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Apply

Open an account

Four steps, about five minutes, and most decisions are made the same day. Here is exactly what you will be asked for before you start.

Choose an account

Which account are you opening?
    Continue with the selected account

    You will be taken to our secure application. Nothing is submitted until you have reviewed every answer.

    The process

    What happens next

    1. 1. Tell us who you are

      Name, date of birth, address and nationality. Two minutes if you have it to hand.

    2. 2. Confirm your identity

      Photograph your passport or driving licence, then take a short video selfie so we can match it.

    3. 3. Wait a few minutes

      Most decisions are automatic. If we need anything more we tell you exactly what, in the app.

    4. 4. Set up your security

      Register a passkey, set your card limits, and add money. Your virtual card works immediately.

    Before you start

    What you will need

    • You are 18 or over and resident in the United Kingdom.
    • A valid passport, UK driving licence or national identity card.
    • A phone that can take a photograph and a short video.
    • Your National Insurance number, or your tax reference if you are taxed elsewhere.

    Your money is protected from the first deposit

    Eligible deposits are protected up to £85,000 per person by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, from the moment the account opens.

    Questions before applying

    • How long does the whole thing take?

      About five minutes to complete, and most applications are decided within a few minutes of that. Where we need to look at something by hand it is usually the same working day.

    • Does applying affect my credit score?

      Opening a current account or savings account is a soft search that leaves no mark. Applying for an overdraft or a loan involves a full search, and we tell you before it runs.

    • What if my application is declined?

      We tell you as much as we are permitted to. Sometimes the law prevents us from giving a reason. You can reapply after six months, or talk to us in a branch.

    • Can I open an account for a business?

      Yes. Choose Business Pro and we will ask about the company, its directors and anyone holding more than 25%. Most are opened within one working day.