Application Process
It is relatively easy to open a bank account in the UK. Once you have selected the bank or building society that you would like to join, the next step is to locate your nearest branch. If you are unsure where your nearest branch is, you can make a search on the bank's website, consult your local telephone directory, or head for the high street in your nearest large town. If you are a student, most universities have a branch of at least one major UK bank on campus: ask at the student advice centre or students' union if you need assistance.
Once you have located your nearest branch, you may need to make an appointment if there are no advisers available to assist you with your application immediately. If you aim to apply straightaway, make sure that you have any required documents with you: you will not be able to proceed with your application without them. The bank will make copies of any relevant documents which provide proof of your identification and address whilst you fill out the relevant application forms for the account you wish to open.
You may be given your individual account details at this point, or be asked to wait until confirmation is posted to you, along with your account card and PIN number. Your PIN number is a four digit code which you will need to memorise and enter at cash machines or in shops to verify your identity before making a purchase. For security purposes, the account card and PIN will always be sent to you separately. If you are applying for an account which entitles you to some form of credit, such as an overdraft or a credit card, you may have to wait so that a thorough credit check can be carried out. If you are not a UK citizen, your eligibility for credit may be restricted.
You should be able to complete an in-branch application quite quickly, often within thirty minutes if you are a UK or EU citizen. If you have come to the UK from a country outside the EU, your application could take several weeks because checks on your identity and credit history will need to be made. For this reason you should ensure that you have access to enough money to support you for at least four weeks, in case your account is not operative beforehand. However, it is unwise to take a large amount of cash with you when moving to the UK: it may be better to use credit cards or travellers' cheques to cover your initial expenses.
If your application is approved, you will be responsible for keeping track of incoming and outgoing payments on your account, and for checking your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity. Your statements, detailing account transactions, will either be posted to you or be accessible online. If you notice any unusual activity, you should report it to your bank as soon as possible; it could mean that a mistake has been made, or that criminals have fraudulently gained access to your account.
