How Long Does It Take to Open a Bank Account in the UK: A Step-by-Step Process & Turn Around Time

Opening a business bank account in the UK is crucial for international entrepreneurs managing transactions in GBP (£) or needing a financial presence in the UK. However, UK banks have strict compliance checks, making the process complex for non-residents. Business Globalizer streamlines this process by assisting with document verification, application submission, and compliance support.

Step 1: Placing an Order for UK Business Bank Account Setup

The process commences when the client selects a package that includes UK bank account opening assistance, completes the payment, and submits all required details.

Essential Documents for Opening a UK Bank Account as a Non-Resident

To proceed, the following documents are required:

• Company Documents
  
  
• Passport (Clear Picture with no shadow and a white background)
  
  
• Proof of Residential Address (Recent Bank Statement or Utility Bill)
  
  
• Proof of Physical Address (UK Physical Address, if needed)
  
  
• Local Bank Statement (From Home Country)
  
  
• Operational Business Website (Fully functional and live)
  
  
• UK Phone Number (For Bank Verification)
  
  
• Business Email with Access (For Banking Correspondence)
  
  
• Personal LinkedIn Profile Link (For Business Identity Verification)
  
  
• Local Phone Number (For Communication)

• Note 1: The specific requirements vary depending on the bank’s policies, and additional documents may be requested.
  
  
• Note 2: To take a clear passport picture, place it on a flat white background under bright, even lighting to avoid shadows. Use a high-resolution camera, hold it steady, ensure no fingers, glare, or reflections are visible, and capture all details clearly without any shadows.

Step 2: Document Verification & Compliance Review

• Business Globalizer reviews all submitted documents to ensure completeness and compliance with UK banking requirements.
  
  
• If any information is missing or incorrect, the client will be informed immediately to provide the correct details to prevent unnecessary delays.

Step 3: Bank Selection & Pre-Screening Process

• Based on the business structure and banking needs, we assist in selecting the most suitable UK bank that accepts non-resident business applications.
  
  
• Some banks require a pre-approval process, where an initial assessment is conducted before proceeding with a full application. If applicable, we guide clients through this phase.

Step 4: Submission of Bank Application

• Once all required documents have been reviewed and verified, the business bank account application is submitted to the chosen bank.
  
  
• If the bank requires additional verification steps, we assist the client in fulfilling the necessary compliance requests.

Step 5: Bank Compliance Review & Due Diligence Checks

The bank undertakes a detailed review of the submitted documents and business credentials, which may involve:

• Verification of the company’s registration and ownership details.
  
  
• Business activity assessment, ensuring it aligns with the bank’s risk policies.
  
  
• Website & online presence validation for legitimacy.
  
  
• Phone number and email verification to confirm accessibility.
  
  
• Potential video or phone interview (in select cases).
  
  
• Selfie Verification (For Identity Confirmation).

The client may need to respond to follow-up inquiries from the bank for additional confirmations.

Step 6: Bank Account Approval & Activation

If everything is approved, the bank issues the account details, including:

• GBP Receiving account
  • Account number
    
    
  • ACH/ABA Routing Number (Depends on the bank)
    
    
  • Online Banking Access Credentials
    
    
• Virtual and physical debit cards (Some banks do not offer cards)

• Note 1: In some cases, an initial deposit may be required to activate the account.
  
  
• Note 2: Once activated, the account can be used for transactions, receiving payments, and integrating with payment processors.

UK Business Bank Account Processing Time

Standard Processing Time (Varies by Bank)

• 4-6 business days from submission to approval.

Factors That May Cause Delays

Delays can occur due to:

• Bank-Specific Verification Procedures (Some institutions conduct lengthy KYC and compliance assessments).
  
  
• High Application Volume (During peak business periods, banks may experience backlogs).
  
  
• Additional Compliance Scrutiny (For industries considered high-risk, the process may take longer).
  
  
• Requests for Extra Documentation (Certain banks may ask for further verification).
  
  
• Internal Processing Delays at Banks (Some financial institutions take longer than expected without clear justification).
  
  
• UK Public Holidays.
  
  
• UK Bank Closures (Which can prolong the review and approval process).

