A current account enables you to deposit, hold, withdraw and transfer money.
It can also give you access to online banking and secure banking apps, which help you manage your money. In some countries and regions, a current account is also known as a transaction account.
Check if you're eligible
Most UK banks require you to be 18 or over to open a current account. Some banks will accept applications from people aged 16 and over. If you’re 7 to 17 years old, you may be eligible for a children’s bank account.
To open a current account, many banks will require you to be a resident in the United Kingdom (UK). Non-UK nationals from outside the European Union (EU) or Switzerland may need to provide a visa or residence permit.
What documents do you need to open a bank account?
To complete your application, you’ll need to provide a proof of identity and proof of address. Here’s a list of some commonly accepted documents.
Proof of identity:
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Passport
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Driver’s licence
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EU identity card
Proof of address:
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Utility bill
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Telephone bill
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Council tax bill
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Mortgage statement
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Tenancy agreement
Keep in mind, each bank may have its own specific requirements and some banks will require more than one proof of address. If you're new to the UK,you may not be able to do this. In this case, a letter from a university or employer might be acceptable.
Any other documents?
You may need to provide proof of your income and be asked about your expenses. If you are, the following should be acceptable:
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Payslips
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Bank statements
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P60 (statement issued to UK taxpayers at the end of the tax year)
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Letter from a recognised employer
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Tax returns (for self-employed)
Check your credit report
Many banks will check your credit history before they offer you a current account. To do this, they use information from the 3 credit reference agencies:
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TransUnion
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Equifax
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Experian
You can check the information these agencies hold on you to make sure it’s up to date.
How to open a bank account
To open any of our accounts, a new customer will need to provide us with the documents and information as set out in HSBC Safeguard (PDF, 611KB). We may request additional information or documents in individual cases.
| You can open an account: | |
|---|---|
| Without visiting a branch | In some cases |
| Where a visit to a branch is required, without an appointment | In some cases |
| By sending us documents and information electronically | In some cases |
| By post | In some cases |
| You can open an account: | Without visiting a branch | Without visiting a branch |
|---|---|---|
| In some cases | In some cases | |
| You can open an account: | Where a visit to a branch is required, without an appointment | Where a visit to a branch is required, without an appointment |
| In some cases | In some cases | |
| You can open an account: | By sending us documents and information electronically | By sending us documents and information electronically |
| In some cases | In some cases | |
| You can open an account: | By post | By post |
| In some cases | In some cases |
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