New to the United Kingdom

We're here to help if you want to live, work, study, or seek refuge or asylum in the UK. 

 

Applying for a UK bank account

  • If you’re a UK resident, you may be able to open a bank account.
  • All our accounts come with a contactless Visa debit card. 
  • We’ve a range of bank accounts and services to help you manage your money.

1. Account opening basics

Requirements for a bank account

You must be 18 or older and a UK resident to apply for a bank account.

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

Identification we accept

  • 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.

 

Proving your identity More about ID verification.

2. What we need from you

We’ll ask you for:

  • Personal details - your date of birth, nationality, and marital status.
  • Address - current UK home address and last address if less than three years. We also accept international addresses.
  • Contact details - your phone number and email address.
  • Outgoings - your expenditure on bills, such as mortgages and rent.
  • Income - your monthly earnings.
  • Employment - information about your job.

More support if you need it

We support those that face challenges in accessing banking services.

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

Open a bank account

 

New to Bank of Scotland?

Scan the QR code to apply.

 

Our mobile banking app makes it quick and easy to apply for a bank account.

 

If you have a UK passport or UK driving licence and don't want to use the app, you can apply for an account on our website.

 

Already a customer?

You can upgrade an existing account or open a new one.

We'll keep your accounts together and you won't need to give us information we already hold.

Log in to apply Log in.

Open a bank account

New to Bank of Scotland?

Our mobile banking app makes it quick and easy to apply for a bank account.

 
 

If you have a UK passport or UK driving licence and don't want to use the app, you can apply for an account on our website.

Already a customer?

You can upgrade an existing account or open a new one.

We'll keep your accounts together and you won't need to give us information we already hold.

Log in to apply Log in.

A look at the details

  • Help proving your 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.bankofscotland.co.uk from the list of blocked sites.
  • We're here to help

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

    You can also apply in your local branch if 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.

    Call us if you need advice on the documentation you can use.

  • Send or receive money outside the UK

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

    Find out about international payments

  • Protecting 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

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Message us online

Get answers to your everyday banking questions. Log in to our app or online banking to get in touch.

How to message us

Bank accounts

Switching or upgrading? We’ve got accounts with great benefits to accounts with no monthly fee.
 

Find a bank account

Free digital skills training

Get the most out of being online with a free one to one session from the Digital Helpline.
 

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Important legal information

Bank of Scotland plc, Registered in Scotland No. SC327000. Registered Office: The Mound, Edinburgh EH1 1YZ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.