- Digital and international banking options
- Accounts for new UK arrivals
- Banking solutions for professionals and families
Why a UK Bank Account Is Important
Opening a UK bank account is often one of the first and most important steps when moving to the UK.
Many services rely on UK banking, including:
- Housing and rent payments
- Mobile phone contracts
- Utility bills
- Car finance and insurance
- Salary payments
Some traditional banks may require extensive documentation or UK credit history, which is why many expats initially choose digital or international banking solutions.
Bank Accounts
In the UK are have the option of banking in a traditional establishment, some of which still have a high street presence or adopting the new digital Fintech banking services which are becoming very popular. Here are some of the bank accounts available to Expats in the UK:
Fintech Banks & Digital Banking for Expats
Fintech banks are often one of the easiest ways for expats to get started with UK banking.
Wise Multicurrency Account
Wise offers multi-currency banking and international transfers designed for people living, working and moving internationally.
Best For:
- International transfers
- Multi-currency spending
- Remote account management
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Minimum Balance
No Minimum Balance
Country Restrictions
Some countries restricted
Fees & Charges
Transaction-based fees apply
Application
Online and App Based
Revolut
Revolut provides app-based banking, international spending and currency exchange services with a strong focus on travel and international lifestyles.
Best For:
- Easy Set-up in Multiple Currencies
- Signup Bonus
- Apple Pay Integration
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Minimum Balance
None
Country Restrictions
Some countries restricted
Fees & Charges
Vary by Plan
Application
Mobile App
Monzo
Monzo is a UK-based digital bank offering simple app-based banking with strong budgeting and spending tools.
Best For:
- Signup Bonus
- Offers Cashback on your Spending
- Easy Savings Pots with Interest Payable
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Minimum Balance
None
Country Restrictions
UK Residency May Be Required
Fees & Charges
Free Account, upgrade subscription to unlock additional perks
Application
Mobile App
Starling
Starling Bank provides fully regulated UK digital banking with personal and business account options.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Minimum Balance
None
Country Restrictions
UK Address Typically Required
Fees & Charges
Free Account
Application
Online/App
International Banking for Expats
International banking services can be particularly useful for professionals, families and high-net-worth individuals relocating to the UK.
HSBC — HSBC Expat Premier
HSBC offers international and expat-focused banking services with global account integration and multi-country support.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Minimum Balance
- £50k Deposit
- or £100k per annum salary
Country Restrictions
You must live in or be situated in eligible country
Fees & Charges
- No Monthly or Annual Fee depending on account
- Charges may apply to some transactions and/or transfers
Application
Online, Phone, App and Branch
Lloyds — Lloyds Bank International & Classic
Lloyds International provides offshore and international banking services for globally mobile clients.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Minimum Balance
- Please Contact Lloyds
Country Restrictions
Non, providing there are no restrictions or regulations in your country of residence
Fees & Charges
Varies by Account.
Application
Online, Phone and Branch
Natwest — International Premier Banking
The NatWest International Premier Account allows account holders to manage their finances in multiple currencies, whether they’re living in the UK and moving abroad or already living abroad.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Minimum Balance
- Initial Deposit of £100k or
- Minimum Income of £75k per annum
Country Restrictions
Must be resident in either: Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, China (expats only), Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK (non-domiciled only) or the USA
Fees & Charges
No monthly or annual fee, but charge may apply to some transactions and/or transfers
Application
Online, Phone and Branch
Santander — International Accounts
Santander offers international banking support with access to global banking services and UK integration.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Minimum Balance
- Minimum Balance: £75k
Country Restrictions
Please contact Santander
Fees & Charges
No Charges
Application
Online,Phone, Post and Branch
International Credit Cards & Existing Banking Relationships
Existing banking and credit relationships can sometimes make moving financially to the UK easier.
American Express Credit Cards
If you already hold an American Express card in your home country, it may be possible to apply for additional UK-based products depending on eligibility.
Amex Platinum Card - UK
The UK version of the American Express Platinum card offers you a great range of premium travel and lifestlye benefits, from access to Airport Lounges Around the world to status upgrades with major hotel brands and rental car firms. It is also ideal for those who want a Worldwide Travel Insurance policy.
Best For:
- Those Who Travel Frequently
- Those Who Want to Collect Points and AirMiles
- Take advantage of signup bonuses
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Annual Fee
Currently £650 pa
Additional Cardholders
Yes, for a fee
Eligibility
Please contact Amex
Mobile App
Yes along with Apple Pay and Google Pay
Amex Preferred Rewards Gold Card - UK
The Amex Gold card gives you rewards on hotels, travel shopping and much more. Offering signup bonuses and dining credit of £120 per annum. The card also entitles you to 4 DragonPass lounge passes per annum.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Annual Fee
- Free 1st Year
- £195 pa from year 1
Additional Cardholders
Complimentary Supplementary Card
Eligibility
Please contact Amex
Mobile App
Yes along with Apple Pay and Google Pay
British Airways American Express® Credit Card
Earn 1x Avios on every £1 spent offering no Annual Fee and giving you the ability to spend towards receiving a Companion Voucher to use with BritishAirways, Iberia or Aer Lingus.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
Additional Cardholders
Complimentary Supplementary Card
Eligibility
Please contact Amex
Mobile App
Yes along with Apple Pay and Google Pay
British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Credit Card
The British Airways Premium Plus Credit Card gives you additional earning power on your spending, especially if you are regular flyers with British Airways. Earn 1.5 points per £1 on your every days spending and 3 points per £1 when you spend with British Airways. If you are a British Airways Club Member, you also earn Tier Points towards your Status.
Key Facts:
Additional Information
Annual Fee
£300 pa
Additional Cardholders
Complimentary Supplementary Card
Eligibility
Please contact Amex
Mobile App
Yes along with Apple Pay and Google Pay
Other Credit Cards
Whilst there are many other providers of credit cards in the UK, we have mentioned Barclaycard due to their international presence.
It may be worth speaking to your own bank to see if they offer a GBP card that you are able to use.
Savings Accounts & Investing
Once established in the UK, many expats explore savings and investment options to grow wealth and manage long-term finances.
ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts)
ISAs offer tax-efficient savings and investing opportunities in the UK.
Common Types:
- Cash ISA
- Stocks & Shares ISA
IMPORTANT:
ISA eligibility depends on UK tax residency.
Wealthify
A beginner-friendly investment platform offering managed investment portfolios.
Best For:
- Quick Set-Up
- Those Who Want To Setup, Deposit and Save
- Automated Management
Key Facts:
Freetrade
A mobile-first investment platform offering access to stocks, ETFs, GIA, SIPPs and ISAs.
Best For:
- Super Easy To Set-up
- No Transaction Fees
- US and UK Stocks Available
Key Facts:
Hargreaves Lansdown
One of the UK’s largest investment platforms offering extensive investment and retirement products.
Best For:
- Those with High Value Portfolios
- Who Do Lots of Trading
- Looking for wider ranger of stocks and funds
Key Facts:
Learn more about investing, ISAs and financial markets in our Investing & Stocks and Shares section.
Important Information & Disclaimers
The information on this page is provided for general research and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice.
Financial products, eligibility criteria, fees and regulations can change over time and may vary depending on your residency status, financial circumstances and country of origin.
Some links on this page may be affiliate or referral links, meaning we may receive compensation if you apply for products or services through them.
Always conduct your own research and consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor before making financial decisions.