Relocating to a new country is exciting — new streets, new food, new people. But without a local bank account, even simple things like paying rent or getting a SIM card can feel like an uphill battle. Whether you’re moving to the UK or just exploring life abroad, setting up your finances is a key early step.
The good news? Opening a bank account abroad is easier than ever. The bad news? It’s still full of friction if you go in unprepared.
Let’s fix that.
Why You Need a Local Bank Account When Moving Abroad
Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or a long-term stay, a local bank account helps you:
- Get paid in the local currency
- Avoid foreign exchange and ATM fees
- Pay rent and bills with ease
- Register for services that require a local IBAN or sort code
- Build local credit (important for phone contracts, car leases, or even renting)
It’s not just about convenience — it’s about having real access to daily life.
How to Open a Bank Account in the UK as a Foreigner
The UK banking system is advanced, but can be surprisingly rigid for new arrivals. Banks want to tick certain boxes — and if you can’t provide the right documents, you’re often stuck.
Here’s how to navigate both the traditional and modern routes.
Option 1: Traditional UK Banks
These include Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC, and Santander — big names with branches nationwide.
What you typically need:
- Valid passport or national ID
- Proof of UK address (recent utility bill, tenancy agreement)
- UK phone number
- In some cases, visa and National Insurance number
Best for: Long-term residents, salaried employees, or students with a confirmed UK address.
The challenge: Many newcomers are in temporary housing or Airbnbs and can’t provide formal proof of address — so opening an account is often delayed by weeks.
Workaround: Some banks accept a tenancy confirmation letter or university enrolment letter, but you’ll often need to ask in person or call ahead.
Option 2: Best Digital Banks for Expats in the UK
Digital banks are the go-to option for most expats, remote workers, and early-stage movers. They’re fast, friendly, and don’t require proof of UK address to get started.
Revolut
- Open from anywhere in the world
- UK bank details included (sort code + account number)
- Hold and convert over 30 currencies
- Low-fee international transfers
- Excellent app for budgeting and notifications
Open your Revolut account now — it’s one of the best digital banks for new arrivals.
Monzo
- Designed for UK residents
- Easy to use once you’re in-country
- Real-time notifications, budgeting, and spending tracking
- Great for daily life and building a UK credit history
Starling Bank
- Award-winning customer service
- Full-featured account (direct debits, overdrafts, cheque imaging)
- No monthly fees and strong fraud protection
Revolut vs Wise: Which One Should You Start With?
Both offer UK account details and multi-currency wallets, but they suit slightly different use cases.
| Feature | Revolut | Wise |
|---|---|---|
| Account opening | Mobile-only, fast | Mobile/web, very fast |
| Currencies supported | 30+ | 50+ |
| UK account details | Yes | Yes |
| Debit card | Yes (with premium options) | Yes (flat pricing) |
| Currency conversion fees | Mid-market + low markup | Mid-market + transparent fee |
| Best for | Daily use + lifestyle banking | Freelancers + international pay |
| Offers investing & crypto | Yes | No |
💡 Use both if needed:
- Start with Revolut to spend and manage money daily.
- Add Wise for large international transfers or receiving freelance income.
👉 Try Wise here — a great complement to Revolut if you’re juggling multiple currencies.
Can I Open a UK Bank Account Without Proof of Address?
Yes — Revolut and Wise don’t require UK residency documentation to open an account. That makes them ideal for people:
- Still overseas preparing to move
- Staying in temporary accommodation
- Working remotely or travelling
You can also receive your debit card by post anywhere in Europe, and even top-up your account using your home bank or Apple/Google Pay.
How to Transfer Money from Your Home Country
Once your new account is live, you’ll need to fund it.
Avoid:
- Standard bank-to-bank transfers (slow, poor exchange rates, high fees)
Use:
- Revolut – Great for everyday transfers at the interbank rate
- Wise – Ideal for larger amounts with low fixed fees
- Western Union – Useful if your home country lacks banking access
Send money with Western Union — reliable, fast, and available in over 200 countries.
UK vs US vs EU: Key Differences for Expats
| Category | UK | US | EU (General) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account opening time | 1–7 days | 1–3 days | Varies (ID + residency) |
| Bank ID system | Sort code + account number | Routing + account number | IBAN/BIC |
| Overdraft availability | Common | Less common | Country-dependent |
| Checks (cheques) | Rarely used | Still used | Mostly phased out |
| Credit system | Based on history + utility data | Heavily credit score driven | More manual |
If you’re familiar with US banking, the UK may feel more traditional and less app-centric — unless you go fully digital with Revolut or Starling.
Most Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Waiting until arrival
✅ Open a digital account (like Revolut) before your move.
❌ Assuming cash is king
✅ The UK is increasingly cashless — even small cafes take contactless payments.
❌ Sending large transfers without comparing rates
✅ Use Wise or Revolut to reduce fees by up to 80% vs banks.
❌ Not building credit
✅ Use your UK account to pay bills and apply for basic credit-building tools after 3–6 months.
FAQs
Can I use Revolut as my main UK bank account?
Yes. It’s accepted almost everywhere in the UK, supports direct debits, and even allows you to receive salaries.
Do I need a UK phone number?
Digital banks allow foreign numbers. Traditional banks usually require a UK mobile.
Is it safe to use online-only banks?
Yes. Revolut, Monzo, and Starling are fully regulated in the UK and covered by FCA protections. Revolut and Starling are also covered under the FSCS up to £85,000.
Can I open an account before I arrive in the UK?
Yes — both Revolut and Wise let you open accounts with just your passport and selfie verification. No UK address needed.
Final Thoughts: Make Banking the Easy Part
Opening a bank account abroad doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to start early, go digital, and choose tools designed for movers like you. Whether you’re setting up a life in the UK or bouncing between countries, your finances shouldn’t slow you down.
Start with Revolut, Wise, or both — and leave the paperwork behind.