in the UK and while travelling. Just keep the amount of money stored in these accounts to a minimum.

Note: If you get a Revolut card outside of the UK you can change your address in the settings to a UK address once you move over. However, I am not sure if your terms and conditions including card and bank fees will switch to the Revolut UK’s terms and conditions when you do this. I applied for my Revolut card in the UK which you can do too as it doesn’t take very long for them to send you your Revolut card.

How can I get a UK Bank Account without a UK Address?

The only UK accounts you can get without a UK address are international bank accounts and the Revolut and Wise accounts.

What is the best UK Bank Account to get while Living in the UK?

The Wise multi-currency account is the best account to set up before you have a permanent UK address. You can even set it up before you arrive in the UK! It is useful for your initial international money transfers as you send money to the UK to set yourself up. The Wise debit card also has competitive currency exchange rates and it is overall a great card to use for daily spending in the UK and Europe. You can also set it up so you can start receiving payments immediately from a UK employer which is awesome while you are still looking for a permanent place to live.

Once you have a place to rent in the UK ,and hence a physical address, the next account I recommend setting up is the Starling personal current account (I keep mentioning this but do not try to apply for this account until you have a physical UK address because you will be rejected and you cannot re-apply later). This account is super convenient and is a great everyday transaction account for day-to-day living in the UK. It is also good for storing your savings as Starling bank has a UK bank licence so your money up to £85,000 is protected by the FSCS.

Revolut and Monzo are also great value. For a much more detailed side-by-side comparison of the top UK digital banks read here .

What is the best way to transfer money into my UK Bank Account?

The best and cheapest way to transfer money into your UK bank account is to use Wise’s international money transfer service .

How to open a UK Business Bank Account?

If you are a freelancer or contractor, the easiest way to start a business bank account is to get Tide. Think of Tide as the Revolut for businesses. Tide is a very good digital business banking service in the UK. I used Tide when I set up my own contracting business in the UK. To make it easier to set yourself up as a contractor I highly recommend getting Workr as your accountant to help you like I did. Unfortunately UK tax rules are complicated and it’s much better to get professionals who know what they are doing to do it for you.

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Find the Best Bank Account for Travelling: Top Options Compared for 2024

Having the right type of bank account can make all the difference when it comes to planning and enjoying your travels. The last thing you want is for your holidays to be spoiled by unexpected costs or lack of access to banking features.

Starling and Monzo rank among the best bank accounts for travellers thanks to their low fees and competitive exchange rates .

Whether you're looking for cashback on accommodation or free ATM withdrawals abroad , this guide will review and compare all the best options.

Best Bank Accounts for Travellers – Our Top Picks

The best bank accounts for travelling reviewed.

Let's take a closer look at the features of each bank account we've shortlisted.

Here is a quick recap of the best bank accounts for travelling:

Best for overseas ATM withdrawals – Starling

Best for low ATM fees – Monzo

Best for multi-currency transfers – Revolut

Best for multi-currency accounts – Wise

Best for travelling to Europe – Monese

Best for freelancers – Payoneer

Starling Bank is renowned for its affordable and competitive rates, making it an ideal choice for domestic and international transactions (it even made it onto our list of the best online banks in the UK ). Notably, customers who make foreign transactions or ATM withdrawals abroad are not charged any fees. This contrasts sharply against many competitors, such as Revolut, which charges a 2% fee on card transactions above a set limit.

Starling is a digital-only bank based in the UK that caters to residents aged 16 years or older. In addition to personal accounts, the bank now also offers business and joint bank accounts that can be managed through its modern and user-friendly app.

Its UK banking licence ensures that deposits of up to £85,000 are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. What's more, Starling pays interest of 3.25% AER on balances of up to £5,000. Alternatively, if you want to save up for a big holiday, you can put anything from £2,000 to £1 million in a 1-year fixed saver for a return of 5.36%.

• Fee-free ATM withdrawals and payments abroad
• Mastercard’s exchange rates for transactions in foreign currencies
• Earn interest of 3.25% AER
• Interest payments are capped at deposits of £5,000 or less
• £10 fee for sending a replacement card abroad (if possible)
• Variable overdraft interest rates (15%, 25%, or 35% AER)

Monzo is a highly sought-after option for those in search of a travel card that offers reasonable ATM fees and capped overdraft charges. With Monzo, you have the convenience of being able to spend your money anywhere and in any currency, at Mastercard’s exchange rates.

One of the most significant features of Monzo is its categorised spending system, where you can track your expenses by type of transaction. With this system, you can analyse your spending patterns, identify areas where you spend the most, and adjust your budget accordingly.

Monzo also provides the option of smart savings, where it rounds up the amounts you spend and stores the difference as savings. You can choose to keep these savings separately for better management and overview, and even earn interest on them as you save up for that special holiday.

With your Monzo card, outside the EEA, you can withdraw £200 free of charge every 30 days, after which you’ll be charged 3% per ATM withdrawal. If you have a Monzo Plus subscription, this limit rises to £400 and up to £600 with Monzo Premium. Within the EEA, you can make unlimited fee-free withdrawals as long as Monzo is your main bank account.

The Shared Tab feature makes it easy to settle up when you want to split holiday costs with others. What's more, Monzo Premium comes with added benefits for travellers, such as travel insurance, phone insurance, and discounted access to airport lounges.

• Fee-free payments abroad
• Arranged and unarranged overdrafts
• Instant Access Saving Pots to help you save for your travels at a 4.1% AER interest
• £1 fee for PayPoint cash deposits
• Receiving international money transfers isn't reliable
• There are varying ATM withdrawal limits abroad

Wise is revolutionising the way we send money internationally and by creating its own payment network, the bank has eliminated inefficiencies and high costs usually associated with sending global payments. There are no hidden fees, bundled services, or exchange rate markups, as the charges are shown upfront.

Wise offers its services to over 70 countries, and their fees remain consistently low and transparent, regardless of where you're sending money. When sending large sums of money, Wise offers discounted rates, with fees being lower if you send over £100,000 (or the equivalent in US dollars) in one transaction or multiple transactions in a month.

Additionally, the Wise Asset program provides a unique opportunity for investment enthusiasts. You can invest money directly from your Wise account in the iShares World Equity Index Fund, whose holdings include stocks in top-performing companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla.

• Access to instant money transfers
• Low transfer fees with no markup on exchange rates
• Earn interest daily
• No physical bank branches, making cash deposits difficult
• The card costs £7
• Fees vary based on location, making them difficult to understand

If you reside in the UK or an EEA country and are looking for a convenient way to access a current account in multiple currencies while also enjoying savings on travel spending, Monese is a convenient option.

Established in 2015, Monese provides a hassle-free method of establishing a UK account without the need for utility bills, proof of address, or credit history. This makes it good for travellers who need a quick and easy banking solution.

The Monese travel money card is a prepaid multi-currency card that's ideal for holidays. You can load it with cash before you go, keep it separate from your main account, and make ATM withdrawals at the wholesale currency exchange rate.

When it comes to security, it's worth noting that Monese is not a bank, but rather an e-money firm regulated by the FCA, making it eligible for FSCS protection. Unlike traditional banks, Monese does not reinvest customer funds. Instead, it keeps them safe in a segregated account where they can’t be spent. As a result, 100% of customer funds are protected and secure, even in the unlikely event of Monese going out of business.

For more options in spending/holding euros, visit our collection of the best euro accounts in the UK .

• Lets you open an account without a credit history
• No hidden fees or exchange rate mark-ups
• Multi-currency accounts
• An Electronic Money Institution rather than a bank
• Maximum account balance limits
• No overdrafts

Revolut provides convenient international financial services with no minimum deposit for opening an account and zero monthly service fees for its Standard plan. When exchanging currencies, Revolut offers competitive rates with a tight spread between the buy and sell prices, based on market rates sourced from third-party providers on weekdays.

For the first £1,000 of currencies exchanged per month, there are no fees. However, any amount above this limit incurs a charge of 0.5% on the Plus plan and 1% on the Standard plan. On weekends, fixed exchange rates are applied with a markup, regardless of the account plan.

Revolut customers have access to cashback on accommodation, and those on the more expensive plans receive additional travel benefits such as airport lounge access and insurance for car hire, medical care, trip cancellation, delayed flights, lost luggage, and winter sports.

Revolut delivers similar or even superior banking features to those of traditional banks. You can easily track your spending categorised by transaction types, such as shopping or restaurants, and set monthly budgets and spending goals for different categories. Revolut cards also support direct debits in GBP and can be set up with Apple or Google Pay in selected countries.

• Daily interest of up to 4.75% AER on savings
• Up to 10% cashback on Stays and Experiences bookings
• Additional features such as trading and investment options
• The majority of travel perks come with higher-tier paid plans
• 2% ATM withdrawal fee if you withdraw more than £200 per month
• Exchange fair usage fee of 1% after exchanging £1,000 in a month

Payoneer is an internationally recognised online payment processor that caters to a range of clients, including freelancers, service providers, e-commerce sellers, and digital marketers.

Payoneer's local receiving accounts conveniently offer seven major currencies, namely, USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, JPY, and CNY. Its comprehensive dashboard tracks sales from multiple marketplaces and creates custom invoices, while also providing tools to pay vendors, contractors, VAT, and other taxes.

Clients can also download sales reports in PDF and Excel formats to manage their accounting needs. This makes it ideal for freelancers, agency owners and digital nomads who transact globally and need the flexibility to move funds effectively.

While currency transfers between Payoneer accounts are free and instant, you will be charged for making withdrawals and payments in foreign currencies.

• Fee-free transfers between Payoneer accounts
• Quick and easy money transfers
• Custom invoicing capability makes it suitable for freelancers who love to travel
• Relatively high card transaction fees
• $29.95 annual fee for inactive accounts
• £9.95 card replacement fee

How We Rate and Review the Best Bank Accounts for Travelling

To help you find the best bank accounts for travelling, we compared providers and curated the above list based on the following criteria:

Regulatory Compliance – This refers to the regulations set out by the government and financial institutions that banks must adhere to in order to operate. This is important as it ensures that customers are protected from fraud, money laundering, or other suspicious activities.

Account Features and Perks – There are several things we consider in this regard, including but not limited to foreign transaction fees, ATM access, account minimums, interest rates, and monthly maintenance fees. We also looked at travel-specific packaged account features such as airport lounge access and travel insurance.

Fees and Pricing – We not only looked at the cost of opening an account and maintaining it, but also any other potential expenses, such as foreign exchange fees, ATM withdrawal fees, overdraft charges, and more.

Customer Service and Support – It's best that banks provide 24/7 customer service via phone, email, or live chat so that customers can get help quickly if they have any questions or issues while abroad.

How Do Bank Accounts for Travelling Work?

For starters, there aren't any types of bank accounts that are specifically designed for travellers. But, there are some that offer a range of features and services that could be beneficial to those who travel often.

Features of Bank Accounts Used for Travelling

Now that we've talked about the best bank accounts you can choose from while travelling, here are the features they come with to make it on this list.

Overdrafts – Short-term loans that can help you manage your budget if funds run low, which can be helpful if an emergency arises whilst you are travelling.

International Payments – Many banks offer international payments, so if you need to send or receive money while you’re away, this can be done securely and quickly. This is especially useful when dealing with currency exchange rates, as travel bank accounts typically allow you to get better rates than usual.

Currency Conversion – You may want to convert your own currencies while travelling in order to maximise your budget. Bank accounts for travellers often come with built-in currency conversion tools that make it easy for you to do just that and save time and money.

ATM Access – When travelling abroad, having access to ATM networks is essential in order to withdraw cash. Bank accounts for travelling will usually allow access to a large network of ATMs, so you can easily withdraw money without worrying about conversion rates or fees.

Budgeting and Tracking Expenses – Being able to track your spending and budget is essential when travelling, as it helps you stick to your budget and avoid overspending. Some bank accounts offer tracking tools that can help you easily keep an eye on your finances while on the move. Or alternatively, you can explore dedicated budgeting apps .

Invoice Payments – Some banks also allow you to send invoices to your clients when travelling, which is a great way to keep up with business while abroad. This also makes it easier to settle up with customers or vendors quickly and securely.

