Best Bank Accounts in the UK for Expats (2026)

Compare the best UK bank accounts for expats. Digital banks, traditional banks, fees, ATM limits, and everything you need to open an account as a newcomer. Updated March 2026.

Tax note for the UK: The Personal Savings Allowance lets basic rate taxpayers earn up to 1,000 GBP in savings interest tax-free (500 GBP for higher rate). ISAs provide fully tax-free savings and investment returns. Banks may share account information under CRS for tax residents of other countries.

Our pick for United Kingdom

Wise — Real exchange rate, no hidden fees

Trusted by 16M+ people worldwide. Send, spend, and receive in 40+ currencies at the real mid-market rate. Multi-currency account with local bank details in 10+ countries. No monthly fees.

Open free Wise account

Free to create an account. Fees apply to transfers and card usage.

Bank comparison for the UK

Bank	Monthly fee	Card fee	ATM withdrawals	FX fee	Best for
Wise	0 GBP	7 GBP (one-time)	2 free/mo, then 0.50 GBP	0.33-0.6%	International transfers	Open account
Revolut	0 GBP (free plan)	0 GBP	200 GBP free/mo	0% (weekdays)	All-in-one app
Monzo	0 GBP	0 GBP	400 GBP free/mo (UK)	0% (spending)	Everyday banking
Starling	0 GBP	0 GBP	Unlimited free (UK)	0%	Fee-free abroad
bunq	0 GBP (Easy Money)	9.99 GBP (one-time)	Limited	Real-time rate	Green banking

How we chose these banks

We compared over 15 UK banks available to expats, evaluating them on monthly account fees, card issuance costs, ATM withdrawal policies, foreign exchange markups, ease of opening as a non-UK national, and mobile app quality. We also considered customer support responsiveness and FSCS deposit protection (up to 85,000 GBP per person, per institution).

All banks listed above accept applications from expats with valid ID and UK address proof. Some, like Monzo and Revolut, can be opened with just a passport and a UK address, making them ideal for new arrivals.

What to look for as an expat in the UK

FSCS protection -- Check your bank is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (up to 85,000 GBP). Monzo, Starling, and Revolut (UK banking entity) all qualify.
Proof of address -- Some traditional banks require utility bills or council tax letters. Digital banks often accept a tenancy agreement or even a letter from your employer.
Sort code and account number -- For salary payments and direct debits, you need a proper UK sort code and account number. All banks listed above provide these.
International transfers -- If you send money home regularly, compare FX fees carefully. Wise and Revolut are significantly cheaper than traditional banks for international transfers.
Credit history -- Opening a UK bank account and using it regularly helps build a UK credit history, which you will need for renting, phone contracts, and eventually a mortgage.

Calculate your UK salary first

Know exactly how much you take home after tax, National Insurance, and student loan deductions before deciding how to manage your money.

UK salary calculator