--- title: "Open a UK Current Account (Barclays, Monzo, or Basic Bank Account)" country: "united-kingdom" service: "bank-account" category: finance difficulty: moderate estimated_time: Same day to 7 working days cost_range: GBP 0 last_verified: 2026-05-11 canonical: https://publicservices.guide/united-kingdom/bank-account/ status: current confidence: low tags: - finance - "first-week" - banking - fscs sources: - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/2038/regulation/22/made - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/2038/regulation/19/made - https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/payment-services-regulations - https://www.fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/banks-building-societies/ - https://monzo.com/legal/fscs-information - https://www.barclays.co.uk/current-accounts/ - https://monzo.com/current-account/ - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/basic-bank-accounts - https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers --- # Open a UK Current Account (Barclays, Monzo, or Basic Bank Account) **Country:** 🇬🇧 United Kingdom **Last verified:** 2026-05-11 **Estimated time:** Same day to 7 working days **Cost:** GBP 0 ## Required documents - **Photo identity document** - Where to get: Existing passport, driving licence, or national ID card - Required: Original (digital photo capture in-app) - _Note:_ Barclays specifies 'proof of identity, like a passport or driving licence'. Monzo verifies via in-app photo capture plus a recorded selfie video. - **UK residential address** - Where to get: Your current UK address - Required: Provided in the application form - _Note:_ Both Barclays and Monzo require UK residency (not citizenship). Monzo states: 'UK residents only.' - **UK mobile number** - Where to get: UK SIM (pay-as-you-go or contract) - Required: Used for in-app authentication - _Note:_ Barclays states: 'Have a UK mobile number.' If you do not yet have one: 'If you don't have a UK mobile number, you can apply online instead.' ## Costs - **Barclays Bank Account — monthly fee:** 0 GBP — Per Barclays: 'no monthly fees'. - **Monzo Personal Account — monthly fee:** 0 GBP — Free bank account at the base tier. - **Monzo foreign transaction fee:** 0 GBP — Per Monzo: 'Spend abroad with no foreign transaction fees.' - **Basic Bank Account — standard operations:** 0 GBP — Per HM Treasury collection page: fee-free for standard operations, including failed payments. Statutorily no overdraft facility (Reg 19, PAR-2015). - **Barclays Blue Rewards (optional upgrade) (optional):** 5 GBP — Per Barclays: 'Upgrade to Blue Rewards for just £5 a month to receive extra benefits.' Not required for the base account. - **Monzo Max paid plan (optional upgrade) (optional):** 17 GBP — Per Monzo: 'From £17 a month. UK residents aged 18+ (18-69 for Max).' Lower-tier paid plans (Plus, Premium) priced separately in-app. ## Steps ### 1. Choose your account type - Barclays Bank Account — traditional retail current account, app-first or online application, no monthly fee. - Monzo Personal Account — challenger app-only current account, free at the base tier, no foreign transaction fees. - Basic Bank Account — statutory right-of-access at any of nine designated banks; available even with no UK credit history, no standard ID, asylum seeker status, or no fixed address. > **Tip:** The Basic Bank Account is the statutory route available to consumers without UK credit history, without standard ID, with asylum seeker status, or without a fixed address. Barclays and Monzo both open via their respective apps for applicants with standard ID and a UK address. ### 2. Prepare your identity document and UK address - Have your passport, driving licence, or national ID card to hand. - Confirm your UK residential address (the address you receive post at). - If you have a UK mobile number, the in-app flow will use it for Strong Customer Authentication. Without one, Barclays states: 'If you don't have a UK mobile number, you can apply online instead.' > **Tip:** Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 requires two of: something you know (PIN), something you have (phone), something you are (fingerprint or face). The bank app will prompt you to set these up. ### 3. Apply via the Barclays app (traditional route) _Applies when: If you have chosen Barclays_ - Download the Barclays app from the App Store or Google Play. - Tap 'Get started in the app' and select 'Barclays Bank Account'. - Enter your personal details, UK residential address, and UK mobile number. - Photograph your ID document in-app when prompted. - Submit and wait for the Barclays decision. Your sort code (UK 6-digit bank routing identifier) and account number (UK 8-digit account identifier) are issued on approval. _Links:_ - [Barclays — Compare current accounts](https://www.barclays.co.uk/current-accounts/) ### 4. Apply via the Monzo app (challenger route) _Applies when: If you have chosen Monzo_ - Download the Monzo app on iOS or Android. - Tap 'Open a personal account'. - Enter your personal details and UK residential address. - Photograph your ID document and record a short selfie video when prompted (per Monzo's identity-verification flow). - Submit and wait for Monzo verification. On approval, your sort code and account number appear in-app, and your Hot Coral debit card is posted to your UK address. > **Tip:** Monzo's verification step uses a recorded selfie video — keep your face well-lit and follow the prompt to read the on-screen phrase aloud. _Links:_ - [Monzo — Open a current account](https://monzo.com/current-account/) ### 5. Apply for a Basic Bank Account (statutory right-of-access) _Applies when: If you have no UK credit history, no standard ID, asylum seeker status, or no fixed address_ - Pick one of the nine designated banks: Barclays UK, the Co-operative Bank, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group (Halifax / Bank of Scotland brands), Nationwide