Registering for the bank accounts listed above is very straightforward. We’ll use Revolut as an example to walk you through the steps.

Step 1: Download the Revolut app from the official Revolut website .

Step 2: Provide your phone number and create a four-digit passcode for your account.

Step 3: Provide the six-digit PIN you received via SMS.

Step 4: Provide your name, mailing address, email, and SSN or ITIN as per legal requirements to verify your identity.

Step 5: Carefully review and agree to the Cardholder Agreement, and your account is now active.

Common Charges Associated With Bank Accounts for Traveling

Here are some of the most common fees associated with bank accounts designed for travellers.

How to Choose the Best Bank Account for Travelling

Finding the best bank account for travelling can be tricky, as there are many factors to consider. You need to define what you want out of the account and how it fits in with your overall travelling needs. Here are five pointers to help you choose the best bank account for travelling.

Fees and Charges

The cost of using a bank account can quickly add up, particularly when travelling. Review the provider’s currency conversion, ATM withdrawal, and monthly service charges.

Many factors can affect the amounts of these fees, such as transaction amounts, the number and location of transactions, and more. Make sure to compare them against your needs while travelling to find the best fit for you.

Regulatory Compliance

Choosing a bank that’s compliant with local regulations is very important in general, not just when travelling. Make sure that the bank you’re considering offers a secure platform and meets all relevant compliance standards to ensure peace of mind while using it during travels.

Some of the regulatory agencies to look for include the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, and the European Central Bank (ECB), the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Debit Cards and ATMs

Debit cards are the most convenient way to access funds when travelling and make payments. Make sure that you check what type of debit card is offered by your bank, as some may only offer a physical card while others may also provide virtual cards for added convenience. You should also make sure you have access to ATMs in the countries you’re travelling to, so that you can withdraw cash if needed.

Security Features

Security is essential when using any kind of banking service while travelling, especially if your bank account will be accessible online or via an app. Make sure that all security features offered by your bank are up-to-date, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) and encrypted connections. Real-time tracking and spending notifications are also useful to keep on top of what's happening with your money.

Customer Service

When choosing a bank account for travelling, you want to make sure that you can access help easily should any problems arise while away, and that the response times are satisfactory. Look for banks that offer 24/7 customer support, whether by phone or email, as well as comprehensive help information on their website.

By keeping these key points in mind when selecting a bank account for travelling, you can be sure to find the best option for your needs. With the right set-up and preparation, you’ll have everything sorted before jetting off on your next trip!

Which bank offers the best deal for travellers?

This will depend on your individual needs when travelling. Look for banks which offer low fees and a wide range of features, such as free currency conversion services and ATM withdrawals. Our top pick is Starling due to its competitive exchange rates and low fees.

Will I have access to ATMs if I use a debit card?

Most likely, yes. There are plenty of ATMs available around the world, so check with your bank about which ones can be used with the card you have. Note that your bank could have ATM partners that enable you to withdraw money for free, so make sure you’re aware of this before travelling.

Is it safe to use a bank account abroad?

Yes, as long as your chosen bank meets all relevant regulatory standards and security protocols. Look for banks which offer two-factor authentication (2FA) and encrypted connections for added safety when accessing funds remotely.

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Best International Bank Accounts in the UK 2024

If you’re an expat, digital nomad or frequent traveller, having an international account from a UK bank or from a non-bank alternative provider can help you manage your money across different currencies. You’ll be able to hold a balance in foreign currencies, and depending on the account you pick you might also get a linked card for spending and ATM withdrawals or the option to earn interest. Having a foreign currency account means you can convert from pounds to the currency you need for spending in advance if you spot a good exchange rate, and hold a foreign currency balance as needed, to avoid losses when exchange rates fluctuate

This guide looks at some of the best accounts for international travellers, both from major UK banks and from non-bank alternatives such as Wise and Revolut .

5 Best Banks for International Travel

Here’s a look at the top 5 banks for international travel for UK expats and digital nomads which we’ll cover in this guide.

• Wise Account: best for holding 40+ currencies, and spending with your linked Wise card in 150+ currencies, with the mid-market rate and low fees

Revolut Account: best for picking from a selection of account tiers depending on your needs, with a linked Revolut card, and some no fee ATM withdrawals and currency exchange

Barclays international account: best for existing Barclays customers looking to hold a balance in any of 12 currencies to make digital payments in foreign currencies

Lloyds international account: best for customers looking to hold a balance in USD or EUR, and spend online and with a linked payment card

NatWest international account: best for eligible NatWest customers who want an easy access or fixed term deposit account in one of 25 currencies

What is an international bank account?

International accounts can be opened with banks and with UK based non-bank providers. The UK market has a lot of options for international accounts which means you can choose from a selection of features to get the one which suits you. Some accounts are meant for daily use for receiving transfers and spending with international travel cards, while others are more aimed at higher wealth individuals looking to save, invest or earn interest on foreign currency balances.

We’ll look at some smart options in just a moment - for now, here’s a rundown of some of the features you may get from an international account:

Hold one or more foreign currencies and convert between them

Send payments overseas with low or no fees

Access preferential exchange rates

Spend internationally with a linked debit or credit card

Earn interest on your balance in foreign currencies

What is the best international bank?

The best international bank account will depend on your specific needs and the sort of payments you’ll be making. While some accounts are optimised for travel, others are intended for investments or paying foreign currency bills for example.

Let’s start with an overview of each provider we’ve picked for this review - we’ll explore the accounts available from each more in detail right after. Later on, we’ll also cover what to consider when choosing an international bank so you can make sure you’re picking the right option for your needs.

Different international accounts from banks or non-bank providers all have their own features and fees - which suits you might just come down to how you want to use your account, and which services are important to you. Here’s a brief summary of who the accounts we’ve picked out may appeal to:

Wise Account: great for personal or business customers for day to day use - hold, send, spend and exchange 40+ currencies, get local bank details for 10 currencies

Revolut Account: great for personal or business customers, with some no fee currency conversion and a linked card for day to day use. You can also access higher tier account plans which have perks and discounts available, for a monthly fee

• Barclays international account: great for Barclays customers who already have a GBP account and are looking to hold a balance in any of 12 currencies to make digital payments in foreign currencies 
• Lloyds international account: great for customers looking to hold and spend USD or EUR with the option to hold a balance in either currency 
• NatWest international account: great for anyone looking to open an interest earning account to hold one of 25 major global currencies - both easy access and fixed term options available

Wise Account

Wise accounts can be opened and managed online or in the Wise app, and allow you to hold and exchange 40+ currencies. You can get a linked Wise card for convenient spending online and in person, and for ATM withdrawals in 150+ countries with no foreign transaction fees.

Read a full Wise review here.

Depending on your preference you can convert your GBP balance to the currency you need in advance, or let the card handle the conversion when you pay if you’d prefer. In either case, you get the mid-market exchange rate and low fees from 0.43%. If you need to get paid in foreign currencies, a Wise account can help. You’ll be able to get local bank details for 10 currencies so you can get paid conveniently to hold a foreign currency balance or send payments to 160+ countries, quickly or even instantly.

Wise account is best for: holding and exchanging 40+ supported currencies, and ways to get paid in 10 currencies by local transfer

Wise travel card: available for use in 150+ countries

Foreign transaction fees: free to spend a currency you hold; currency conversion from 0.43%

International ATM withdrawals: some free withdrawals every month, low fees after that

Revolut Account

Revolut UK customers can choose from 5 different plan types for personal customers, with other options available for business customers. Some Revolut accounts have no monthly fees and others do have a charge every month, in return for higher no-fee transaction limits, and extra benefits. For international use, some Revolut accounts come with handy perks like insurance or airport lounge access for example.

Read a full Revolut review here.

All Revolut accounts have some no-fee ATM withdrawals offered every month, and some currency exchange that uses the mid-market exchange rate. Depending on the plan you pick, limits may apply, with fair usage fees after that. Some out of hours charges can also apply if you’re exchanging currency when markets are closed.

Revolut account is best for: 5 different plans so you can choose the one that suits you - plus a linked card, some no fee ATM withdrawals and some no fee weekday currency exchange

Revolut travel card: available for use in 150+ countries

Foreign transaction fees: no fee to spend a currency you hold; all accounts have some weekday currency conversion that uses the mid-market rate, with fair usage costs after that

International ATM withdrawals: some no-fee withdrawals every month, low fees after plan limit is exhausted

Barclays international account

Barclays offers foreign currency accounts in 12 popular global currencies, which are designed for people who need to hold a balance in a foreign currency, and make international payments online or in person. You won’t get a linked debit card with a Barclays international account, which means this may not be suited to people looking for an international account for travel - but you can use your account to reduce exchange rate risk by holding a balance in the foreign currency of your choice, for payments you know you may need to make in future. Add money when the exchange rate looks good and hold your funds until you next need them, to avoid worries about rate fluctuations at the time your transfer is needed.

Barclays account is best for: Barclays GBP account customers looking to hold a balance in any of 12 currencies

Barclays travel card: Not available

Foreign transaction fees: Exchange rate markups may apply when you make payments to and from your account and need currency conversion

International ATM withdrawals: Not available

Lloyds international account

Lloyds offers international accounts in euros or US dollars, to eligible customers with an annual income of 50,000 GBP or more. There’s a monthly fee to pay, which varies depending on the account currency, and you’ll be able to get a linked debit card to spend conveniently from your account. You won’t be charged a foreign transaction fee when you spend a currency you hold in your account, but a 2.99% fee applies if you’re using your card to spend in an unsupported currency. You can get 24/7 access to your account online, and there’s no Lloyds fee to send a foreign payment - correspondent bank or third party costs may still apply, though.

Lloyds account is best for: Holding USD or EUR, with a linked payment card for local and international use

Lloyds travel card: Available for USD and EUR

Foreign transaction fees: 2.99% fee to spend a currency you don’t hold in your account

International ATM withdrawals: 1.5%

NatWest international account

NatWest offers international accounts in 25 or so currencies, which can be either instant access or fixed term saving vehicles. To be eligible you’ll need to either arrange to deposit a salary of 40,000 GBP/year or more into your account, or deposit 25,000 GBP at the point you open your account. NatWest international accounts have no fees for eligible customers and variable interest rates depending on the currency you pick and the specific account type you prefer. Accounts don’t come with a linked debit card which means they may not be the best option for travel - but they can pay interest depending on the specific details of the product you select.

NatWest account is best for: Eligible customers who want to hold foreign currencies in an account which may pay interest on your balance

NatWest travel card: Not available

What are the advantages of international banks?

As we’ve seen, there are different international account options out there so you can pick the one which best suits your specific transaction needs. The advantages you get will vary depending on the specific account and provider you pick, so weighing up a few different options is essential to make sure you select the right one for your needs. Here are a few of the common advantages you may get from an international account:

Hold and exchange one or more foreign currencies to avoid losing out when rates fluctuate

Preferential exchange rates when you convert or spend in foreign currencies

Spend overseas with a linked card to avoid paying foreign transaction fees

Open your account and manage your money on the move with transaction alerts and an instant overview of all your currency balances in the provider’s app

Open local receiving accounts to get paid easily and with no or low fees, in a selection of currencies

How to choose the best international bank account for your needs

There’s no single best international account, so you’ll need to review a few, looking at features and fees, to pick the one that suits you best. Here are a few things to consider when you’re comparing different accounts from banks or specialist services like Wise and Revolut:

Availability of foreign currencies: Some accounts hold a single foreign currency, others are multi-currency accounts supporting a range of currencies - pick an account which covers all the currencies and transaction types you’re likely to need, now and in future

International fees: Compare the costs of transactions you’ll make often, such as sending and receiving international payments, shopping online or in person, or making cash withdrawals

Currency conversion rates: Banks and account providers can pick their own exchange rates which may include a markup. Often picking an account which uses the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is the best way to get a good deal on currency conversion

Safety: Make sure any account option you consider is safe, reliable and properly regulated by a body like the FCA in the UK - all of the accounts we’ve profiled in this guide are considered safe to use

International travel cards: If you’re a frequent traveller, having an account with a linked debit card is helpful for making payments and cash withdrawals overseas. Not all international accounts come with a debit card, so it’s worth double checking your options before you sign up

How to open an international account

Usually to open an international bank account you’ll need to make an application in person, online or in an app, and provide some ID and other documents for verification. The process varies by provider or bank, but in most cases you can get your account entirely set up online or through an app - so there’s no need to visit a physical bank location to apply.

