Opening a bank account

 Opening a bank account has never been simpler. You have a choice with most banks of applying online or through a paper application form. Paper application forms can be obtained from bank or building societies, requested by telephone, email or post.
Nowadays many online application forms are a simple and time-efficient way of opening an account. Banks such as LloydsTSB and Building Societies like Nationwide state that their application forms take around ten minutes to complete. After the application form has been completed, there is usually a period of three to five days in which the bank checks the information, and sends you a document to sign. Usually after a further five working days the current account is activated and cash, debit and credit cards will start to arrive through the letter box.
Checklist
It is your decision whether you want to apply by paper or online. But regardless of which method you use, there are a few things you should take note of before beginning. The whole procedure will flow more smoothly if you have a few important documents on hand. Usually these include: 

• Existing bank details
  
• Present address and postcode
  
• Employer’s address
  
• Details of any benefits for which you are entitled
  
• Pension and investment details if you have any  
  
• Recent payslip
  
• Personal Identification