What Do You Need To Open A Bank Account? – HSBC UK (2024)

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.

Explore: Opening a bank account if you’re new to the UK

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:

  • Passport

  • Driver’s licence

  • EU identity card

Proof of address:

  • Utility bill

  • Telephone bill

  • Council tax bill

  • Mortgage statement

  • 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:

  • Payslips

  • Bank statements

  • P60 (statement issued to UK taxpayers at the end of the tax year)

  • Letter from a recognised employer

  • 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:

  • TransUnion

  • Equifax

  • 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.

Opening an account

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

Opening an account

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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What Do You Need To Open A Bank Account? – HSBC UK (2024)

FAQs

What Do You Need To Open A Bank Account? – HSBC UK? ›

As per the applicable regulations, it is mandatory to provide, the Accountholders' Permanent Account Number (PAN), Corporate Identification Number (CIN) or alternatively a declaration in Form No. 60 or 61, as applicable, under the Income Tax Act, 1961 and Rules made thereunder at the time of opening of the Account.

What documents do I need to open a HSBC bank account in UK? ›

What do I need to open an HSBC UK bank account?
  1. Your current employment, income, and tax details.
  2. Proof of ID, such as your passport or driving license.
  3. Proof of address, such as utility bill or bank statement.

What are the requirements for opening a current account in HSBC? ›

As per the applicable regulations, it is mandatory to provide, the Accountholders' Permanent Account Number (PAN), Corporate Identification Number (CIN) or alternatively a declaration in Form No. 60 or 61, as applicable, under the Income Tax Act, 1961 and Rules made thereunder at the time of opening of the Account.

What information do you need to open a UK bank account? ›

You will also have to provide proof of your identity including your full name, date of birth and address. You usually have to show the bank two separate documents that prove who you are, for example, your passport, and where you live, for example, a recent bill.

Can I have a UK bank account if I live abroad HSBC? ›

Banking and support for expats in or from the UK.

We serve customers from over 40 countries, including British nationals at home and abroad, plus expats from countries including Germany, Spain, the USA and many more.

How long does it take HSBC to approve a bank account in the UK? ›

Most accounts will open within 48 hours. Subject to eligibility, credit check and T&Cs. Fees apply.

What documents count as proof of address in the UK? ›

What Documents Can Be Used as Proof of Address?
  • A UK driving license (note: you cannot use this as a photo ID and proof of address).
  • A recent utility bill (e.g., gas, water, electricity).
  • A recent council tax bill.
  • A recent bank statement or credit card bill.
  • A valid tenancy agreement.
Aug 31, 2023

How much do I need to open an account with HSBC? ›

To become an HSBC Personal Banking customer, you must submit income proof of a monthly gross salary of Php50,000 (or its foreign currency equivalent). To maintain your HSBC Personal Banking account, there must be a monthly salary credit into your account.

What are 3 requirements for opening a bank account? ›

What do I need to open a bank account? Here's what you'll need to open a bank account online or in person: a government-issued ID, personal details such as your Social Security number, and a way to fund your new account with an initial deposit.

What is a HSBC basic bank account? ›

Basic Bank Account. Our Basic Bank Account is designed only for customers who don't qualify for our other accounts (for example because they are insolvent, in financial difficulty or have a poor credit history). Learn about our Bank Account before applying, it may be more suitable and has some great benefits.

Can I open a UK bank account without a UK address? ›

Many major UK banks also have so-called 'international' or 'expat' accounts, like the HSBC expat bank account. These are designed specifically for non-residents, so they're a great option if you don't have the documents to prove your UK address. In fact, you can even apply for an international account online.

Which UK banks allow non-UK residents? ›

The top-rated UK banks for non-residents are Barclays, Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Starling Bank. Each bank offers its own unique set of services. For instance, Lloyds Bank provides international money transfer services, such as international bank or savings accounts, for non-residents.

Can I open a UK bank account from the US? ›

As a non-resident, opening a UK bank account will require a passport and drivers' license, but your bank may also request other documents, particularly one that shows your current address. Three months' worth of utility bills will be requested.

Is it illegal to have a UK bank account if I live abroad? ›

Keep your existing bank account

So, the answer to the question, “can I keep my UK bank account if I move abroad?”, is yes. Keeping your UK bank account open after moving overseas is the first option and there are a couple of reasons why you might choose to do this.

Is HSBC and HSBC UK the same? ›

HSBC UK Bank plc is a British multinational banking and financial services organisation based in Birmingham, England. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the global HSBC banking and financial group, which has been headquartered in London since 1993.

Why are UK banks closing non-resident accounts? ›

These actions, not limited to banks but also affecting investment accounts, result from the end of the EU passporting system that allowed UK banks to operate in the EU. Expats affected have options like specific expat bank accounts or transferring investments to non-UK institutions.

Can I have a UK bank account without an UK address? ›

Many major UK banks also have so-called 'international' or 'expat' accounts, like the HSBC expat bank account. These are designed specifically for non-residents, so they're a great option if you don't have the documents to prove your UK address. In fact, you can even apply for an international account online.

How to open a UK bank account from the US? ›

How to open a bank account in the UK as an expat
  1. Passport/valid photo ID.
  2. A recent utility bill (less than three months old) or council tax bill.
  3. A recent bank or credit card statement.
  4. Proof of studying in the UK (if applying for a student account)
  5. Proof of employment (some banks may ask for this)

Can I open a UK bank account if I live abroad? ›

If you live abroad and want to open a bank account in the UK, you need to prove your identity and residency. You will be asked to give information about your salary or wages and any other sources of income, as well as anything else the bank asks for.

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