The documents needed for verification can vary depending on the bank or specialist non bank provider you pick. However, it’s common to be asked for a proof of ID like a passport, and a proof of address, such as a recent utility bill. If you’re applying online you’ll just need to take a photo of these documents and upload it - you may also need to take a selfie with the ID document to prove it’s really yours. Some international bank accounts require you to have a minimum income - if this is the case you’ll also be asked to prove your salary by uploading a payslip.

How to open international bank account online

Here’s what you’ll usually need to do to open an international bank account online:

Download the provider’s app or visit the desktop site

Tap Sign up and follow the prompts to enter your personal and contact information

Upload images of your ID and address documents, and any other specific details needed by the bank

Await verification - once your account has been verified you’ll get all the details you need to use your account, and a card if one is available to you

Depending on the account you pick you might be required to make an opening deposit to activate your account functions

What are the best international banks with no fees?

Although some banks may look like they have no fees for their international accounts, usually that just means there’s no ongoing maintenance fee to pay. In fact, international bank accounts pretty much always have transaction and service fees, and some may also include exchange rate markups which aren’t always easy to see.

To get the best international account for your needs it’s important to read the terms and conditions attached to the account carefully, so there are no surprises down the line.

Here is fee the structure of the providers we’ve explored in this article:

Wise fees: Accounts are free to open, there is no maintenance fee, there are low transaction fees.

• There’s no fee to open an account, there are different packages with varying monthly fees including a standard plan with no ongoing charges - other plans have monthly fees up to 45 GBP/month.
• **Barclays fees: No maintenance fee, but bear in mind that exchange rate markups may apply when you make payments to and from your account and need currency conversion. 
• Lloyds fees: Monthly fees are based on currency selected - 8 EUR/month or 10 USD/month - plus there’s a 2.99% foreign transaction fee and a 1.5% ATM withdrawal fee.
• NatWest fees: No maintenance fee, but exchange rate markups may apply when you make payments to and from your account and need currency conversion.

What is the safest international bank?

All of the banks and alternative non-bank providers we’ve covered in this guide are safe to use. If you open an account with the provider’s UK entity, the services you access are usually regulated by the FCA. In some cases, if you open an account with an international division of a major bank you might find that a different regulator oversees the account - but you can be assured that all the providers we’ve picked are licensed and regulated for the specific services they provide.

It’s also helpful to note that most banks and non-bank account providers have extra built in security when spending and transacting - such as instant in-app transaction notifications and easy ways to freeze or cancel your payment card. The exact features available will depend on the bank or non-bank account you pick - take a look at what your preferred account provider does to keep your money and your information safe before you sign up.

Best ways to withdraw money when travelling abroad

Paying with your card, or using your phone and a mobile wallet like Apple Pay, is usually most convenient. But sometimes only cash will do when you’re overseas. Here are some ways to get cash abroad, without paying high fees:

Always check your banks foreign transaction fees so you know if you’ll pay a premium when abroad

Check which ATMs you can use for no extra fee when you travel - providers like Wise and Revolut offer some fee free international withdrawals every month

Always withdraw in the local currency wherever you are, to avoid dynamic currency conversion

Avoid withdrawals with a credit card as these have extra fees

How to avoid foreign transaction fees

Getting an international account from a bank or non-bank alternative may let you cut down or even avoid foreign transaction fees altogether. Here are some ideas to keep down costs when you spend with your card abroad:

Check your bank’s foreign transaction fees and exchange rates - you may be better off with a specialist like Wise or Revolut

Pay in the local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion

Look at from non bank alternatives like Wise or Revolut which let you keep your money in a broad selection local currencies to avoid paying high conversion fees with bad exchange rates

Conclusion on best international bank for expats

You can open an international account with a bank in the UK, or go with specialist alternatives like Wise and Revolut instead. There’s not really one single best international account option for UK travellers, digital nomads and expats - the one that’s right for you will depend on how you prefer to transact.

The international accounts from UK banks are often targeted at people looking to earn interest on a foreign currency balance, rather than spending on a day to day basis in a selection of currencies. On the other hand, international accounts from non-bank providers like Wise and Revolut can mean you get a more flexible account which supports multiple different currencies and which can be used to send, spend, hold, exchange and receive a range of currencies from around the world.

FAQs on Best Banks for International Travel

Can you open an international bank account online.

Yes. You can open an international account with a bank or a non-bank provider like Wise and Revolut. Digital services like Wise and Revolut have fully online onboarding and verification processes - some banks offer the same, but in some cases you’ll need to pop into a branch to finish your application.

It’s not usually possible to find an international account which has no fees whatsoever. However, it is possible to find international accounts with low or no ongoing fees, and fair and transparent transaction fees. Compare a few options from banks, as well as from non-bank providers like Wise and Revolut which both have accounts on offer with no monthly charge to worry about.

Which bank account is best for international travel?

There’s not a single best bank for international travel. The best one for you will depend on how you transact, and which currencies you need to use. It’s worth knowing that international accounts from non-bank providers like Wise and Revolut can be flexible and low cost, with linked cards which are very handy for overseas spending and withdrawal.

How can you avoid bank charges when travelling internationally?

Check through your specific account’s terms and conditions carefully before you start to transact internationally. Look out in particular for international ATM charges and foreign transaction fees which can push up costs a lot. Multi currency accounts from digital providers can often be cheaper than using a bank card when you’re away from home.

What bank does not charge international ATM fees?

You’ll need to double check your own bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawals as the fees can vary significantly. As well as a charge from your own bank, there may be a fee added by the ATM provider - which will often be shown on the screen before you confirm your withdrawal.

Should you have a separate bank account for travel?

Having a separate international account for travel can be very handy to manage your spending overseas and keep your overall costs low. For low cost options, consider a non-bank provider like Wise or Revolut - both of which have accounts with no maintenance fee that you can just use as and when you need to with no ongoing costs to worry about.

Best Bank Accounts for Travelling

The best bank accounts for travelling and what factors are important.

Matt Crabtree

Rachel Wait

If you regularly travel abroad, making sure you don't get hit with hefty foreign transaction fees every time you spend on your bank card is crucial.

With travel being easier than it’s ever been, and continental Europe right on our doorstep, it’s important that you have a bank account that keeps up with your travel plans.

The rise of challenger banks has made international payments simpler and more affordable.

With this in mind, we look at the best bank accounts to use when you’re travelling.

The Best Bank Accounts for Travelling

Now that you’re familiar with what to look out for when choosing your travel bank account, it’s time to look at some of the best options available.

We examine the pros and cons of some of the most competitive bank accounts for travelling:

1. Starling Bank

Starling Bank offers a popular current account that's quick and easy to set up. There are no monthly fees and no fees for spending or withdrawing cash on your card in the UK or overseas. Starling uses the Mastercard exchange rate .

What's more, as Starling has a UK banking licence, your money will be protected up to £85,000 under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

On top of this, the account pays interest at 3.25% AER on balances up to £5,000 and you will be able to separate money and set savings goals, as well as split bills.

✔️ Easy and free to open an account.

✔️ No ATM fees in UK or abroad.

✔️ Uses Mastercard exchange rate.

✔️ Virtual cards for better money management.

❌ Can only manage the account online or via the app.

The Chase current account offers fee-free spending and cash withdrawals on your debit card in the UK and overseas. Like Starling, it uses the Mastercard exchange rate. On top of this, you'll earn 1% cashback on your spending both at home and abroad for the first 12 months.

The account has no monthly fee and pays 1% AER on your balance. In addition, you'll have access to a savings account that pays 4.1% AER.

There's also a round ups feature that rounds up all your spending to the nearest £1 and transfers the change to a round up account paying 5% AER. All of this could help you save funds towards your next holiday.

✔️ Fee-free cash withdrawals and spending overseas.

✔️ Earn 1% cashback on spending for first year.

✔️ Linked savings accounts.

✔️ Free to set up and maintain.

❌ There's a £500 daily withdrawal limit.

❌ If travelling abroad, there's a £1,500 limit on cash withdrawals from your account in any calendar month.

Revolut is one of our favourite digital-only institutions at the moment. For travellers, there’s so much that’s appealing here. It gives you the flexibility and freedom to keep on top of your finances when you’re abroad.

One of the biggest benefits is that you can convert multiple currencies in the app. This gives you the chance to secure the best rate ahead of your travels. However, if you pay in GBP, Revolut uses its own variable exchange rate to carry out this conversion.

You can also spend on your card and withdraw cash abroad fee-free, so long as you stay within your monthly limit and carry out transactions on a weekday. If you don't, a fee will apply. The free standard plan offers a free currency exchange limit of £1,000 a month Monday to Friday, and a fee-free withdrawal limit of £200 a month (or five withdrawals).

✔️ Simple to set up and get started with.

✔️ Allows you to top-up and hold multiple currencies at once.

✔️ Fee-free spending abroad.

✔️ Withdraw up to £200 per month from ATMs abroad.

❌ Mark up of 0.5% applied on major currencies and 1% on other currencies during weekends.

❌ Fee of 2% (minimum £1) after initial £200 withdrawal limit is reached.

Monese offers three different types of account. The Simple plan is free to set up, although a £4.95 fee is charged for a contactless card.

The Simple plan also has a lower fee-free ATM limit of £100 a month (a fee applies after this) and you can spend up to £2,000 a month fee-free in foreign currencies.

By contrast, the Classic and Premium plans offer higher fee-free ATM withdrawal limits and unlimited fee-free spending abroad. But you do have to pay a monthly fee for these plans. You can hold accounts in GBP, EUR or RON.

✔️ Quick and easy to set up.

✔️ Hold accounts in GBP, EUR and RON.

✔️ Low international transfer fees.

✔️ FSCS protected.

❌ Fee-free limits are low for free plan.

❌ Must manage your account online or via the app.

Monzo consistently scores highly on customer satisfaction ratings, and with good reason. It’s incredibly easy to get started and get your new card sent out to you. Once it arrives, you can start using the app to manage your money at home and abroad.

You get instant notifications when you make a transaction, giving you a breakdown of costs in the local currency as well as in GBP.

You’ll get the same Mastercard exchange rate we’ve seen before, with no costs on top when making transactions. For the free plan, the fee-free cash withdrawal allowance abroad is £200 per month, after which a 3% fee applies. If you're happy to pay a monthly fee for your account, the Plus account offers a withdrawal limit of £400 a month and the Premium plan £600 a month.

✔️ No fees for ATM withdrawals abroad if you stick to your monthly limit.

✔️ Plenty of features for splitting bills, setting budgets.

❌ 3% withdrawal fee if you exceed your monthly limit.

❌ No interest on in-credit balance.

You can link your existing debit and credit cards to your Curve account and use any of them with your single Curve payment card. While the basic Curve card has no monthly fee, there are three upgraded versions (Curve X, Curve Black and Curve Metal) that require a monthly subscription fee. 

There are no fees associated with using your card or withdrawing cash when travelling overseas, although you'll need to stick to your monthly limit (there is no limit with Curve Metal).

There are no fee-free foreign ATM withdrawals with the free plan, but you can withdraw up to £300 per month fee-free with Curve X, £500 per month with Curve Black and £1,000 a month with Curve Metal.

✔️ Link your debit and credit cards to one account.

✔️ No fees for spending or withdrawing cash abroad if you stick to your monthly limit.

✔️ Get comprehensive accounting of all of your transactions.

❌️ Fees apply if you exceed your monthly spending and withdrawal limits abroad.

❌️ Must be managed via the app — no branches.

❌️ It’s a service that facilitates financial transactions, but not a bank account.

7. Virgin Money M Plus Account

There are no fees for using your debit card for spending or cash withdrawals in the UK or abroad with this Virgin Money account . What's more, the account has no monthly fee, you'll get access to a linked savings account. Plus you can earn cashback on your spending.

The Virgin Money app also has a number of helpful functions, such as the ability to create a budget and categorise spending.

