How to open a Halifax account online

Thinking of switching banks? If you’re looking to open a new current account, you’ll have lots of different banks to choose from.

One you’re likely to come across is Halifax. A former building society, Halifax is now part of the Lloyds Banking Group. It offers a choice of current and savings accounts, along with other financial products such as credit cards, loans, mortgages and insurance.

If you’re interested in joining Halifax as a new customer, read on. We’ve put together a guide on how to open a Halifax account online. This includes the documents you’ll need and a step-by-step guide to the process, plus how long you can expect it to take.

We’ll also show you an alternative which could save you money, especially on international transactions. Open a Wise multi-currency online and you can manage your money in 50+ currencies, sending transfers all over the world for low, transparent fees.

But more on this later. For now, let’s get back to Halifax.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Is it possible to open a Halifax account online?

Yes, you can open a Halifax account online, whether you’re a new or existing customer (although the process is slightly different for each).

Most of Halifax current accounts can be opened online, including:

• Halifax Current Account
• Halifax Reward Current Account
• Halifax Ultimate Reward Current Account.

You can also open joint bank accounts online with Halifax.

How to open a Halifax account online - a step-by-step guide

There are a few ways you can open a bank account online with Halifax. If you’re a new customer, follow these steps:¹

1. Head to the Halifax website and choose the account you want to open (check the eligibility guidelines first, to make sure you’ll be accepted as a customer)
2. Click ‘Apply as a new customer’.
3. Complete the on-screen steps to submit your application
4. Provide personal and income details when requested. You’ll also need to provide details of your home address over the last 3 years.
5. If needed, verify your identity by uploading photo ID and proof of address (such as a recent utility bill).

Already bank with Halifax? To open a new account as an existing customer, you’ll simply need to go to the Halifax website and sign into Online Banking.

From here, you can open a new account or upgrade an existing one (your sort code and account number will stay the same in this case). The bank already has your personal details, so you won’t need to enter them again.¹

Using the Current Account Switch Service

There is another way you can open a Halifax current account online, and this is using the Current Account Switch Service.

It’s free to use, and is specially designed so that you can switch banks quickly and easily. Your switch will be carried out within 7 days, and will involve:²

• Closing your old account
• Transferring your balance from your old to your new account
• Moving any Direct Debits, standing orders or incoming payments over to your new account
• Completing the switch on a date of your choice.

You’ll see the option to apply through the Current Account Switch Service on the page of the Halifax account you’d like to open. Simply click it and apply as normal. You can find out all about how switching to Halifax works here.

What documents do I need to open a Halifax account?

Before you start your application, it’s important to make sure you have all the right paperwork and details ready. Here’s what you’ll need to apply online with Halifax:³

• Proof of ID - such as a current UK photo driving licence, UK passport or Biometric Residence Permit card
• Your personal details, including what country you are tax resident in
• Details of your home address for the previous 3 years
• Contact details
• Income and expenditure information, such as your total monthly income, how you’ll fund and use the account, and your employment status.
• If you’re switching, your existing bank details and chosen switch date.

How long does it take to open a Halifax account online?

According to Halifax, it takes just a matter of minutes to apply for an account online. Although of course, it might take a little longer if you’re opening a joint account online and have the details of two applicants to enter.

To make sure there are no delays, make sure you have all the required information and documents to hand.

I’ve submitted an online application - what happens next?

After applying online, it’s likely that your new bank account will be opened right away. You’ll receive a confirmation email from the bank, followed a few days later by your debit card, PIN, online banking logins and welcome pack arriving in the post.

In some cases though, it can take longer if the bank needs to verify any details or request further information.

If you’re using the Current Account Switch Service, your new account will be open within 7 days. You can also select your preferred date (although it will be at least 7 days after starting the switch).

Need to manage your money internationally? Save with Wise

Banks are definitely useful for handling your day-to-day finances. But for things like holiday spending or international transfers, they can be very expensive.

The good news is that there’s a better solution out there.

Open a Wise multi-currency account and you can manage your money in 50 currencies at once. Send money worldwide for low fees and mid-market exchange rates, and even spend like a local in 174 countries using your own Wise debit card.

Join Wise today

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

---

And that’s it - all the essential info you need on how to open a Halifax account online. It’s really quick and easy to do, so your new account should be up and running in no time.

---

Sources used:

1. Halifax - Current Account
2. Halifax - Switch to Halifax
3. Halifax - Account opening guide

Sources last checked on date: 15-May-2023