How to open a bank account

What to consider before opening a bank account

Before you pick a bank account, it’s a good idea to think about how you’ll want to use your new account – and any particular features you’ll need. 

Are you looking for an everyday current account for easy payments, for example? Or do you want a high-interest account to help boost your finances and reach a savings goal? Different current accounts cater to different needs, so it’s easy to find an account that has the features you’re looking for. Here are some of the first things to consider: 

• Will you need an overdraft facility and what limit are you looking for?

• Do you want an account that offers zero fees on using money abroad?

• Should you take advantage of cash switching incentives for new customers?

• What about an account that offers rewards and cashback?

• Does your new account require an initial deposit – and how much?

What are the different types of bank account?

There is a broad variety of current account on the market so before you choose it’s worth getting a handle on all the different types that are available. Each is designed to suit a different need – here’s what’s on offer: 

• Standard current accounts – the normal current account with all the standard features

• Specialised current accounts – these are current accounts with benefits and extra features that typically come with a fee

• Basic bank accounts – a basic current account is an account with some limited features, directed at customers with poor or no credit history

• International/foreign currency accounts – an international bank account is intended for use in different countries

• Student accounts –  student accounts are designed to help university students with features like interest-free overdrafts

• Graduate accounts – graduate accounts help students and graduates with the transition into everyday banking

• Savings accounts – savings accounts let you save and gain interest on your money

• ISAs - ISAs allow you to save a certain amount tax-free every year

• Digital-only banks – instead of physical branches, digital-only banks provide all their services online 

What information will I need to open a bank account?

To open a new bank account, you’ll need to provide some basic personal information. Here’s what your bank will want to know about you:

• Your name

• Your date of birth

• Your nationality

• Your address, and any previous addresses

• Your marital status

• Your contact details

You’ll need to provide proof of ID and proof of address. Your ID should be a passport, driving licence, or national identity card. For your proof of address, here’s what’s usually acceptable:

•  A recent utility bill with your name (last 3 months)

• A recent council tax bill

• A rental or mortgage contract

• A bank statement

• A benefits or state pension letter

Some accounts might also ask for proof of income – such as in the form of a payslip or current account statement.

How do I open a bank account online?

Opening a bank account online is a quick and easy process – here’s how you do it: 

• Choose an account to suit your needs. When you compare with MoneySuperMarket, it’s easy to find the right account for you – and you can sort your results by switch incentives, overdraft limit, or customer satisfaction

• Click through to the bank. Once you’ve found the right account for you, click on the link to go to the bank’s website and start your application

• Answer a few quick questions. Your new bank will need to know a few things about you, including your personal information and your income

• Securely upload your documents. You can use your webcam, phone camera or tablet to take a photo of your proof of ID and proof of address

• Confirm your identity. You’ll then be asked to confirm who you are – some banks might even ask you to take a selfie or record a short video so the bank knows it’s really you applying for the account

• Sort out the extra details. If you’d like to apply for an overdraft, set up a joint account, or switch from your existing account, just let your bank know what extra services you need

• And you’re done! It might take a few more days for the bank to confirm that your new account’s been set up, but the hard part’s over – all you have to do now is wait for your new account to be up and running

Can I open a bank account in person?

You can still open a bank account in person in a branch. To avoid waiting in a long queue it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your local branch, and to bring all the paperwork you’ll need with you – that’s your ID and your proof of address. The bank staff will then be able take you through the process of opening a new account. 

How do I switch from an existing bank account?

It’s easy to switch from an existing bank account to a new one – all the details will be handled by your new bank. When you apply, simply tell your new bank that you’d like to move over your current account. You then need to pick a day for the switch to take place – on that date, all your money will be moved over into your new account, along with any direct debits and standing orders. If you’re paid directly into your bank account, that will be moved over too.

Your switch day has to be at least seven days after your new account is opened, and it must be an ordinary banking day – so no weekends or bank holidays.

Some types of bank account aren’t eligible for the Current Account Switch Service, so if you want to switch one of these accounts, it might take a little longer: 

• Joint accounts (without all account holders’ permission)

• Savings accounts

• ISAs

• Foreign currency accounts

Switching is a great way to make sure you’re getting a bank account that does the most for your money. Even if you’re happy with the bank account you have right now, it always pays to see what else is on offer – and there’s no better way than by comparing online.

Managing your bank account

Once your bank account’s up and running, you can choose how you want to manage your money: 

• Online: most banks have online banking or a dedicated app, so you can check your balance, view your transactions, and make payments – any time, anywhere. It’s safe, secure, and easy to use

• Over the phone: if you prefer, you can contact your bank on the phone for help with your finances or transactions

• Face to face: If you choose a bank with high street branches you can drop into their local branch if you need to speak to someone or do your banking in person

Compare bank accounts with MoneySuperMarket

MoneySuperMarket makes finding a new current account quick and simple. We work with some of the UK’s leading banks to show you the best options from across the market. You can sort bank accounts by overdraft limit, introductory offers, or even customer satisfaction – so you can be sure you’re choosing the right account for you.