Opening a bank account in the UK for a non-resident friend

Which documents will you need to open a UK bank account as a non-resident? To open a UK bank account, you generally need the following two things: Proof of your identity: it can be a passport, driving licence, or national identity card. In general, if you are a foreigner, you most likely will use your passport.May 9, 2022

Can non UK residents open a UK bank account?

Foreigners can open a traditional bank account in the UK as long as they have proof of the address, which sometimes it’s hard to get. The good news is that there are companies like Monzo or Monese which offer UK bank accounts even without proof of the address.

Can you open a bank account for someone else UK?

Can I open a bank account for someone else? In general, you can’t open a bank account for another person – unless you’re a parent or guardian and you’re opening a bank account for a child, or you have power of attorney. However, you can easily open a joint account with another person.

Can non residents hold UK bank accounts?

As a physical person, even if you are not a UK citizen and also a non-resident, you can still have a UK bank account. There is no law or restriction applying to owning a UK bank account.

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

If you need a UK bank account as soon as possible, opening an account with a challenger/digital bank usually takes just a few minutes. You’ll still usually need proof of identity (such as a passport or driving licence) to open a bank account, but some challenger banks don’t require proof of address.

Can I open a UK bank account without proof of address?

This just helps fund the site and is no cost to you. Opening a bank account in the UK without proof of address can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Many traditional banks require you have a current utility bill, council tax bill, or credit card statement to show your name and address details.

Where can I open a bank account without being a resident?

However, larger banks such as US Bank, TD Bank, Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo will allow non-residents to set up a checking account and a savings account.

Can you open a bank account for someone else to use?

You can open a bank account for someone else, but only if you are a co-owner of the account. If opening the account at a branch location, you will have to bring the other person with you. You can’t open an account for another person if he or she is the sole owner of the account, even if you are related.

Can someone else go to the bank for me?

It is completely legal and possible, but you need to check with your bank for their requirements first. Not all banks honor this practice as they view third-party checks as potentially fraudulent. Consider this: If you receive a check that you endorse but lose before you make it to the bank, someone else could find it.

Is it illegal to use someone elses bank account?

Generally, accessing any account that is password protected is illegal. You can’t read someone’s emails or check their bank balance, for instance. If you need a password to get into that account, you’re breaking the law to enter it, even if you got in by correctly guessing that password.

Can you open a Lloyds bank account without proof of address?

Can I open a bank account without a proof of address? You can not open a bank account with Lloyds without providing your identity document, but Lloyds does say that sometimes one document is enough, or that they might be able to verify certain information electronically².

Which bank is easy to open an account UK?

What is the easiest bank account to open in the UK? It’s usually easier to open an account with one of the UK’s largest banks – Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC or NatWest. These banks have been in business for a long time and are very safe.

How do I open a bank account without ID UK?

If you are looking to open a bank account without ID in the UK you have three options:

1. The first option is to use your regular walk-in bank, which refers to Barclays, Lloyds and other banks.
2. The second option is to use technology, usually through mobile phone payment systems.

Can I open a bank account online in the UK?

You can open a Barclays Bank Account straight from our app¹ – it’s simple, safe and secure. All you need to do is enter your details and upload your ID to prove it’s you. We’ll also run a quick credit check. If you’d prefer, you can stay in your browser and apply using our online form.

Do you need a NI number to open a bank account?

Opening a bank account



To open a bank account, you will usually need to show a form of identification. Acceptable forms of identification are: passport. Biometric Residence Permit.

Can you have a UK bank account with a foreign address?

Which documents will you need to open a UK bank account as a non-resident? To open a UK bank account, you generally need the following two things: Proof of your identity: it can be a passport, driving licence, or national identity card. In general, if you are a foreigner, you most likely will use your passport.

How do I open a UK bank account from overseas?

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)

Apr 13, 2022

Does the bank know your National Insurance number?

Your National Insurance number can normally be found on a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or on your bank statement if your pension is paid into your bank account.

How long does it take to get a National Insurance number UK?

Apply online



It can take up to 8 weeks for you to get your National Insurance number after you have proven your identity.

What counts as a proof of address UK?

Most UK banks accept these documents as proof of address:



Recent utility bill (gas, electricity, water, or landline phone) Council tax bill. Recent credit card or bank statement. Recent Building Society or Credit Union statement.

Does HMRC deal with National Insurance?

HMRC National Insurance Contributions and Employer Office



If your challenge is successful, HMRC will update your record and give you National Insurance credits. This means it’ll be like you’re still paying National Insurance – without taking any money from you.

Do foreigners pay National Insurance UK?

You must operate PAYE tax and National Insurance contributions for employees coming to work in the UK from abroad, whether they’re working for you on a temporary or permanent basis.

Do non UK residents pay National Insurance?

You’ll usually pay National Insurance in the UK if you’re working abroad temporarily and you’re either: usually self-employed in the UK. sent by your employer.