Now that you have moved to the United Kingdom for work, you’ll need a working account to save your funds, and as a migrant, what you’ll need is a Migrant bank account in the UK.

But how do you get one? This post will tell you how to open a migrant account, what you should know about a Migrant bank account in the UK, and the different options available for you to explore.

Here are some need-to-knows about getting an account with a banking service provider in the UK.

You can open a UK account before traveling to the UK

Some countries have branches of major UK-based banks. If you’re in such a country, you can consider opening an account before relocating to the UK.

You can open an account fully online

You can leverage the services of banking providers that offer online account opening, savings, and operations so that you don’t need to go to the bank to open an account.

These virtual banks often offer virtual and physical debit cards with which you can purchase goods and services both online and offline.

Consider basic accounts 

Different building societies and banks offer basic bank accounts that you can begin with, so ask about them. It requires less management but also doesn’t have any credit facilities.

You might not be able to explore many features

Since you’re a migrant, you can expect your credit rating to be low as you don’t have a credit history. As a result, you’ll most likely be unable to get a credit card and overdraft facility, but you’ll get a debit card and probably a chequebook.

What do you need to open a Migrant Bank Account in the UK?

The first thing you need is proof of identity, which you can do with your passport. You can also use a driving license if you moved from a country within the EEA or EU. You’ll also need proof of address.

Most banks will expect you to pay a minimum sum to open your account and keep it open. It is often affordable, so you don’t have to worry.

If you have issues proving your identity or address, you might be unable to open accounts with major banks. However, Fintechs and online banks will serve as a fallback for you.

Prepaid Cards for Migrant bank accounts in the UK

Consider getting a prepaid card that works similarly to the debit card if you can’t secure one for some reason. You can make payments and withdraw cash from ATMs using prepaid cards connected to your online bank.

However, the catch is that you must load cash on the cards first before you use them, and you can’t use more than you load.

Other options for a migrant bank account in the UK

You’ll find several banking service providers like Suits Me which offer prepaid cards and accept no proof address. You can get access to online and mobile banking and other banking features to help you manage your funds.