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B4 Opening a Bank Account

How to Open a Bank Account in the UK?

Currently, some UK banks offer online account opening, while others only provide in-branch services. Specific rules vary by bank, so you should refer to each bank’s official requirements.
Reminder: It is recommended to open a bank account as soon as you arrive in the UK, as the process of receiving your bank card can be slow—typically 3–7 days for faster services, but it may take several weeks in some cases.

First: An Overview of Major UK Banks

Below is a list of prominent banks currently operating in the UK:

1. RBS

Founded in Edinburgh in 1727, it is Scotland’s largest banking and financial institution. Its full name is Royal Bank of Scotland, with headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland.

2. Natwest

Acquired by RBS in 2000, Natwest was established in 1968 as a merged brand of National Provincial Bank and Westminster Bank. Its full name is National Westminster Bank, primarily serving England with headquarters in London.

3. Bank of Scotland

A subsidiary of Lloyds, it is one of the most common banks in Scotland. Founded in 1695, its headquarters is in Edinburgh.

4. HSBC

HSBC’s full name is The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. Founded in Hong Kong in 1865, it is one of the world’s largest banks, specialising in cross-border financial services, with headquarters in London.

5. Lloyds

Founded in Birmingham, UK, in 1765, it has branches across England and Wales. Its logo is famously featuring a black horse.

6. TSB

TSB and Lloyds were once part of the same bank called Lloyds TSB. They separated in 2013 to become independent institutions, with TSB’s headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland.

7. Barclays

The oldest bank in the UK, founded in 1690, with headquarters in London and branches in major cities nationwide.

8. Santander

Santander UK is the British division of the Spanish Santander Group. Established in 2010, its headquarters is in London.

9. Halifax

A subsidiary of Lloyds and a branch of Bank of Scotland. Founded in 1853, its headquarters is in West Yorkshire, England. It is the UK’s largest bank for mortgage lending and savings accounts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a UK Bank Account

1. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bank

Before selecting a bank, evaluate these key points:

  1. Proximity of branches (convenience for in-person services).

  2. Account fees (whether opening is free, or if monthly maintenance fees apply).

  3. International banking features (ability to receive international transfers, online/mobile banking functionality, and access to a card reader).

2. Key Note on UK Bank Accounts (Reminder from Shi Sheng Miao)

Unlike in China—where one bank card typically covers all functions—many UK banks issue two types of accounts:

  • Current Account: Used for daily transactions (e.g., supermarket purchases, online shopping, ATM withdrawals). It has a 3-digit security code on the back; never share this code with anyone, as it allows unauthorised online payments without a password.

  • Savings Account: For saving money exclusively. Funds in this account cannot be used directly—they must first be transferred to your Current Account.

When opening an account, ask the bank for the necessary details to receive money from China (e.g., IBAN number, SWIFT code).

3. Documents & Appointment Booking

Once you’ve chosen a bank:

  1. Prepare required documents: Student confirmation letter, passport, and electronic visa share code.

  2. Book an appointment: This can be done in-branch, via phone, or through the bank’s website. For banks offering online account opening, you can complete the entire process on their website.

  3. Confirm additional documents: When booking, ask the bank if any extra materials are needed (e.g., tenancy agreement, utility bill, or other proof of address documents).

4. In-Branch Account Opening Process

On the day of your appointment:

  1. The bank staff will help you fill out the application form and confirm the type of account you want (e.g., Current + Savings Account).

  2. You will set an online banking password (usually a mix of uppercase/lowercase letters and numbers).

  3. After successful application, the bank will mail your bank card and PIN to the address you provided. These are typically sent separately:

    • The card is for transactions/withdrawals.

    • The PIN (4 digits) is for ATM withdrawals and in-store payments (different from your online banking password).

  4. Once you receive the mail, follow the instructions inside to activate your account.

How to Use a UK Bank Card for Transfers

1. Domestic Transfers (Within the UK)

Transferring between UK bank accounts is straightforward (similar to China). Log into your mobile or online banking, then enter the recipient’s details (they will often send a photo of their card for reference):

  1. Recipient’s full name (must match the name on their bank card; some cards may only show a single initial for Chinese names instead of the full name).

  2. 6-digit sort code (found on the bottom left of the card, formatted as xx-xx-xx).

  3. Account number (a long string of digits).

  4. Payment reference: A note to let the recipient know who the transfer is from (e.g., “Rent for October”).

  5. Bank name and address (rarely required, but may be needed for some transfers).

2. International Transfers (From China to the UK)

For family members to send money to your UK account, provide them with these details:

  1. Your full name (matching the name on your UK bank card).

  2. Your bank’s full name and branch address.

  3. Your UK bank account number.

  4. IBAN number and BIC/SWIFT code: These ensure the money is routed to the correct account. You can find your IBAN on your bank statement; your SWIFT code is available on the bank’s website, or by asking your branch or calling customer service.

Important Reminders (From Shi Sheng Miao)

  1. When opening an account, confirm with the bank that you receive your IBAN and BIC/SWIFT code—these are essential for receiving money from China.

  2. Ask the bank how to handle your account after graduation (e.g., whether you need to close it, or consequences of leaving it open).

  3. Update your contact details (address/phone number) with the bank whenever they change—banks primarily communicate via mail.

  4. Never share sensitive information over the phone: Banks or other institutions will never ask for your password. If unsure about a caller’s identity, hang up and contact the bank using their official phone number. Do not disclose private details (e.g., address, full name, passport number) to unauthorised parties.

  5. Opt for electronic bank statements: This avoids receiving paper statements by mail (more convenient and eco-friendly). Paper statements are only needed for visa applications (UK renewal, Schengen visa, etc.)—and these require a bank stamp, so you can request a printed, stamped copy from your branch when needed. Choosing e-statements is a small but impactful way to help the environment!

  6. Be cautious with automatic payments: When shopping online (or setting up bills for phone, gym, utilities), check for pre-ticked boxes that sign up you for automatic monthly deductions. If you accidentally enable this, contact the bank to cancel it.

  7. Replace expired cards in advance: UK bank cards have an expiration date. Request a new card from the bank a few months before your current one expires. Note that your new card may have a different PIN—always check the accompanying mail for updates.

Example: When my first UK bank card expired, I requested a replacement. I tried using my old PIN at an ATM and it failed—only later did I check the bank’s mail and realise the PIN had been updated. For my second expired card, I was in China and provided a Chinese address for delivery. The card was lost, as UK banks only use their partnered couriers for mail—international delivery to China has a near 99.999% loss rate. Always use a UK address for bank card deliveries.
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