✔️ No foreign transaction fees for spending or cash withdrawals.

✔️ Interest paid on credit balance.

✔️ Linked savings account.

❌️ High interest rate on overdraft.

8. HSBC Global Money Account

When you open an HSBC Global Money Account, you'll have access to a multi-currency debit card and the ability to convert, hold and send money in more than 50 currencies to 200 countries.

Using your HSBC card to make purchases or withdraw cash is free of charge around the world. HSBC uses live rates to give you competitive currency exchange rates.

To apply for the account, you must already have an HSBC current account and you must use the HSBC banking app to set up and manage your new account.

✔️ The HSBC mobile banking app allows you to manage your finances on the go.

✔️ Spending and ATM withdrawals are both free of charge.

✔️ Flexible options for currencies.

❌️ Only available on the app.

❌️ You must have an existing HSBC current account.

9. First Direct 1st Account

First Direct's 1st Account won't charge you if you use your debit card for spending overseas or for making cash withdrawals abroad. What's more, the account comes with a £250 interest-free overdraft which could come in handy if you spend a little more than planned on holiday.

You'll also be able to pay into a regular saver account paying 7.00% AER — you can pay in between £25 and £30 per month for 12 months. This could help you to save up for your next holiday!

First Direct is renowned for its excellent customer service and often offers a welcome bonus. Right now, you'll get £175 for switching to the account, as long as you pay in £1,000 within three months of opening the account.

✔️ Fee-free spending and cash withdrawals abroad.

✔️ Access to regular saver account.

✔️ Interest-free overdraft of £250.

❌️ Interest applies on overdrafts of over £250.

Why a Travel Account Matters

It can be hard to budget for a holiday if you don’t know exactly how much you’ll be paying for goods and services while you’re abroad. Sure, you can just take plenty of cash with you, but that’s neither safe nor practical.

Instead, most people rely on their usual current account and debit card to make payments. But this can be a costly way of doing things. High street banks will often charge a premium for such services, whether in fees or exchange rates.

As an example, many banks will charge you a fee of around 2.75% each time you spend on your debit card abroad. You'll typically be charged another fee of around the same amount when you withdraw cash overseas — and that's on top of the foreign transaction charge. This can make spending abroad extremely expensive if you don't choose the right bank account and card.

What to Look for in a Bank Account for Travelling

There are a few considerations you should make when choosing a bank account for travelling.

We’ve highlighted these below:

• The biggest factor is whether the account charges a fee for using your debit card for spending purposes or cash withdrawals abroad — and whether there are any limits.
• Whether the bank provides an overdraft facility or not. This could be a lifesaver if you have to make an unexpected purchase.
• Whether the bank has or relies on a smartphone app and having data to use it. Also look for whether it has Apple & Google Pay integration.
• How easy it is to open. You may already be travelling or need an account as quickly as possible.
• Whether you can make international transfers and how much they cost.
• Whether the bank is FSCS protected .
• Whether the account charges a monthly fee.

By thinking about these different factors, you can choose a bank account that meets your needs. Some may be more or less relevant to you, so it’s important you identify what it is you require from your bank when you’re on the road.

Should I Use Cash or Card When Travelling?

There’s no right or wrong answer here, as each has their merits.

Cash can be incredibly useful as you can exchange it before you travel, allowing you to budget ahead. It’s also convenient if you’ll be in places where card payments are not commonly accepted. However, it’s awkward to carry around, can be confusing, and can be a security risk.

With a card, it really depends on the type of card. A debit card is secure and usually allows you to withdraw local currency from ATMs. It’s easy to carry around with you too. However, it may not work in all destinations and, depending on your bank, you might have to pay a fee for foreign transactions.

Similarly, credit cards can be useful for purchases , but foreign transaction fees can apply, and if you use the card for cash withdrawals, you will usually be charged interest from the moment you get your cash.

Pre-paid travel cards are another option — you simply load the card with cash and then spend what's on the card. However, different cards charge different fees so compare them carefully.

Top Tips for Spending When You Travel

We’ve outlined our top tips for spending money overseas:

Pay in the local currency

If you’re given the option between paying in pounds or the local currency, always choose the latter. Retailers often use their own unfavourable exchange rates, meaning that paying in pounds can work out more expensive.

If you use a credit card, pay it off

Unless your card offers an interest-free period on spending for a number of months, it's important to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. Even if you do have an interest-free offer, it's always best to pay off your debts as quickly as possible.

Use a lock-in rate if using prepaid cards

Some methods of payment allow you to lock-in your exchange rate for certain currencies ahead of time. This can save you from market fluctuations when you’re travelling, making it easier to budget.

Check before you go

If you’re going to be using your current bank’s credit or debit card, check the fees and exchange rate before you go, so you know what to expect.

Related Guides:

• Best Current Accounts
• Best Online-Only Bank Accounts
• Best Rewards and Cashback Bank Accounts for You
• Best Bank Accounts for Bad Credit
• How to Use Revolut Abroad

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Top 6 Best Bank Accounts for Travelers

Every traveler knows the pain of a depleting bank balance. We spend enough money just getting around the world—there’s no reason to spend even more on unnecessary bank fees.

When you use a standard issue debit card abroad, the bank typically charges a foreign transaction fee, usually somewhere in the vicinity of 3%. So, if you want to spend $100, it’ll actually cost you $103 (at least).

The situation is no better if you choose to withdraw cash at an ATM, either. Most banks charge a fee to withdraw from an out-of-network ATM, and the ATM itself might charge you a fee, as well. So when you withdraw cash abroad, you could end up getting double charged for fees, sometimes up to as much as $10 for a single withdrawal (I’m looking at you, Australia)!

While some of the fees might seem small at first glance, they add up quickly and, before you know it, you’ve wasted hundreds of dollars on bank charges (and, okay, yes, also really cool pants and one or two faux leather bracelets and, fine, a bongo).

The solution? Withdraw loads of cash at once, carry it all with you, and make it last as long as possible, right?

However careful you think you are, carrying a lot of cash while you travel is never a good idea. Money can (and will) get lost or stolen no matter how prudent you are—and when you’ve got it on you, you may be more likely to spend it on stuff you don’t need, too.

You see the dilemma?

Unfortunately, the world of international banking is a complex labyrinth for the average Joe (and even the above-average Joe). Most of us just go to our local bank, open up a checking or debit account and call it a day without ever thinking about international charges.

But bank fees can make a pretty big dent in your budget.

However, there are a few banks out there that are serving travelers all over the world well. Finding the right bank account is one of the best travel tips I can offer you. These are the best bank accounts for international travelers from both the US and UK.

The Best Bank Accounts for International Travelers from the United States

Travelers from the United States are lucky because, unlike other countries, American travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to bank accounts for travel. So I’ve narrowed them down. The three bank accounts outlined below are ideal for American travelers looking to travel internationally.

Charles Schwab High Yield Checking

The Charles Schwab High Yield Checking account is the one bank account every American traveler needs in their arsenal. It’s free to open, has no monthly or annual fees, doesn’t require a minimum balance and charges no foreign transaction fees. Already off to a good start, this account comes with a secret weapon: no ATM fees anywhere in the world.

Whether you’re at home or abroad—literally anywhere in the world—if the ATM charges you a fee, Charles Schwab reimburses you at the end of each month. That means you have access to every single ATM network in the world for free.

There isn’t a single other bank out there that offers this. It’s a one-of-a-kind account and is used—and loved—by American travelers all over the world.

Plus, if you lose your card abroad, they’ll ship you a new one—anywhere in the world—within a matter of days.

If you’re an American traveler, this account is the first and only checking account you will ever need. Plus, if you use this link to sign up, you’ll get a $100 bonus! You can thank me later.

Account Highlights:

• Free to open
• No minimum balance
• No monthly or annual fees
• No ATM fees anywhere in the world, even if the ATM charges a local fee

Capital One 360 Savings

Capital One 360 is an online bank, meaning they don’t have branches anywhere in the world. This lowers their overhead fees, which means they can offer savings and checking accounts with no fees or minimum balance. And because the bank operates strictly online, you can do every aspect of your banking without ever stepping foot inside an actual bank.

Note: You can still get some level of support at the Capital One branches, but 360 operates as a totally separate entity.

Capital One 360 savings accounts offer a 1% APY (interest rate), which—although small—is higher than you’ll find for any other savings account with comparable features.

As with all savings accounts, you can’t withdraw funds from an ATM; that’s not what savings accounts are for. But you can link your Capital One 360 savings to your Charles Schwab account in your online banking portal and transfer money between them from your laptop.

• High interest rate for a savings account

Wise Borderless (Formerly TransferWise Borderless)

The Wise Borderless account is one of the newest to join the banking scene, and it brings with it some cutting edge features unlike anything else on the market. And given its borderless nature, this account is actually available to people all over the world—not just US residents.

Physical cards, however, are only available to European residents at the moment, though this is due to change soon.

This bank account is ideal for travelers who are constantly on the go and, therefore, handling different currencies all the time. It’s also an excellent choice for digital nomads who regularly receive international payments since they can receive multiple currencies free of charge.

Every Borderless account comes with four sub-accounts, one in the US, UK, Australia and the Eurozone. Each account is treated as if it’s a local account in each of the respective countries, which means you get a US routing (ABA) and account number, a UK account number and sort code, an Australian account number and BSB number, and a European SWIFT/BIC and IBAN number. All in one account!

This means you can receive money from more than 30 countries around the world with zero fees.

Within your Borderless account, you can also hold and convert more than 40 different currencies. These are not held in local bank accounts, so to speak, so it will cost a small fee to send and receive payments in those currencies. And while there is a currency conversion fee, the charges are low and Wise is transparent about what they charge—between 0.35% and 2%, depending on the currency.

There are no fees for using your card abroad , provided you have a balance in that currency in your account. You can also withdraw up to £200 (apprx. $275 USD) from the ATM for free every month. Higher withdrawal amounts are charged at a flat rate of 2%.

Plus, just like the original Wise service, if you want to transfer money, you avoid paying exorbitant international transfer fees because Wise treats them as if the funds are being sent domestically (click here for a full Wise review and explanation on how this works).

• No monthly fees, no minimum balance
• Hold accounts in USD, GBP, EUR and AUD
• No transaction fee for currencies held in your account
• Receive money from more than 30 countries around the world with zero fees
• Hold 40+ currencies and convert between them instantly with low fees
• Receive payments in GBP, USD EUR and AUD free of charge
• Withdraw £200 per month for free, and pay only 2% beyond that

Bank Accounts for International Travelers from the UK

The banking system in the UK is unnecessarily complex and obtuse (from this American’s perspective, anyway!). However, the nature of banking in the UK is in major transition right now, and there are some new banks who are disrupting the entire ecosystem and offering debit/current accounts that are perfect for travelers.

Before diving into the below, make sure you read up on the Wise Borderless account , outlined above, which is a fantastic bank account for travelers from the UK as well.

Starling Bank Personal Account

The Starling Personal account is easily the best bank account for travelers from the UK—and they tout themselves as “the ultimate travel buddy” for good reason. Starling offers zero fees abroad—something totally unparalleled for debit accounts in the UK.

This means no foreign transaction fees or ATM fees anywhere in the world (note that local ATMs may still charge a fee).

TIP: To avoid local ATM fees, look for supermarkets that offer fee-free cash back.

The other standout feature that makes this the best bank account for UK travelers is the ability to withdraw up to £300 daily . Every other bank that offers similar features limit cash withdrawals to £200 per month .

You shouldn’t be carrying much cash with you when you travel, but in case of emergency—or extenuating circumstances—Starling gives you the option.

Like many other accounts, Starling offers real exchange rates provided by Mastercard, with no fees on top.

Starling is an mobile-only bank, making it convenient for travelers who need quick and efficient banking from anywhere in the world. They provide real time transaction notifications  on your phone and you can even access their customer service through an in-app chat feature.

You’ll also get daily and monthly spending reports so you can keep an eye on exactly what you’re spending your money on.

The Starling Bank Personal account offers an interest rate of 0.5% on balances up to £2,000, so it also acts like a savings account! They’ll also deliver a lost card to you anywhere in the world.

