New to the United Kingdom

Bank account guidance 

We offer various bank accounts and services to help you manage your money.

Whether you’re here to live, work, study, or seeking refuge or asylum, we’re here to support you.

All our accounts come with a contactless VISA debit card. You can manage them through Online Banking, Mobile Banking app, branch and Telephone Banking.

Who can have a bank account?

If you’re living in the UK, you might be eligible for a current account.

Requirements for a current account:

  • Be 18 or older
  • Be a UK resident

If you’re under 18, you can apply for one of our youth accounts.

How to apply for a bank account?

  • Applying for an account on our Mobile Banking App is easy, you’ll just need your passport to get started.

Download our app and apply now

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

To open an account, you’ll need one of the following:

  • Current UK photo driving licence
  • UK passport
  • Non-UK passport (Mobile Banking app only)

If you don’t have any of these, you’ll need to give us two documents to prove your identity and address.

If you’re unsure about which documents to use, please contact us for help.

Information we’ll need

When you apply, we’ll ask for:

  • Personal details: Date of birth, nationality, and marital status.
  • Address: Current UK home address and last address if less than three years. International addresses are accepted.
  • Contact details: Phone number and email address.
  • Income: Your monthly earnings.
  • Employment: Your job details.
  • Outgoings: Information on your monthly expenses, like mortgages and rent.

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


Explore our current accounts to find the best fit for you, then start your application online.

Compare all our current accounts

If you don’t meet the criteria for our other accounts, you might be offered a Basic Account. Learn more about its features and benefits here.

 

How to give us your proof of identity online

  • Make sure your name, address and date of birth match your application.
  • Your document must be valid and up to date.
  • Use a device with a good camera, like a mobile phone.
  • If using a webcam, switch to a mobile device for better quality.
  • Avoid glare and make sure the document is well-lit.
  • On an iPad or iPhone, use Safari as your browser.
  • Use the latest version of browsers; older ones like Internet Explorer won’t work.
  • Update your privacy settings to allow camera permissions.
  • Remove our site apply.lloydsbank.co.uk from the list of blocked sites.

Refugees and asylum seekers

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

If you need extra support, you can also apply at your local branch, but you’ll need to make an appointment.

Previous sections outline the proof of identity documents we accept and the information we’ll need for your application.

If you need advice on the documentation, please contact us.

Need extra support?

We are dedicated to helping those that face challenges in accessing banking services. If you need help with opening an account due to your circumstances, please contact us.

Learn more about the support available to you.

How to use Online Banking

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

Can I deposit cash into my current account?

Yes, you can pay in cash at any Lloyds branch or Post Office® across the country.

Locate your nearest branch

Banking in the UK

Banking in the UK might differ from what you’re used to in your home country. To manage your finances effectively, it’s important to understand the key differences:

Making payments and paying bills

Understanding overdrafts and how they work

Protecting yourself from fraud

Fraudsters come in many forms and constantly change their tactics to deceive you. We offer advice and support to help keep you and your family safe.

Learn how to identify 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

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

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).