Building Society, NatWest Group (RBS / Ulster brands), Santander UK, TSB, Virgin Money. - Apply for the Basic Bank Account product specifically — not the standard current account. Most designated banks offer in-branch or online application for this product. - Provide whatever identity documents you have. Alternative documents (Home Office immigration status letter, asylum seeker registration card) are accepted at participating banks if you do not have standard photo ID. - Wait for the bank's decision. The account permits cash deposits, cash withdrawals, Direct Debits, Standing Orders, and online card payments. Per Payment Accounts Regulations 2015 Regulation 19, the account 'must not provide an overdraft facility'. > **Tip:** If a designated bank refuses your Basic Bank Account application despite you meeting the eligibility criteria in Reg 23, complain to the bank first; if unresolved within 8 weeks, escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Reg 22 imposes a duty to offer. _Links:_ - [HM Treasury — Basic bank accounts collection](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/basic-bank-accounts) - [Payment Accounts Regulations 2015 — Regulation 22](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/2038/regulation/22/made) ### 6. Receive your card and set up payments - Your debit card arrives by post at your UK address (typically within a few working days of approval). - Activate the card in-app, set your PIN, and enable biometric login. - Set up Direct Debits for recurring bills (rent, utilities, council tax) and Standing Orders for fixed transfers. - If you are switching from another UK bank, use the Current Account Switch Service. Verbatim from Monzo: 'It's free, takes just 7 days, and you don't need to do a thing.' > **Tip:** Confirmation of Payee verifies the payee name matches the account number and sort code at Faster Payments time — for any first transfer to a new payee, double-check the registered name before sending. ### 7. Understand FSCS deposit protection - The Financial Services Compensation Scheme is the UK statutory deposit guarantee. Per FSCS: 'If you hold money with a UK-authorised bank, building society or credit union that fails, we'll automatically compensate you up to £120,000 per eligible person, per bank, building society or credit union.' - The £120,000 limit took effect on 1 December 2025. - Per FSCS: 'FSCS will pay compensation within seven working days of a bank, building society or credit union failing.' - Joint accounts: each holder has separate cover, giving combined £240,000 protection on a two-holder joint account. - Protection is per banking licence, not per brand. Multiple branded accounts under one banking licence (for example, HSBC UK and first direct, both under HSBC UK Bank plc) share the limit — check the FSCS bank-and-brand tool if uncertain. _Links:_ - [FSCS — Banks and building societies](https://www.fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/banks-building-societies/) ## FAQ ### Can I open an account with no UK credit history? Yes. Under Payment Accounts Regulations 2015 Regulation 22: 'A designated credit institution must offer a payment account with basic features to any consumer who—(a) applies for a payment account with basic features on or after 18th September 2016; and (b) meets the eligibility criteria set out in regulation 23.' This is a statutory right, not a bank policy. ### Which UK banks must offer a Basic Bank Account? Per HM Treasury, the nine designated firms are: 'Barclays UK, the Co-operative Bank, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group (including Halifax and Bank of Scotland brands), Nationwide Building Society, NatWest Group (including Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank brands), Santander UK, TSB and Virgin Money.' Apply to the Basic Bank Account product specifically (not the standard current account). ### How much of my money is protected if my bank fails? The Financial Services Compensation Scheme protects deposits 'up to £120,000 per eligible person, per bank, building society or credit union' (effective 1 December 2025). FSCS pays 'within seven working days of a bank, building society or credit union failing.' Joint accounts: each holder has separate £120,000 cover. ### Do I need to be a UK citizen? No. Barclays and Monzo both require UK residency, not citizenship. Barclays states: 'Be a UK resident; Have a UK mobile number.' Monzo states: 'UK residents only.' ### Are there foreign transaction fees on Monzo? No on the free Personal Account. Verbatim from Monzo: 'Spend abroad with no foreign transaction fees.' Currency conversion uses the Mastercard exchange rate at point of sale. ### How long does it take to switch from another UK bank? Seven days under the Current Account Switch Service (CASS). Verbatim from Monzo: 'It's free, takes just 7 days, and you don't need to do a thing.' All participating UK banks, including Barclays, offer CASS. ### Can I open an account if I have asylum seeker status or no fixed address? Yes via the Basic Bank Account route. Verbatim from Barclays: 'You can also apply for this account if you have asylum seeker status or don't have a fixed address.' Alternative ID documents (such as Home Office immigration status letters) substitute for standard photo ID and utility-bill address proof at participating designated banks. ### Who regulates UK banks? UK retail banks are dual-regulated. Verbatim from Monzo's FSCS legal page: 'Monzo Bank Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.' The Financial Conduct Authority handles conduct (consumer protection, complaints); the Prudential Regulation Authority handles capital and resolution. ### What is Confirmation of Payee? Confirmation of Payee is a UK payee-name verification check performed at the moment you set up a Faster Payments transfer. The bank checks whether the recipient's name matches the account number and sort code on file. A name mismatch flags the