Moving from outside the UK
If you are moving from outside the UK, you will probably want to open a UK bank account. In fact, it is essential if you want to get paid and access many government services.
Moving from elsewhere in the UK
If you are moving from another part of the UK to London, it is worth checking that your current bank has branches in London. In a few cases banking services can be accssed through a subsidiary or parent bank. While banking can now be done online or through a mobile app, it is still useful to know that you have the option of popping into a branch if you need to.
Requirements
In order to open a bank account you will need
- a permanent UK address e.g. utility bill, mobile bill, lease agreement
- proof of identity e.g. passport, UK driving license (provisional / full)
Banks with many London branches
- Barclays Bank
- Co-op Bank
- Halifax (includes Bank of Scotland customers)
- HSBC
- Lloyds Bank
- Metro Bank
- NatWest
- Santander
Banks with very few or some London branches
- Clydesdale Bank
- Royal Bank of Scotland (includes Ulster Bank customers)
- Yorkshire Bank
Banks with no London branches
Online only banking
- Atom Bank
- First Direct
- Smile (part of the Co-operative Bank)
- Tesco Bank (withdrawls and pay-ins at Tesco stores)
If you have any banks to add, please let me know.
