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Banking in United Kingdom

Best banks in United Kingdom for expats & digital nomads

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you do after moving to United Kingdom. Here are the accounts that work for newcomers and non-residents, plus the fintech we would set up before you fly.

How to open a bank account in United Kingdom

UK banks require photo ID (passport) and proof of a UK address (tenancy agreement or utility bill); newcomers without UK address history can find high-street accounts harder to open. HSBC, Barclays, Monzo, Starling and Revolut are known to be more accessible for new arrivals. Note: N26 withdrew from the UK in 2020 and is not available.

Our top pick

Wise multi-currency account

Wise is the option we recommend for almost anyone moving to United Kingdom: hold and convert 40+ currencies, get local account details to be paid like a local, and send money at the real exchange rate with low, transparent fees. It works before you even arrive, so you can receive income and pay deposits while your local account is still being set up.

Open a free Wise account →

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Wise is a fintech, not a bank; balances are safeguarded, not covered by deposit insurance.

Top banks in United Kingdom

HSBC UK

traditional
internationals and newcomers

Global bank with accounts geared to people moving to the UK.

Barclays

traditional
wide branch network

Major UK bank; offers accounts for new arrivals with limited address history.

Lloyds Bank

traditional
everyday retail banking

One of the largest UK high-street banks.

NatWest

traditional
everyday retail banking

Large UK retail bank with broad branch and ATM coverage.

Santander UK

traditional
international presence

UK arm of Santander; useful for customers moving between European markets.

Starling Bank

digital
app-based account, fast opening

UK-licensed digital bank with a fully featured current account and no monthly fee.

Monzo

digital
quick opening for newcomers

UK app bank; can often be opened with a passport and a UK address confirmation.

International accounts & neobanks

Revolut

Very widely used in the UK for spending, transfers and FX; UK-authorised.

Monzo

UK-only app bank offering a full UK current account.

Bunq

Dutch bank that also serves UK residents via its app.

Payoneer

Payments platform for freelancers receiving international payments; not a local current account.

Availability changes; confirm on each provider's site.

Next steps in United Kingdom

See the full United Kingdom tax, cost and visa profile, or compare United Kingdom with other destinations. Not sure where to go yet? Take the finder quiz.