New to the United Kingdom

Bank account guidance 

We offer a wide range of bank accounts and services to help you manage your money.

Whether you're coming here to live, work or study, or as a refugee or asylum seeker we’re here to help.

All our accounts come with a contactless VISA debit card and can be managed through our Internet Banking, Mobile app, branch and telephone banking.

Who can have a bank account?

Once you're living in the UK, you may be eligible for a current account.

To open a current account you need to be:

  • 18 or over
  • a UK resident

Under 18s can apply for one of our Youth accounts.

How to apply for a bank account?

  • Applying for an account online is the easiest way to open an account
  • You can also apply in your local branch, but you will need to make an appointment 

Contact us to make an appointment

What proof of identity can you use to open an account?

You will need to show one of the following online:

  • Biometric Residence Permit
  • A current UK photo driving licence
  • Passport from the United Kingdom

If you do not have one of the above, you will need to bring two documents to the branch as proof of identity and address.

If you are unsure on what documents you can use, please contact us and we will be able to support you.

Information we will ask you

As part of the application we will ask you for:

  • Your personal details - this includes your date of birth, nationality, and marriage status
  • Your address - current UK home address and your previous address if less than 3 years. We will accept your international addresses
  • Contact details - your phone number and email address
  • Income - how much money you earn each month
  • Employment - we’ll need to know what your job is
  • Outgoings - we might need to know how much money you spend on bills, like mortgages and rent

You can still apply for one of our current accounts if you don’t currently have employment or an income.


Take a look at our current accounts to see which suits you best, you can then start your application online.

Compare all of our current accounts

You may be offered a Basic Account if you do not meet the conditions for one of our other accounts. You can find out more about the features and benefits of the Basic Account here.
 

Guidance for providing your proof of identity online

  • Your name, address and date of birth must match your application
  • Your document must be in date
  • Use a device with a good camera, such as, a mobile phone
  • Switch to a mobile if using a webcam
  • Make sure there is no glare and the document is well lit
  • If you are on an iPad or iPhone, you must use Safari as the browser
  • Use the latest version of browsers - old browsers like Internet explorer won’t work
  • Update your privacy settings so that the camera permissions are enabled
  • Remove our site apply.lloydsbank.co.uk from the list of blocked sites

Refugees and asylum seekers

The easiest way to apply for a bank account is online.

You can also apply in your local branch if you feel you need additional support, but you will need to book an appointment.

The sections above tell you what proof of identity documentation we can accept and the information we'll ask you in the application.

Please contact us if you need advice on the documentation you can use.

Do you need additional support?

We are committed to helping people who have difficulty accessing banking. If because of your circumstances you need support with opening an account, please contact us or visit us in branch.

Contact us or find your nearest branch.

Find out more about the support available to you.

How to use Internet Banking

Once you have a current account you will be able to use Internet Banking and our Mobile Banking app.

Can I deposit cash in my current account?

Yes. You can do this at a Lloyds Bank branch or at Post Office ® branches nationwide.

Find your nearest branch

Banking in the UK

You may find that banking in the UK is different from the way you bank in your home country. So you can manage your money most efficiently, it’s helpful to understand the main differences:

Making payments and paying bills

What overdrafts are and how they operate

How to protect yourself from fraud?

Fraud can come in all shapes and sizes and they keep changing to try and trick you. We have lots of advice and support to keep you and your family safe.

Find out how to spot and avoid scams

Offshore Banking

Alternatively you might find that a bank account held offshore is more suitable for your needs. For example, if you're likely to move between countries rather than be resident in the UK, it may be more tax efficient to open a Lloyds Bank International Account.

You can open an account in Euros, US Dollars, as well as Sterling.

International Payments

Send money to almost anywhere in the world, from almost anywhere in the world.

Find out about international payments

Protecting your money

FSCS logo



The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protects up to £85,000 of the eligible money you hold with us.

More about the FSCS

Important legal information

Lloyds and Lloyds Bank are trading names of Lloyds Bank plc. Registered office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales No. 2065. Lloyds Bank plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 119278.

Eligible deposits with us are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). We are covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

Compare current accounts

We have a range of current accounts to suit your needs.

Browse current accounts

People sat on a sofa high fiving

Compare current accounts

We have a range of current accounts to suit your needs.

Browse current accounts