It can also give you access to online banking and secure banking apps, which help you manage your money. In some countries and regions, a current account is also known as a transaction account.
Most UK banks require you to be 18 or over to open a current account. Some banks will accept applications from people aged 16 and over. If you’re 7 to 17 years old, you may be eligible for a children’s bank account.
To open a current account, many banks will require you to be a resident in the United Kingdom (UK). Non-UK nationals from outside the European Union (EU) or Switzerland may need to provide a visa or residence permit.
To complete your application, you’ll need to provide a proof of identity and proof of address. Here’s a list of some commonly accepted documents.
Proof of identity:
Proof of address:
Keep in mind, each bank may have its own specific requirements and some banks require more than one proof of address. If you're new to the UK, you may not be able to do this. In this case, a letter from a university or employer might be acceptable.
You may need to provide proof of your income and be asked about your expenses.
The following documents should be acceptable as proof of income:
Many banks will check your credit history before they offer you a current account. To do this, they use information from credit reference agencies, such as Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
You can check the information these agencies hold on you to make sure it’s up to date.
If you’re looking to switch your current account to HSBC, you can take advantage of the Current Account Switch Service.
All you need to do is tell us your old bank details and when you want to switch. All of your payments will be moved automatically, including regular payments like Direct Debits and your salary within 7 working days.
To open any of our accounts, a new customer will need to provide us with the documents and information as set out in HSBC Safeguard (PDF, 611KB). We may request additional information or documents in individual cases.
Most of our bank accounts can be opened online. If you need support, you can also visit one of our branches and we’ll help you with your application.
Please visit a branch if you want to upgrade or change an existing HSBC account.