Common Mistakes That Delay UK Bank Account Opening

Many delays are caused by clients providing incorrect or incomplete information. Below are the most common errors:

1. Missing or Incorrect Company Documents

Solution: Ensure all company formation documents are properly prepared, complete, and up to date.

2. Expired or Blurry Passport Copy

Solution: Submit a clear, valid, and high-resolution picture of the passport.

3. Inconsistent Address Proof

Solution: Ensure that residential and physical address proofs are recent (issued within the last three months) and match application details.

4. Business Website Lacking Key Information

Solution: A functional, informative, and professional website is essential for approval.

5. Inaccessible Business Email or Phone Number

Solution: The email and phone number provided must be active and responsive for verification.

6. Submission of a Dormant Local Bank Statement

Solution: The bank statement should reflect recent transactions, showing the business is active.

Real-World Exceptions

Fastest Case

6 hours. In rare instances, accounts have been successfully opened on the same day.

Delayed Case

55 days. Some banks take significantly longer due to stringent compliance reviews, additional document requests, or internal processing inefficiencies.

Reasons for Bank Account Application Rejection

Banks may reject applications for various reasons. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. The Bank Does Not Support the Business Type

Solution: Certain industries are considered high-risk. We help clients choose a bank that aligns with their business model.

2. Past Policy Violations

Solution: A history of policy violations by the account holder or business can result in application rejection. Opting for a bank with flexible policies and demonstrating strong compliance improvements may increase approval chances.

3. Inadequate Documentation

Solution: Ensure all required paperwork is accurate, up to date, and meets the bank’s criteria.

4. Weak Business Website & Online Presence

Solution: A properly structured and informative website enhances credibility.

5. High-Risk Jurisdiction of the Business Owner

Solution: Some banks have restrictions based on the applicant’s country of residence.

6. Discrepancies in Submitted Information

Solution: All business and personal details must be consistent across documents.

Important Disclaimer: Business Globalizer’s Role in the Process

Business Globalizer assists in the UK business bank account application process by verifying documents, preparing applications, and guiding clients through the bank’s requirements. However, we do not control the final decision, processing timeline, or approval criteria of banks.

How Business Globalizer Supports Clients

• Ensuring all necessary documents are correctly submitted to minimize rejection risks.
  
  
• Recommending banks that accept non-resident businesses.
  
  
• Assisting with pre-approval checks where applicable.
  
  
• Providing compliance guidance to meet banking standards.
  
  
• Following up with banks for updates on the application status.

Factors Beyond Our Control

• Bank internal review processes and risk assessments.
• Additional compliance checks are requested by the bank.
• Bank processing backlogs and delays.
• Unexplained delays from financial institutions.

Business Globalizer is not liable for rejected applications, processing delays, additional compliance requests, or final bank decisions.

Refund Policy

Business Globalizer operates on a non-refundable basis once the UK bank account application process has been initiated. Since bank account openings involve third-party financial institutions, compliance reviews, and banking policies, fees are incurred immediately upon submission.

Refunds may be considered in the following situations:

• If the client cancels before any document submission or application filing, a refund may be possible (evaluated case by case).
  
  
• If Business Globalizer is unable to proceed due to an internal issue, a full refund will be issued.

No refunds will be provided under these circumstances:

• If the bank account application has already been submitted to the bank.
  
  
• If the bank requires additional compliance verification, document requests, or adjustments beyond Business Globalizer’s control.
  
  
• If the client provides incorrect, incomplete, or fraudulent information, causing rejection or delays.
  
  
• If delays occur due to bank processing times, compliance hold-ups, or verification delays, as these are beyond our control.
  
  
• If the bank rejects the application due to its internal risk assessment policies or does not support the client’s business type.

For refund inquiries, please contact our support team to review your case or refer to our detailed refund policy.

How to Contact Us?

• Existing Clients: Reach out to us directly through your dashboard for support.
  
  
• New Clients: If you’re looking to form a company, or trying to purchase any other services, contact our support team through the official channels or book a consultation for personalized guidance.

Need help opening a UK business bank account? Business Globalizer is here to assist you at every step! Get started today!