How to open a bank account


If you're looking to open a bank account, it’s easy to apply online, in branch or by phone. We offer bank accounts for all types of needs - from simple accounts for day-to-day spending to packaged bank accounts, which offer a variety of lifestyle and insurance benefits.

This guide provides you with details of the documents and information you may need to open a bank account.

Who is this guide for?

This guide will apply to new or existing customers who are opening a new current account.

Please note: This guide isn't part of the application process. It's a checklist to help you prepare to open a bank account. While it contains the essential information and documents that all banks will most likely ask, we may ask for more information either for regulatory purposes or if you need other products and services.

 

If you're looking to open a bank account, it’s easy to apply online, in branch or by phone. We offer bank accounts for all types of needs.

We’ve got simple accounts for day-to-day spending. And, if you want lifestyle and insurance benefits, we’ve also got packaged bank accounts.

This guide gives details of the documents and information you may need to open a bank account.

Who is this guide for?

This guide is for new or existing customers who are opening a new current account.

Please note: This guide isn't part of the application process. It's a checklist to help you prepare to open a bank account. Even though this guide gives details of the essential information and documents that all banks will most likely ask for, we may ask for more. This can be for regulatory purposes or if you need other products and services.

In this article

  • How to open a bank account
  • What documents do you need to open a bank account in branch?
  • How to open a bank account online
  • How to switch bank accounts
  • How to compare bank accounts

In this article

  • How to open a bank account
  • What documents do you need to open a bank account in branch?
  • How to open a bank account online
  • How to switch bank accounts
  • How to compare bank accounts

Ready to open a bank account?

Compare current accounts Compare current accounts

What documents do you need to open a bank account in branch?

Make sure you come prepared so the process of opening a new account is easy and fast as possible.

You need to be at least 18 years old to set up a bank account by yourself with Lloyds. You'll also have to prove your identity in branch as part of the verification checks.

Why we need this information

We need personal information, to:

  • Open the account accurately
  • Correctly identify you and check your address so we can carry out credit and other checks
  • Make sure we meet tax and financial crime regulations

Information you need to open a bank account in branch include:

  • Proof of identity - A current photo driving licence or UK passport. Existing customers can use a current bank card with Chip & Pin to verify identity.
  • Personal details - Name (and any previous names), date of birth, gender, marital status, nationality (including any dual nationalities and Immigration Status For NonUK Nationals), country of birth. You'll find most of this on a passport or driving licence
  • Tax residence - Tax Identification Number (TIN) for any countries you are or have been a tax resident in over the last two years
  • Monthly income after tax - This is taken from your payslip
  • Employment status - Occupation type, employer's name and start date and a copy of your contract.

If you don’t have a UK passport or driving licence:

If you don’t have a UK passport or driving licence, you’ll need to bring two other documents - one as proof of identity, another as proof of address. These can include:

Proof of identity

  • EU/EEA passport, photo driving licence or identity card
  • HMRC tax notification

Proof of address

  • Bank, building society or UK credit union statement
  • Utility bill dated within the last six months

Find out the documents you’ll need for proof of identity when opening a bank account.

How to open a bank account online

You can apply for a bank account online in minutes with Lloyds by following these steps:

  1. Answer a few simple questions about how you intend to use the account. This may include whether this will be your main account, or an account for another purpose - like paying bills.
  2. Fill in your personal details and information about your address (including whether you rent or own your home)
  3. Enter information about your employment and income - such as your salary, savings and monthly outgoings.
  4. Add your contact details and you’ll receive confirmation when your bank account opens.
Open a current account Open a current account

How to switch bank accounts

You can switch to a Lloyds Bank current account using the current account switching service. To do this you will need your:

  • Current debit or account details.
  • Income details.
  • Proof of home address.
  • Information of any existing overdrafts.

Everything will transfer over safely and securely in seven working days. Regular payments, like Direct Debits for bills, with be moved over to your new account.

Account switching guide (PDF, 350KB)

Current Account Switch Guarantee

How to switch bank accounts

You can switch to a Lloyds Bank current account using the current account switching service. To do this you will need your:

  • Current debit or account details.
  • Income details.
  • Proof of home address.
  • Information of any existing overdrafts.