Lastly, if you’re saving up for a trip, the Starling app has a “Goals” feature that allows you to enter saving targets, deposit money to these targets, and shows you how close you are to reaching them. This visual aid is surprisingly helpful and could be the key to helping you save up money for travel .

• Free international ATM withdrawals up to £300/day
• No foreign transaction fees
• Real exchange rates provided by Mastercard
• Daily/monthly spending reports
• In-app savings goals

Revolut Personal Account

A close second to Starling, the Revolut Personal account is an app-only bank account for UK travelers (US accounts are coming soon!), which gives you both a UK current account and a Euro IBAN account for free . They offer free international money transfers to bank accounts in over 120 countries using the real exchange rate.

They don’t charge foreign transaction fees in 130 different currencies and they use the real exchange rate provided by Visa with no added fees on top.

Revolut also offers free ATM withdrawals at any ATM around the world , though local ATMs may still charge a fee.

Note that Revolut offers a free account and a paid one , each with different limits and features. The most notable difference is that the free account offers £200 in free ATM withdrawals per month whereas the paid account—which costs £6.99/mo—offer £400 in free ATM withdrawals. It also has a number of extras features , including overseas medical insurance , global express card delivery to 180 countries, and more.

Cryptocurrencies are coming to banks now, and the Revolut Personal account lets you buy and exchange Bitcoin, Ether and Litecoin with 25 fiat currencies . No longer do you need to use Coinbase or Binance to buy or hold your cryptocurrencies. You can see your holdings—in regular currency and cryptocurrency—all in one place.

As travelers, we’re particularly prone to losing things, especially money and bank cards (I am, anyway). If you lose your bank card—whether you leave it on the train or it gets stolen from your backpack—you can instantly deactivate it from the Revolut app with the touch of a button .

And if you happen to find your card again (because you hid it in your luggage so well that even you couldn’t find it), unfreeze your card in a tap.

• No foreign transaction fees in 130+ currencies
• Free international ATM withdrawals up to £200/£400 per month
• Send and receive money to and from international bank accounts for free
• Buy and exchange cryptocurrencies in-app
• Freeze and unfreeze your card with the tap of a button

Monzo has been undergoing some major changes lately—all for the better! Though they used to operate like a prepaid credit card, they have recently added a number of new account features and have become a fully licensed UK bank, protected by the FSCS for up to £85,000.

Like Revolut, Monzo is an online-only bank , meaning there are no brick-and-mortar banks anywhere in the world. This keeps overhead costs low and allows for unparalleled features like free transactions abroad, both online and in person.

Monzo uses the Mastercard exchange rate for all transactions, which means you don’t lose any money to conversion fees.

Monzo also offers free international ATM withdrawals up to £200 per month.  If you exceed £200, Monzo charges 3% on whatever you withdraw.

Though Monzo offers excellent features for travelers , it’s the app that makes Monzo stand out from the rest.

Once you land in a new country, the Monzo app checks your location and sends you up-to-date information on the current exchange rate. It also sends you tips for traveling with your card in that country and it lets you categorize transactions as travel expenses or home-based expenditures.

The app provides a detailed, real time breakdown of your spending plus a final report at the end of your trip so, once you arrive back home, you know exactly what you spent on your holiday.

You can also freeze and “defrost” your card within the app, should you lose (or find) your card on the road.

If this all sounds too good to be true, unfortunately, at the moment, it is. Due to high demand, there is currently a waiting list to get a Monzo account. If you’re in a rush to find a bank account for travel, this won’t be it. But if you’re not in a rush, get yourself on the waiting list today and you’ll be notified as soon as they have a spot for you.

• Currency conversions using real exchange rates from Mastercard
• Free international ATM withdrawals up to £200 every 30 days
• In-app budgeting and expenditure reports
• Instantly deactivate and reactivate your card

Traveling is fun, and oftentimes we get so caught up in planning and packing that we forget to think about how we’ll be spending our money abroad. But especially when traveling, it’s super important to be responsible with your money.

Avoiding bank fees is by far the easiest way to cut down on costs while traveling. Whether you’re on a two-week vacation or living as a digital nomad, choosing a bank account that lets you do this is key.

Choose your bank accounts wisely and you could end up saving hundreds of dollars a year! That’s, like, another 50 beers or something.

READ NEXT:  Money Management for Expats: Tips For Handling Your Finances Abroad

Bank Accounts for Travelers FAQs

What bank is best for travelers.

Charles Schwab has some of the best accounts for travelers.

Which bank can I open an account as a tourist?

Depending on the country, some banks allow non-residents to open accounts.

Should I have a separate bank account for travel?

You don’t necessarily need a separate bank account for travel, especially if you aren’t traveling frequently.

What is the number 1 bank in America?

JP Morgan Chase is the largest bank in the US.

Can I get a US bank account as a tourist?

Some US banks allow non-residents to get accounts.

Jeremy Scott Foster

Great roundup of services. Based on what you wrote, I am interested in both TransferWise and Revolut (note that I haven’t used either personally, though I already use Schwab and love it). So, I just did a little extra research on both and want to share what I learned.

For TransferWise, since the conversion rate is a fixed percentage, larger transfers will become quite expensive compared to using a bank that offers a maximum free structure. But, for smaller amounts, it does seem to be far better.

The Revolut marketing copy is all kinds of obfuscation. If you read just the main pages, you might think there are no fees, but there are many exceptions. Notably:

1. If transferring to a bank outside the EU or not transferring in euros then the transfer will be sent via SWIFT and you might incur international wire transfer fees. The beneficiary bank could also charge a fee to receive your transfer. And, when your money is in transit, it might be processed by an intermediary bank who might also deduct a handling fee. All these fees can be significant but hidden until too late.

2. If you make a cross-currency transfer, you’ll be charged 0.5% on any amount exceeding your £5000 monthly free foreign exchange allowance.

3. THB and RUB incur a 1.5% markup on the exchange rate.

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What Are The Best Bank Accounts For Travelling

Travelling is exciting, especially when you haven’t been allowed out for the last year! When planning your next trip overseas, it can be all too easy to become caught up in the anticipation of your arrival. This can easily distract you from the finer points of planning; for example, what will you do if you need to withdraw cash?

Some people still convert all their travel money into the currency of their destination before they leave the country, carrying it around in cash form. However, this can be risky.

The alternative is to withdraw money while you’re there. However, if you haven’t made the proper arrangements, it’s possible that your account will be blocked by the bank due to “suspicious activity”.

Another issue is ATM withdrawals or paying by card can sometimes rack up significant foreign transaction fees for which you may not have budgeted.

The answer is to open an account that allows for straightforward currency conversion and the ability to make card purchases anywhere in the world without considerable bank charges or a high interest rate.

With that in mind, the team at MoneyBright have compared different options to help you find the best bank account for travelling abroad. Read on to see what we discovered.

So – which are our best bank accounts?

During our research, we looked into ease of use, special features, the typical cash withdrawal fee and whether or not a user would be charged interest when using their account. We decided that the following were the best bank accounts for travelling abroad:

Starling Bank

• Atom Bank (for use before your holiday)

Below, we’ll explain the main benefits of each – so you can weigh up your options and decide which is best for your needs.

Starling bank accounts are perfect for those who require the option of uncapped ATM withdrawals while overseas.

Starling offers the exciting opportunity to spend abroad without fees. It’s also possible to earn interest – you’ll be paid 0.5% if you have under £2,000 in your account and 0.25% on an amount over £2,000 up to £85,000.

They’re a mobile-only bank that taps into the internationally recognised Mastercard rates, with options for both personal and business banking.

Monzo is a highly popular travel card option for those seeking a low ATM fee and capped overdraft charges. Using Monzo fees abroad, you can convert your money to your chosen currency and back with no foreign-sterling transaction fee.

Do Monzo Charge Abroad?

Another user of Mastercard rates, Monzo includes no additional fees for the first £200 you withdraw per month. After that milestone, you’ll be charged just 3% per transaction.

Unlike Starling, it is possible to drop into your overdraft with Monzo. If you dip in by more than £20, you’ll face a 50p charge per day – but the maximum you’ll lose in this scenario is £15.50 per month.

Formerly TransferWise, Wise , Like Monzo offers £200 worth of free cash withdrawals per month before you are charged. It also uses Mastercard rates, plus you can use the app to find out currency exchange information in real-time.

Wise is capable of converting your cash to 40 different currencies – and you can hold multiple currencies at the same time.

A debit card-based account, Wise is powered by Mastercard and allows for free international transfers.

This may be the ideal bank account for those travelling or working between the UK and Europe.

Monese is another “digital bank” and specialises in multi-currency accounts. It’s super easy to set up an account as no credit checks are required and you don’t need any proof of address.

As with other accounts on this list, there is a £200 per month withdrawal limit when you sign up to the Simple Monese plan, and you are charged interest at 2% on any withdrawals beyond this.

Transfers – whether in the same currency as your account or in foreign currencies – is free, and the cost of international transfers starts at a modest 2% of the transaction amount. Real-time transfers between Monese accounts are free.

While Simple Monese accounts are free, you can choose to pay for Premium accounts, which allow a higher limit per month before you are charged foreign transfer or cash withdrawal fees (the top tier enables you to make unlimited free withdrawals and foreign transfers).

One more on the list to think about, but before setting sail on your adventures is…..

Atom Bank is an entirely app-based best banking option that helps you to build up savings. It’s for UK residents only and there are no current accounts available, only “Fixed Savers” and mortgages.

If you’re planning on a big trip – spending months abroad – then Atom Bank provides a great way to save up.

You can choose how long you wish to save for, which means you can time things to coincide with the date you leave, plus Atom’s Annual Equivalent Rates are highly competitive.

You can earn 0.75% interest by using 3 or 6 month fixed savers, or 1.49%/0.5% for 1 year, 2 year, 3 year or 5 year fixed savers, depending on whether you opt for monthly or annual interest.

Remember, Atom Bank accounts don’t tend to work abroad, so it’s usually best to withdraw the funds and place them into another account before you go.

Our conclusion

So – after trawling through all on offer in the current 2021 market, we reckon that Starling Bank, Monzo, Wise or Monese offer the best bank accounts for travelling abroad, particularly when exchanging currency, withdrawing money or undertaking transactions. Atom Bank is a great option for saving before you go.

All of the above banks or financial specialists appear on the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) register, so you know they have full regulatory approval.

Of course, before you make your final decision, it’s important to check all of the terms and conditions of your chosen provider to ensure your account will work exactly as you need it to and to avoid any nasty surprises or extra charges.

For more financial tips, and to ensure you’re well informed and prepared for your next trip, have a browse of MoneyBright’s travel advice section?

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

How much bank statement is required for UK visit visa

Updated: September 8, 2023

When it comes to how much bank statement is required for UK visit visa, there is a lot of confusion out there. Mainly because UKVI does not provide proper guidelines on bank statements. Not just on how many months of statements, but how much cash should you have, what kind of transactions are allowed, etc.

In this article, you will learn everything about bank statements for UK visit visa.

How much bank statement is required for UK visit visa?

You must submit 6 months of bank statements that clearly show your monthly salary and financial commitments. There must not be any large deposits of cash other than your salary. Total savings must be at least twice your proposed UK trip expenses.

After examining hundreds of UK visa refusal letters from my readers, I have figured that there are a few things that you must definitely satisfy in your bank statements. Let’s look at these in more depth.

BANK STATEMENT FOR UK VISA

The Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) must make sure that the UK visit visa applicant has sufficient funds to support and maintain themselves for the entire duration of their stay in the UK. Bank statements work as evidence to prove that the applicant has sufficient funds. 

The ECOs pay close attention to the total cost of the trip, monthly income, monthly expenses and any other financial commitments such as mortgage, dependents, etc. They want to see that you are a genuine traveler, you will travel within your means and you will not exhaust all your savings.

The ECOs are primarily looking at the following criteria in your bank statements.

Let’s look at each of these criteria in detail. 

How much money per day do you need for UK visitor visa?

The UK is an expensive country. A hotel room would cost at least £50 per night. Food is about £10-20 per meal. Add transportation, entry tickets to attractions, shopping, etc. So, total expenses can range from £100-150 per day per person.

