How to Set Up a Bank Account in the UK

Setting up a UK bank account can take up to two weeks. If you are denied, you can always try another bank whose requirements may nit be that strict. Remember to call ahead and find out what you will need to apply for a bank account and bring all of the proper documentation when you go. It is better to have too much information than not enough. There are different kinds of people who look into acquiring bank accounts. They are people who have never had them before, expatriates that come to work in the United Kingdom, business owners, students and people looking to reestablish their bank accounts. How do you go about opening a bank account in the UK? Every country has different banking procedures that they follow. In the United Kingdom they have become more security conscious and their rules are a bit stricter than those in other countries.

For those who have never had a bank account in the United Kingdom before and are residents, there are certain things that you have to prove and offer as documentation in order to open a bank account. Some banks may have slightly different procedures but they basically follow the same guidelines. Check through your local directory and make a list of the banks that you are thinking about opening an account with. Then place a phone call and find out what is their interest rates are and what types of services they offer.

You may just want a basic savings account or maybe a checking account with a savings account. See which banks offer ATM services as well as choosing a bank that is insured will help a great deal. While you are gathering this information, ask the customer service representative what proof you need to come and apply for a bank account.

In order to set up visit UK bank account you will need proof of your identity. This can be a picture ID such as a driver's license, passports or National Identity Cards. You will need proof of address and often times they may require a copy of your payroll check. Some banks will allow you a bank account if you use their direct deposit service.

There are some banks in the United Kingdom that may run a credit check to see if you can be approved for bank services. Call ahead to the bank and see what they will require of you before you go in to the bank to apply. If some banks run a credit check and you don't have good credit then you may not want to set up a bank account there.

If you are a student from another country, see if your bank has agreements with the same bank in the UK. Some banks may be able to transfer your accounts over to the United Kingdom branch but you really have to find out if your banks can do that. If not, you can still set up UK bank accounts. You will need proof of ID, your student status, your overseas address as well as your current address in the United Kingdom. The same premise will work for expatriates too.