payment as potentially mis-directed before the funds move. ### What if my bank does not respond to a complaint about a payment? Under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, you can complain to your bank first; if unresolved within 8 weeks (or you receive a final response you disagree with), escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service. The Financial Conduct Authority itself does not adjudicate individual complaints — it supervises firms; the Ombudsman handles consumer disputes. The FCA consumer page directs consumers to this pathway. ## Sources - [The National Archives — legislation.gov.uk (Payment Accounts Regulations 2015)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/2038/regulation/22/made) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — A designated credit institution must offer a payment account with basic features to any consumer who—(a) applies for a payment account with basic features on or after 18th September 2016; and (b) meets the eligibility criteria set out in regulation 23. - [The National Archives — legislation.gov.uk (Payment Accounts Regulations 2015)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/2038/regulation/19/made) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — A payment account with basic features must allow consumers to place funds in the account, withdraw cash within the European Union in sterling or in the currency of the member State, execute Direct Debits and credit transfers including standing orders, and execute payment transactions through a payment card including online payments. The account must not provide an overdraft facility and the bank must take all reasonable steps to prevent consumers from carrying out any payment transaction that would cause it to go negative. - [Financial Conduct Authority](https://www.fca.org.uk/firms/payment-services-regulations) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — Payment services are listed in Schedule 1 to the Payment Services Regulations 2017. They include services enabling cash to be paid into or withdrawn from a payment account; execution of payment transactions such as Direct Debits, credit transfers, and card payments; issuing of payment instruments such as credit or debit cards; acquiring payment transactions; money remittance; account information services; payment initiation services. The regulatory technical standards on strong customer authentication and common and secure communication became applicable on 14 September 2019. - [Financial Services Compensation Scheme](https://www.fscs.org.uk/what-we-cover/banks-building-societies/) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — If you hold money with a UK-authorised bank, building society or credit union that fails, we'll automatically compensate you up to £120,000 per eligible person, per bank, building society or credit union. On 1 December 2025 the deposit limit rose to £120,000. FSCS will pay compensation within seven working days of a bank, building society or credit union failing. - [Monzo Bank Limited — FSCS information legal page (Version 2.0, 23 December 2025)](https://monzo.com/legal/fscs-information) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — Monzo Bank Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. For example, if there are two account holders, you will each be entitled to £120,000 protection, giving a total of £240,000. - [Barclays Bank UK PLC — Current accounts product overview](https://www.barclays.co.uk/current-accounts/) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — To open a Barclays Bank Account, you'll need to: Be aged 18 or over; Be a UK resident; Have a UK mobile number; Provide proof of identity, like a passport or driving licence. If you don't have a UK mobile number, you can apply online instead. The Barclays Bank Account is our flexible everyday account with no monthly fees. Upgrade to Blue Rewards for just £5 a month to receive extra benefits. Barclays Basic Current Account: If you're not eligible for a Barclays Bank account, don't have a UK account, don't have standard ID or you're experiencing financial challenges, this could be the right account for you. You can also apply for this account if you have asylum seeker status or don't have a fixed address. - [Monzo Bank Limited — Current account product overview](https://monzo.com/current-account/) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — Open a free bank account. UK residents only. Spend abroad with no foreign transaction fees. Earn 2.75% AER interest (variable) on Instant Access Savings Pots and Cash ISA. From £17 a month for Max. UK residents aged 18+ (18-69 for Max). The Current Account Switch Service lets you close your existing main current account and move everything over to your new one. It's free, takes just 7 days, and you don't need to do a thing. You'll get our signature Hot Coral debit card, too. Biometric logins, advanced fraud monitoring, instant in-app card-freeze. - [HM Treasury — gov.uk basic bank accounts collection](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/basic-bank-accounts) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — The nine designated firms required to offer a Basic Bank Account: Barclays UK, the Co-operative Bank, HSBC UK, Lloyds Banking Group (including Halifax and Bank of Scotland brands), Nationwide Building Society, NatWest Group (including Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank brands), Santander UK, TSB and Virgin Money. - [Financial Conduct Authority — Consumer entry](https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers) — accessed 2026-05-11 — _T1_ — Complain if you're unhappy about a financial service or product. Report a scam, unauthorised firm or individual to us. Use the FCA Firm Checker to find out if a business is authorised. --- Verification pending — see the canonical page for the latest trust state. Canonical: https://publicservices.guide/united-kingdom/bank-account/