DAILY BUDGET REQUIREMENT £100-150 per day per person

This £100-150 per day per person is only for the visa. When you actually travel, you can minimize your daily expenses and spend a lot less than that.

How much do you need to earn to get a UK visitor visa?

UKVI does not provide guidance on acceptable monthly income. But, after going through hundreds of refusal letters, I figured that your monthly income must be at least half of your total UK trip expenses. 

INCOME REQUIREMENT Your monthly income must be at least half of your proposed total UK trip expenses

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses excluding the airfare is £2,000. Your monthly income must be at least £1,000. Anything less than that can lead to ECO assuming that it’s not realistic for you to take this trip.

Make sure your monthly salary is directly deposited into your bank account. This results in a salary deposit transaction in your statements. This proves that you have a consistent monthly income.

If you are paid in cash or check, deposit the cash or check in your bank account on a specific date every month. You can withdraw again from your bank account for your expenses, but that consistent salary deposit every month must definitely be there in your bank account. 

How much do you need to save to get a UK visitor visa?

Apart from monthly net income, your monthly disposable income is also important. Monthly disposable income is basically your savings. If you save too little per month, that’s an indicator that a UK trip is not realistic for your financial situation.

SAVING/DISPOSABLE INCOME REQUIREMENT Your monthly savings/disposable income must be a good percentage of your net monthly income

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses is £2,000. Your monthly net income is £1,000. Your monthly living expenses are £950. That means you can only save about £50 a month. Even if you have enough savings for your trip, your savings per month (£50) are too small. ECOs will assume that a UK trip is too expensive and not realistic for your financial situation.

How much bank balance do you need to show for UK visitor visa?

You must show that you have sufficient funds in your bank account. As a rule of thumb, you must have more than twice your proposed total UK trip expenses in your bank account. 

FUNDS REQUIREMENT Your funds must be more than twice your proposed total UK trip expenses

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses excluding the airfare is £2,000. You must have at least £4,000 in your savings. Anything less than that can raise questions and lead to visa refusal.

Again, UK Visas and Immigration does not specify what is acceptable in terms of funds. So this is something I understood from referring to many visa refusal letters. 

What cash saving patterns ECOs are looking for?

You must show that your savings are continually growing and that too consistently. If they are not, then the ECO may assume that you might have borrowed the money to make it look like you saved it yourself. 

EXAMPLE: Say your salary is £2,000 per month. After all expenses, you save around £500 a month. Sometimes more, sometimes less, about usually around £500. You are saving continually but also consistently.

One more thing to keep in mind is that your savings must be large enough or at least a good percentage of your income.

What is funds parking and how to avoid it?

Funds parking refers to borrowing money from someone to show as if it’s your own money. ECOs suspect any large deposits in your bank account other than your salary as parked funds. 

EXAMPLE: Say your ending balance in your bank account has been £4,000 for the last 6 months. That means, your savings haven’t grown at all. This makes the ECO suspect that you might have borrowed money 6-7 months ago just to show that you have sufficient savings in your bank account.

If you had a large cash deposit from the sale of a property, investment, etc., you must provide documentary evidence to prove that it’s your money. 

Also, if you had unexpected expenses such as hospitalization, purchase of property, investment in stocks or fixed deposits, etc. you must explain them properly in your cover letter for UK visa as well. 

What to do if you DO NOT have sufficient funds? 

If you do not have sufficient funds for your UK trip, I suggest the following.

• Delay your trip until you have saved up enough. If you plan to travel to the UK next year, start saving up from now and you will have enough saved up by then.
• Shorten your trip to manage within the funds you have. If you plan to travel for 10 days, shorten it to 7 days or even 5 days. Try to cram in more sightseeing every day so you can manage your 10-day itinerary in just 5 days. 
• Lastly, use a sponsor to cover some of your expenses. Keep in mind that sponsorship from family members and immediate relatives can work well. Sponsorship from unrelated, distant relatives, friends, people who met on the internet, acquaintances, etc. will not work.

What to do if your salary is too low?

Should you put away your dream of traveling to the UK just because your salary is too low? Not really, but here are a few things you can do.

• Delay your trip until your salary goes up. Yearly salary hikes are common in most places. Or ask for a pay raise.
• Shorten your trip to manage within your salary limits. If your salary is £500, then plan to stay only 7 days, not more.
• Use a sponsor. As I mentioned above, sponsorships from family members or immediate relatives work well.

Why do you need 6 months of bank statements?

Bank statements are not just about how much cash you have in your bank. They tell a lot about your financial and personal circumstances. From your bank statements, ECOs can assess your sources of income, financial commitments and current lifestyle. 

This information is extremely important for ECOs to decide whether they can support themselves during their UK trip. At least 6 months of bank statements are necessary to assess this formation. 

If you lay down 6 months of bank statements in front of you, you can clearly see patterns such as your spending habits and saving goals. 

Keep in mind that these 6 months of bank statements must start from the latest and go backward 6 months. Let’s look at an example.

Say you are applying for your UK visa on 14 Nov 2021 and your latest statement was for October. You must submit statements from May to October. 

Does UK embassy verify bank statement?

If UKVI suspects fraudulent bank statements, they can contact the bank to verify the authenticity of the statements. They have built relationships with banks over time and can take the help of third-party agencies to verify such information.

Manipulating or providing fraudulent bank statements will lead to visa refusal and a permanent ban from entering the UK. 

Illegal migration and human trafficking are on the rise. Therefore, ECOs do their due diligence with visa applications. Document verification costs them money and time. There is a reason why the UK tourist visa is the most expensive and time-consuming visa process. 

Is online bank statement acceptable for UK visa?

Yes, online bank statements downloaded from the bank website are perfectly acceptable. Online bank statements are a norm in most countries these days. I assume UKVI has connections with major banks in the world either directly or through third-party agencies. If need be, they can make inquiries and verify the authenticity of your bank statements. 

A mere download of a list of transactions from your account will not work. Your online bank statements must include all the necessary information such as the bank name, bank address, bank phone numbers, full name, address, statement dates, transactions, balances, etc.

If any of the information is not included, you must request bank statements from the bank that include all necessary details.

Keep in mind that providing fraudulent bank statements will lead to a permanent ban from entering the UK.

Do bank statements need to be stamped for UK visa?

If you are applying from a country with high UK visa refusal rates, I advise providing certified bank statements. These are bank statements printed on the bank letterhead, stamped and signed by the bank authorities. Sometimes instead of signing and stamping, a cover letter signed by the head of the bank branch is provided.

Certified bank statements help to convince the ECO that your bank statements are authentic.

What if you have multiple bank accounts, one for salary and one for savings? 

If you have multiple bank accounts, you will have to submit 6 months of statements from each bank or account. If done incorrectly, this could lead to document bloat, which means the ECOs may overlook the most important bank statements. 

Try to use only one bank account for salary, expenses and savings. If you have to use two banks or accounts, mention this clearly in your cover letter so ECOs do not overlook important bank statements.

Do bank statements in foreign language need to be translated for UK visa?

Yes. If your bank statements are in a foreign language, you must provide a certified translation of them in English. If you have several pages of bank statements that need translating, it can get quite expensive. This is usually the case when downloading monthly statements from the bank’s website.

One way to handle this is to ask the bank to print the last 6 months of transactions as one statement. This will remove any repeated information such as bank address, etc. that usually appears on each monthly statement. This will reduce the bank statements to only a few pages. Translating and certifying these pages shouldn’t be that expensive.

Can you show joint account for UK visa?

A joint account is acceptable when both account holders are applying for UK visas together. The income and saving limits must also be doubled in that case. This is usually the case with couples, either both or one of them is earning. Either way, you must explain that your account is a joint account in your cover letter to avoid ECO making any decisions with partial information.

If only one account holder is applying for the visa, the ECO may assume that the applicant does not have sole access to the funds and may refuse the visa. Again, this is a tricky situation and must be clearly explained in the cover letter.

How to show bank statement if you are self-employed?

All the above rules apply to self-employed as well. Make sure to get paid from your clients directly in your bank account. If you earn cash, deposit your cash into your bank account first before using it for personal expenses. You can withdraw later for your expenses.

If you receive small cash several times a month, consolidate all the cash and deposit once a week or month. If you have multiple bank accounts, consolidate them too.

How to show bank statements if you are a business owner?

ECOs assume that business funds are for business purposes and not available for personal use. This is especially true if you are traveling to the UK on a personal holiday trip. Therefore, you must have a clear distinction between your business funds and personal cash. 

Make sure to separate your business and personal accounts. Pay yourself a monthly salary into your personal account. Maintain a consistent financial pattern in your personal account. As a business owner, you must submit your business bank statements and personal bank statements for your UK visa.

Alternatively, you can provide a letter from you or any other business partners that the business funds are available for your personal use. In this case, just your business bank statements are sufficient.

UKVI does not provide proper guidelines on how much bank statement is required for UK visit visa. After referring to hundreds of UK visa refusal letters, I figured that ECOs are looking for certain patterns in your bank statements. ECOs are primarily looking for your sources of income, spending habits, financial commitments and saving goals. These factors are essential for ECOs to decide whether you are a genuine visitor and have sufficient funds for your trip.

There you have it. Everything you need to know about bank statements for UK visit visa. If you have any questions, leave a comment below. I will answer them as soon as I can.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

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02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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How to open a u.s. bank account for non-residents.

Every year, thousands of people from every corner of the globe migrate to the United States. Many of them arrive here as international students attracted by top-notch educational opportunities, while others arrive for work.

Having a checking account can be a way to build a solid foundation for your financial life in the U.S. Some non-residents sometimes believe they're ineligible to open a bank account in this country. Fortunately, that isn’t true. Many financial institutions offer U.S. bank accounts for non-residents. However, there may be a little bit of additional paperwork involved. Let’s find out more.

Potential benefits of opening a bank account in the U.S.

There are a number of potential benefits that come with having a local account while you’re in the United States. These include:

Receiving payments directly

Having a U.S. bank account allows you to take advantage of direct deposit . This way, your paychecks can be automatically delivered directly to your account.

Paying bills

Having a local bank account makes paying bills a much smoother process. You can use your account to pay online or by check instead of having to use money orders or other services that may have additional fees.

Accessing debit cards and ATMs

Opening a U.S. bank account typically features debit cards with access to a network of ATMs . This lets you access your funds and make everyday transactions while avoiding possible fees associated with transactions using a foreign bank account.

Building a financial history

Opening an account at a bank or credit union begins a history between you and that financial institution. If you plan to apply for any financing from a U.S. financial institution in the future, this ongoing relationship may improve your chances of approval.

What do you need to open a bank account?

Document requirements may vary from bank to bank. When opening a bank account in the U.S., non-residents may need to provide identification, proof of address and possibly an opening deposit. Contact your bank to confirm what documentation is needed. Here are some items that you may need to open an account:

Identification

You’ll need to provide official, government-issued photo identification. Many of these requirements may be familiar to U.S. citizens as well. Some financial institutions may require more than one form of ID to verify your identity, particularly for non-residents. Acceptable documents may include:

• Driver’s license with photo
• Matricula Consular Card
• Passport with photo
• Student ID with photo
• U.S. Employment Authorization Card with photo

Proof of address

Proof of U.S. address must be provided in the form of a document that shows both your name and address to ensure you’re associated with the property. This can include:

• Employer's pay stub or paycheck
• Letter with name and address
• Utility bills dated 60 days or sooner

Opening deposit

Financial institutions may require an opening deposit to activate your account. The minimum required will likely vary from one financial institution to the next. A few examples of opening deposit sources are:

• Automated Clearing House (ACH) electronic fund transfer

Requirements can vary from bank to bank and may be subject to change. It’s good practice to check with your prospective financial institution for the most up-to-date information regarding what you need to open a bank account.

Can an immigrant open a bank account without a Social Security number?

Since many account types bear interest, which is a form of taxable income, some U.S. banks require customers to provide their Social Security number (SSN). This facilitates tax reporting to the IRS.

Non-residents who don’t have a Social Security number can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. This may be used as a substitute for an SSN on your bank account application if one is required by the bank.

SSN vs. ITIN: What’s the difference?