Everything will transfer over safely and securely in seven working days. Regular payments, like Direct Debits for bills, with be moved over to your new account.

Account switching guide (PDF, 350KB)

Current Account Switch Guarantee

How to compare bank accounts

Before opening a bank account, think about what you need from an account for to help you decide. This can include overdrafts, interest rates or other benefits or rewards.

There are lots of types of account to consider:

Current account

Use a current account to manage daily payments, Direct Debits and standing orders. Most of our current accounts include a contactless debit card. They are also used with online banking and mobile apps to manage your money.

Learn more about current accounts

Savings account

Savings accounts pay an interest rate on the money held in them. This type of account is designed for saving up for the future or a big purchase.

Learn more about savings accounts

Joint account

Two people can withdraw money, deposit money and budget together with a joint account. It’s a convenient way to manage bills you’ll pay together, like utilities, rent or mortgage payments.

Learn more about joint accounts

Reward current account

A type of current account, a reward account offers extra features. This could be a monthly bonus when a certain amount is paid in, cashback on Direct Debit bills or insurance. Reward accounts will often have a monthly fee to maintain the account.

Learn more about reward current accounts

FAQs
 

  • We will need to carry out identification and verification checks on you, as well as anyone else who will be authorised to operate your account.

    In most cases you will only need to produce one of the following:

    • a current UK photo driving licence
    • passport from the United Kingdom

    If you are an existing customer, you can use your existing bank card with Chip & Pin to verify your identity.

    If you cannot provide one of the items above, you will need to bring two documents. You can find a full list of acceptable documents on our Proof of identity webpage.

    If you don't have any of the items listed here, or if you currently don't have a fixed address, don't worry - we may be able to accept other items. Just ask a member of our branch staff or call us.

  • Preferred Title
    For example, Mr, Mrs, Ms, Mx

    Name
    As well as any previous names

    Date Of Birth

    Gender

    Marital Status

    Nationality
    Including any dual nationalities and Immigration Status For NonUK Nationals

    Country of Birth

    Tax Residence
    Which countries you are a tax resident in, or have been in the last two years. A Tax Identification No (TIN) should be entered for each non UK tax residency

  • Current Home Address
    Details of full current address inc Postcode

    Where address is BFPO (British Forces Post Office)
    Service Number, Rank, Unit, Regiment, Operation Name (if applicable) and BFPO Number will be required

    When did you move to your current address
    If you have lived in your current address for less than 3 years, you will also be asked to provide details of any previous addresses you've held during this period

    Residential Status

  • Main phone number
    Including Other phone number

    Email address

    Marketing Preferences
    Marketing opt in to specify marketing preference via (Email / SMS / Post / Phone)

  • Your total monthly income (after tax)

    Will your monthly income be paid into this account?

    How will you fund the account?
    e.g. Bank Transfer, Electronic payments, Cash or Cheques

    How will you use the account?
    e.g. Bank Transfer, Electronic payments, Cash or Cheques

    Employment status
    If Employed (Occupation type, name of employer, start date). If self employed (Occupation type, company/ organisation name/ start date)

    Your total amount of savings

  • What Planned Overdraft limit would you like?

    How many people who live with you depend on you financially?

    Your monthly share of mortgage or rent payments

    What do you spend each month on childcare, maintenance and education?

    Are you aware of any upcoming changes in your circumstances?

  • Do you already have travel insurance or another packaged bank account?

    Do you need world wide travel insurance?

    Are all account holders and family members below 80 years old and are all children under 18 years of age?

    Do you need mobile phone insurance?

    Do you need AA breakdown cover?

  • Do you want to switch?

    Is this a sole account switch?

    Existing bank details
    inc Sort code, Account Number, Name of Account Holder, 16 digit debit card number and debit card expiry from old bank

    Do you have an overdraft at your old bank? - If yes then do you want to settle this?

    Do you want SMS updates on your switch?

    What is your switch date?

Related pages

Under 19s account

How to open a joint bank account

Student account

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