Although both SSNs and ITINs are used for tax reporting, they’re issued by different agencies and have different benefits. An SSN is issued by the Social Security Administration to citizens and authorized non-citizens. It typically denotes authorization to work in the United States (though not always). An SSN also provides access to public assistance benefits such as unemployment or disability income.

ITINs are issued by the IRS to non-residents — anyone who isn’t eligible to receive an SSN. An ITIN is not a work authorization, but it can be used in place of an SSN for filing taxes while residing in the United States.

A note for international students

International students typically arrive in the U.S. under visa designations that don’t authorize them to work. However, they may be able to get a job through their university or by practical training programs. In this case, the university may help them apply for a Social Security number.

Other students, however, may also need to file tax returns in the U.S. due to alternative forms of taxable income. If this applies to you, you’ll likely need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Alternative options

If you find yourself unable to qualify for a U.S. bank account for non-residents, you may not be entirely out of options. There are some other forms of banking for immigrants. These include:

Using an international bank

Some banks are international, meaning they have a presence in your home country as well as the United States. Using a bank like this means you can open an account back home and likely still have access to it while in America.

Using a correspondent account

Sometimes, a bank from your home country might have an existing partnership with a bank in the United States. These banks may be able to leverage that relationship to help you open an account in the U.S.

The process to open a U.S. bank account for non-residents may require a little extra time and effort, but there can be significant advantages to doing so. When you open a bank account in the United States, it allows you to access your funds, utilize debit and ATM services and accept payments while building financial history.

Not a customer yet?

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Holiday expert explains how Spain's new £97 daily charge will affect your holiday

All has been explained on the new tourist rule that was introduced in spain.

Joshua Nair

As the weather gets warmer, a lot of us are beginning to get onto those flight and hotel websites to book a summer getaway, with many often favouring Spain as a nearby holiday location with amazing weather.

It is well documented that the European country is a popular holiday hotspot for Brits , so you can imagine that it was a shock when people found out about the new money law put in place there for tourists.

The new law states that Britons must be able to show proof that they have at least €113.40 (£97) per person, per day, during their stay in the country.

It's fair to say that the news hasn't been received well, with many threatening not to go back to the holiday destination following the implemented law.

Chelsea, an expert from cheapholidayexpert.com has explained all the ins and outs of the law, such as what we can do to prepare, how serious it is, and what to do if we don't have the required funds.

How new is this rule?

Well, it turns out that this rule is not new at all, as it has been in effect since 1 January 2022, though back then it was at £85 a day per person, being increased to £93 per day in 2023.

So, there's no reason to be scared, it has been quite standard and in place for a while, though it is under a spotlight now that we're past the COVID years.

Should we blame Brexit?

In short, yes.

As the UK left the EU , Brits don't have the freedom of moving throughout the continent anymore, and have to go through closer, more thorough checks.

This can be anything, such as:

• Showing you have enough money for your stay
• Showing proof of accommodation for your stay
• Showing a return or onward ticket

But this could happen in any EU country, not just being limited to Spain - and with that being said, these rules aren't exclusive to the UK either, instead applying to all third party countries as a standard rule.

How will it affect my holiday?

The Spanish ministry states that: "Foreigners must prove, if required to do so," about proof of funds, meaning that it isn't compulsory for them to check every tourist's bank statement upon arrival.

Think of it as a random spot check, you may get picked, or you may not.

Has this actually happened to anyone?

Chelsea posted on her Instagram once the news broke, asking people who has travelled to Spain since the start of 2022 to share if they were asked about money.

Only four of the 1373 people asked said that they had, and provided stories about what had happened.

All of them went through the checks in 2022, and only one had to show proof of accommodation, a return flight, and just flashed their credit card to the officer, who seemed unbothered to see a bank statement or account balance.

The others got away with flashing their credit cards, with no real thorough checks taking place according to them.

But with that being said, they may begin to stop more people as the number of tourists into the country increases.

How should I prepare?

No matter how slim the chance, it's key to have the following at hand:

• Confirmation of your return flight or onwards travel
• Confirmation of your booked accommodation and the address of where you’re staying

Screenshots will do, though PDFs and official confirmations will probably look better.

How do I prepare to prove that I have enough money?

First and foremost, you have to work out if you have £97 per day, with people in families or groups having to do more maths to make this work.

Showing bank cards might be the key, so make sure they're easily accessible, though it sounds like officers are looking for verbal confirmation so far from tourists, according to Chelsea.

The Spanish Ministry of Interior also states you can prove it: "...in cash, or by presenting certified checks, traveler's checks, letters of payment, or credit cards, which must be accompanied by a bank account statement or an up-to-date bank book (letters from banks or Internet bank statements will not be accepted) or any other means with which the amount available as credit of said card or Bank account."

What if I don't have enough?

There are no known cases of this yet, but the official ruling from the Spanish government states: "In the event that, when carrying out the entry control of people in Spanish territory, it is verified that a foreigner lacks sufficient economic resources for the time he wishes to remain in Spain and to continue his trip to the country of destination or to return to the country of origin, or do not have the registered, non-transferrable and closed ticket or tickets, in the means of transport they intend to use, their entry into Spanish territory will be denied as established by regulation."

It does also state that in exceptional circumstances, you could still get let in, but the length of your stay may be reduced.

Bottom line: Come prepared!

This is how it's going to be from now on.

Topics:  Holiday , Travel , Money , Brexit , UK News

Joshua Nair is a journalist at LADbible. Born in Malaysia and raised in Dubai, he has always been interested in writing about a range of subjects, from sports to trending pop culture news. After graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a BA in Media, Journalism and Publishing, he got a job freelance writing for SPORTbible while working in marketing before landing a full-time role at LADbible. Unfortunately, he's unhealthily obsessed with Manchester United, which takes its toll on his mental and physical health. Daily.

@ joshnair10

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Relationship counsellor explains signs to be aware of that may suggest you are in a 'papercut relationship'

I know what you're thinking, what's a 'papercut relationship'.

Millionaire who made himself homeless in experiment was forced to end project early

He said ending the project was 'the right thing to do'.

Common mistakes people make when getting their passport photo taken that could be costly

Turns out there's loads of things you can be doing wrong in your passport photo that you didn't even think about.

Tenerife bar owner slams 'tourism ban' as UK tourists threaten to 'not go' over new £97 daily tourist fee

Locals in the canary islands are claiming that tourism is destroying the economy.

• Brits warned they must follow new £97 rule if going on holiday to Spain this summer
• Go-to holiday destination considering fines for Brits as Spain introduces £97 a day rule
• UK tourists threaten to 'not go' on Spanish holidays after new £97 rule introduced
• Nine major holiday destinations that are charging Brits more to visit this summer

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Coventry Building Society makes £780m offer for Co-operative Bank

Tentative offer follows four months of talks and could create new banking group with almost 5m customers

Coventry Building Society has tentatively offered £780m to buy the Co-operative Bank from its hedge fund owners, in what could be the latest in a string of takeovers among UK lenders.

The offer follows nearly four months of exclusive talks between the two lenders, which began in December. If a deal is completed, it would create a new high street challenger with almost 5 million customers and an £89bn balance sheet

However, there are likely to be weeks of negotiation ahead before a deal can be finalised and both groups have stressed that there was still “no certainty at this stage” that a takeover would take place.

The “non-binding” offer signals that enough due diligence has been done over the last three months to convince the management of Coventry, and the Co-operative Bank’s hedge fund owners, that a deal could be in their best interests.

“We have a very successful history, and we believe this could be the basis of a very successful future – with membership, great value and great service at its heart,” Coventry Building Society’s chief executive, Steve Hughes, said.

“The Co-operative Bank is a financially stable, profitable organisation with a shared heritage and products and services that complement our own … we’re confident that we have the people, capability and the financial strength to bring both organisations together successfully over a number of years.”

The two sides will now continue talks, and said that they were “working together to enter into definitive agreements in due course”. “A further announcement will be made as appropriate,” they added.

The prospective deal adds to a wave of consolidation among UK lenders, and follows Barclays’ purchase of Tesco Bank in February for £700m, and Nationwide Building Society’s £2.9bn takeover of rival Virgin Money , which was agreed in March.

But, like its fellow building society Nationwide, Coventry has decided not to give its members a vote on the potential deal, saying it is not required under the Building Societies Act.

“In coming to this decision, the board has been informed by member surveys and focus groups, which clearly signalled their priorities as maintaining our value proposition and service quality,” Coventry said.

The Co-operative Bank has been fielding takeover offers since at least 2020, when it was approached by the New York-based private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management , which offered a mere £270m.

But its owners – Silver Point Capital, GoldenTree, Anchorage Capital, JC Flowers and Bain Capital Credit, Cyrus Capital and the fund manager Invesco – have been more open to a deal since the bank returned to profit in 2021, which has helped improve its potential price tag.

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The bank traces its origins to the 1872 establishment of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, the body that would become the Co-operative Group , and provided financial services to the wider co-operative movement in Britain, in which member-owned businesses worked for the common good.

However, it ran into trouble when a £1.5bn hole was discovered in its accounts after its disastrous takeover of the Britannia Building Society in 2009. The problem resulted in the bank separating from the Co-operative Group and being rescued by the consortium of hedge funds, which took full control in 2017.

Its reputation also suffered after its former chair, the ex-Labour councillor and Methodist church minister Paul Flowers – nicknamed the “Crystal Methodist” – pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, crystal meth and ketamine in 2014.

But the lender managed to revive its fortunes, returning to profit for the first time in a decade , just in time for its 150th anniversary in 2022.

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More on this story

Co-operative Bank to axe 400 jobs in bid to cut costs

Co-operative Bank sheds 25,000 current account customers but losses shrink

Co-op Bank secures £700m rescue deal from hedge funds

Co-op Bank draws interest from Qatar conglomerate

Co-op bank warns of more branch closures as it reports £477m loss.

The Co-op Bank is the new Bradford & Bingley

For sale: co-op bank looks for buyers, co-operative bank to cut 200 jobs.

Ex-Co-op Bank chief barred from top accountants institute

Co-op bank says Brexit fallout has put recovery plan under threat

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Taylor Swift fans in the UK have been scammed out of $1.2 million, bank says

• UK Taylor Swift fans have lost over $1.2 million to Eras Tour ticket scams, Lloyds Bank says.
• The bank issued an urgent warning after it said 600 of its customers fell victim to the scam.
• Most of the ticket scams targeted 25- 34-year-olds through fake ads on Facebook.

It looks like it's heating up to be a Cruel Summer — at least for Swifties in the United Kingdom seeking Eras Tour tickets.

Fans of Taylor Swift have already been scammed out of over $1.2 million trying to purchase concert tickets, mostly through Facebook, according to Lloyds Bank .

This prompted the bank, which is among the United Kingdom's largest, to issue an "urgent warning." The warning said that at least 600 of its customers had been victimized by a ticket scam, losing anywhere from £332 to over £1,000.

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Outside of its own banking system, Lloyds estimated some 3,000 more Brits may have fallen prey to the scams, losing as much as £1 million, or over $1.2 million, in total nationwide.

Most of the scams appeared to target 25- to 34-year-olds using fake ads on Facebook, the bank said.

"For her legion of dedicated Swifties, the excitement is building ahead of Taylor's Eras Tour finally touching down in the UK this summer. However cruel fraudsters have wasted no time in targeting her most loyal fans as they rush to pick up tickets for her must-see concerts," fraud prevention director Liz Ziegler said.

The popularity of Swift's Eras Tour has caused all manner of problems for its ticket-seeking fans.

Many Swift fans in the United States were forced to purchase resale tickets after Ticketmaster botched the 2022 release of tickets, prompting a congressional inquiry the following year. Swifties stateside told Business Insider they had to do serious sleuthing to confirm they weren't being scammed when they paid for resale tickets.

In July 2023, the San Francisco Better Business Bureau warned Swift fans that scammers were running ticket scams as her "Eras Tour" date approached in the city, according to ABC .

Alma Galvan, BBB regional communications manager, told the outlet that scammers will sometimes pretend to be friends on social media and sell fans fake tickets for a large price.

The BBB recommends only purchasing tickets from reputable vendors and using a credit card before a debit card, cash transfer app, or cash, the report said.

One Swift fan who spent more than $1,500 on tickets on Facebook Marketplace told BI that she insisted on using Paypal Goods and Services for the transaction because it helps users get a refund if their concert tickets never arrive.

Watch: The Taylor Swift effect: How a pop star created her own economy

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Student bank accounts – a guide for UK students

19 April 2024

Don’t know where to start when it comes to creating a student bank account? Our Student Funding team can give you top tips on how to navigate this important task.

Becoming a university student has many perks – greater independence, a new circle of friends, engaging study on a new course – and, for most UK students, the ability to access a student bank account.

Student bank accounts work in the same way as current accounts but with added extras such as freebies and interest-free overdrafts thrown in. 

The reason the banks like to woo students into banking with them in this way is that once you become their customer you are likely to remain one as a (hopefully high-earning!) graduate and beyond.

But before you go selecting the account that’s best for you, what are some of the important things to know?

How overdrafts work

An arranged overdraft is a common way of borrowing money from the bank through your current account. Although this is very nice to have while you’re studying, it does mean that any money you borrow through your overdraft, you will eventually have to pay back.

Ordinarily, when banks loan out money, they charge interest. Most student accounts however are 0% interest, meaning that uniquely, you will pay back no more than you borrow.

Some other important things to know about interest-free overdrafts are:

• The 0% interest period is not for life. Most banks will start charging interest on any outstanding overdraft after graduation so make sure you are paid up before being hit by charges.
• Some banks will advertise 0% interest overdrafts ‘up to’ a certain amount – meaning usually that the bank may offer tiered overdraft amounts which increase with each year of study – giving the full advertised amount in the final year and only on request.
• You don’t have to take out the maximum overdraft. If you’re careful with how you budget you may be able to keep your overdraft as a useful buffer that’s there to help you out in emergencies.
• Websites such as Save the Student and Money Saving Expert provide detailed comparisons of the student bank accounts that are on offer and their benefits, so you can make an informed decision. Which? also provides a comprehensive student banking guide. 

Once you have your student bank account, you might want to consider signing up to an app-based bank account as well like Monzo or Starling – and using this to track your spending and help you budget.

If you are worried about money or budgeting whilst at UCL, you can arrange to speak to the Student Funding Adviser about some of the financial support available from UCL. 

Last revised: April 2024

UCL Student Funding

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Israel’s war on Gaza updates: Iran sends drones, missiles towards Israel

Iran says it is retaliating for Israel’s bombing of its consulate in Syria earlier this month.

This live page is now closed. Please follow the latest updates here .

• Iran’s UN mission says its attack, in response to an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria, is “concluded”, warns Israel against retaliation.
• The Israeli army says Iran has launched several drones against Israeli territory, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it also launched missiles against Israel.
• Gaza’s media office says 19 were killed and more than 200 wounded in six major Israeli army attacks in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza over the last 24 hours.
• Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank as a missing teenage settler is found dead.
• At least 33,686 Palestinians have been killed and 76,309 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attacks stands at 1,139, with dozens of people still held captive.

That’s a wrap from us

Thank you for joining us for updates on everything related to Israel’s war on Gaza. This live page is now closed.

A look at what happened today

We will be closing this live page soon. Here’s a quick recap from today:

• Air raid sirens are sounding across Israel as Israel’s air defence system actively intercepts incoming Iranian attacks in the skies above Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
• Iran’s mission to the UN says its drone and missile attack on Israel was a response to Israel’s April 1 attack on its embassy in Damascus, Syria and that the “matter can be deemed concluded”.
• Netanyahu has convened Israel’s war cabinet with military spokesperson Daniel Hagari describing the attack as “a severe and dangerous escalation”.
• US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson says President Biden is being “regularly updated” and that Iran’s “attack is likely to unfold over a number of hours”.
• The drone attacks were reported on Saturday night shortly after Hamas said it had handed its response for a ceasefire proposal in Gaza to mediators in Egypt and Qatar.

US commitment to Israel’s security remains ‘ironclad’: Biden

US President Joe Biden has said in a post on X that he has met with his national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks on Israel.

I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. pic.twitter.com/kbywnsvmAx — President Biden (@POTUS) April 13, 2024

Jordanian jets shoot down dozens of Iranian drones flying towards Israel: Report

Reuters, citing two “regional security sources”, reports that Jordanian jets have downed dozens of Iranian drones flying across northern and central Jordan heading to Israel.

The sources said the drones were brought down in the air on the Jordanian side of the Jordan Valley and were heading in the direction of Jerusalem.

Others were intercepted close to the Iraqi-Syrian border. They gave no further details.

‘America supports Israel’: Trump

The former US president has hit out at Biden over the Iranian attack on Israel.

“ISRAEL IS UNDER ATTACK! This should never have been allowed to happen – This would NEVER have happened if I were President!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

“AMERICA SUPPORTS ISRAEL!”

Israel’s air defence system has not faced attack of this magnitude before

reporting from occupied East Jerusalem

We’ve been looking out from the balcony here across the Jerusalem skyline. And we’ve seen a succession of air defence interceptors going up from various points around the city to meet targets in the sky.

And now the police seem to be going around on the streets in their cars with an announcement going out which is telling people to go to their nearest air raid shelters as quickly as they can.

The military has been telling people that the air defence systems that Israel has – that’s the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow 2 and 3 – are very capable systems designed to deal with multiple types of threats.

It’s a layered air defence system to deal with rockets, to deal with ballistic and cruise missiles and to deal with drones as well.

And that is what we’re likely to be seeing over the next few minutes and hours as these different waves of projectiles come in.

The big test of course, for this layered air defence system is, [can it] cope with an assault of this magnitude, because this is not something that Israel has faced before, on this scale.

Ballistic missile barrage concluded: Report

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing the Israeli military, reports that the ballistic missile barrage launched from Iran has now concluded and that drones and cruise missiles are now expected.

RAF jets deployed to intercept any airborne attacks in Middle East: UK MoD

The Ministry of Defence says British Royal Air Force jets in the Middle East “will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required” after Iran targeted Israel with drones and missiles.

“In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks,” it said in a statement.

Top US Democrat condemns ‘unprecedented’ attack on Israel

Hakeem Jeffries, the minority leader in the US House of Representatives, has voiced support for Israel.

“Iran, a sworn enemy of the United States, has launched an unprecedented attack against our democratic ally, the State of Israel,” Jeffries said in a statement.

“America’s commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad and unbreakable. Iran will not succeed. We stand with the people of Israel during this moment of significant challenge.”

Statement in connection with Iran’s unprecedented attack against the State of Israel. pic.twitter.com/70KpoudsIj — Hakeem Jeffries (@RepJeffries) April 13, 2024

Iran warns Jordan over any moves to support Israel: Report

Iran’s semi-official news agency Fars, quoting a military source, reports that Iran is watching Jordan for any moves in support of Israel during Tehran’s retaliatory attacks, warning the country may become the “next target”.

“A military-informed source said [we] are closely monitoring Jordan’s movements during the punitive attacks … and if they participate in any possible action [to back Israel], they will be the next target,” Fars stated.

Iran ‘trying to regain deterrence’: Analyst

Qatar University’s Hassan Barari has told Al Jazeera that Iran’s attack on Israel “is an escalation” but is also “calculated” and “measured”.

Barari said Iran’s mission to the UN’s statement that the attack “concludes” the matter of Israel’s attack on Iran’s Damascus Embassy shows Iran “doesn’t want any further retaliation”.

“What the Iranians are trying to do is to come up with a measured, calculated attack in order to regain deterrence and not to be seen as weak in front of their own proxies,” Barari said.

On how Iran’s attack may affect Israel’s war on Gaza, Barari said that “it all depends on how the Israelis read the situation”.

“I know some right-wing politicians in the government will see this as an opportunity because the world’s attention has shifted onto Iran-Israel and then they can do something probably horrendous in Gaza.”

Hezbollah launches ‘dozens’ of rockets at Golan Heights

The Iran-aligned Lebanese group says on its Telegram channel that it targeted the air and missile defence headquarters of the Israeli army in the “Keila barracks” in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights with dozens of Katyusha rockets.

The Israeli military has been carrying out attacks in southeast Lebanon as well in recent hours and there is escalation on the Israel-Lebanon border. ‏

More than 100 drones intercepted outside Israeli territory: Report

Israeli army radio reports that more than 100 drones were intercepted outside Israeli territory with assistance from the US and UK.

Reuters reported separately that the US military shot down Iranian drone aircraft headed towards Israel, quoting three US officials, without disclosing how many drones were shot down or the precise locations.

Iran strikes on Israel an ‘unprecedented escalation’: Borell

The European Union’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, has condemned Iran’s strikes on Israel as an “unprecedented escalation”.

“The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel,” he wrote on the platform X.

“This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security.”

Borrell and the EU also condemned Israel’s April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria.

The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security. — Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) April 13, 2024

Sirens and air defence interceptions in Tel Aviv

Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut is reporting many “active interceptions” of incoming attacks over the skies of Tel Aviv and Al Jazeera’s cameras have captured several flashes in the night sky above the city.

She also reports that air raid sirens are sounding across the country, including in Tel Aviv.

Israeli military instructs residents of high-risk areas to stay close to bomb shelters

The military issued a warning that residents of the occupied Golan Heights, Nevatim, Dimona and Eilat stay “near protective spaces until further notice”.

Nevatim is the site of an Israeli airbase. Israel has a nuclear reactor on the outskirts of Dimona. Eilat is Israel’s southern Red Sea port, which has come under repeated attack by Yemen’s Houthis throughout the war in Gaza.

‘UK calls on Iranian regime to stop this serious escalation’

The UK’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron has called Iran’s attack on Israel, in which it launched dozens of drones and missiles, “reckless” in a post on X.

Iran's reckless attacks on Israel will only further inflame tensions in the Middle East. The UK calls on the Iranian regime to stop this serious escalation, which is in no one’s interest. — David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 13, 2024

Iran says its attack on Israel ‘concludes’ matter of Israeli attack on its embassy

Iran’s mission to the UN says on X that its drone and missile attack on Israel was conducted “on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense” and in response to Israel’s April 1 attack on its embassy in Damascus, Syria.

With the attack, “The matter can be deemed concluded,” says Iran.

“However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY,” it added.

Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli… — Permanent Mission of I.R.Iran to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) April 13, 2024

Houthis launch drones at Israel in coordination with Iran: Security agency

We can now report that Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched multiple drones at Israel in coordination with Iran, according to the security firm Ambrey.

The company added that the projectiles were likely timed to reach Israel simultaneously.

“Unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs] were reportedly launched by the Houthis toward Israel. The UAVs were launched in coordination with Iran,” Ambrey stated.

“Israeli ports are assessed to be potential targets,” it added and warned of “collateral damage” to shipping.

Egyptian general air defence on alert: Report

Reuters reports Egypt’s air defence is on alert amid fears of an Iranian drone attack aimed at Israel.

Egypt’s military General Command has formed a team to monitor the situation and make any necessary decisions regarding the country’s airspace, Egyptian military and security sources told the news agency.

Tehran fires ballistic missiles at targets inside Israel: Report

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, quoting an informed source, reports that a batch of ballistic missiles was launched towards targets in Israel.

Egypt calls for exercise of the ‘utmost restraint’: Statement

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement in which it called for the exercise of “utmost restraint” to spare the region and its people from further factors of instability and tension, after Iran launched a drone and missile attack against Israel.

Iran warns countries against allowing Israeli attacks via airspace, territory: Report

Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency reports that the country’s Defence Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has issued a warning that Tehran will firmly respond to any country that “opens its airspace or territory for attacks on Iran by Israel”.

Iran has launched cruise missiles at Israel: Israeli media

Israel’s Channel 12 reports that cruise missiles have now been launched and that they have a shorter flight time than drones.

The channel also states that a third wave of Iranian drones has been launched towards Israel.

Sunak condemns Iran’s attack against Israel

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has condemned Iran’s attack on Israel as “reckless”, adding that the UK would “continue to stand up for Israel’s security”.

“Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed,” Sunak said in a statement.