How to open a Metro Bank account online?

Considering switching banks? There are lots of UK providers to choose from if you’re looking for a new current account, including Metro Bank.

It’s not one of the UK’s banking giants, but the high street bank has become a popular option for current accounts in recent years. In fact, its current account was given a 4-star rating by Moneyfacts in 2022.¹

But how easy is it to open a Metro Bank account online in the UK? What documents do you need, and how long does it take? We’ll answer all of these questions and more here in this handy guide. With our help, your new Metro Bank account will be up and running in no time.

And while you’re comparing all the different accounts out there, check out the Wise account from the money services provider Wise. It’s an ideal alternative to a bank account, especially if you need to make international transfers and overseas card payments.

Please see the Terms of Use for your region.

Requirements for opening a bank account with Metro Bank?

Most UK banks have eligibility requirements for new customers, so you’ll need to check these before applying for an account.

To join Metro Bank as a new current account customer, you’ll need to be:²

• A UK resident - you can apply if you’re a non-UK, EU, EEA or Swiss national, but you’ll need a valid visa or residence permit along with your other documents.
• At least 18 years old.

For most Metro Bank savings accounts, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old. Although you’ll need to be 18 or over to apply online.³

Other types of savings accounts such as cash ISAs might have other requirements, such as needing to be resident in the UK for tax purposes.

So before you start checking out AER interest rates for different savings accounts at Metro Bank, it’s worth making sure you’re eligible first.

And of course, business bank accounts will have their own set of requirements.

What documents do you need to open a Metro Bank bank account?

To apply for a current account at Metro Bank, you’ll need:⁴

• Proof of identity (1 document) - such as a valid UK passport or driving licence
• Proof of address (up to 2 additional documents) - such as your driving licence, a recent utility bill or bank statement

Don’t have proof of address? Here’s a handy guide on how to get hold of documents to prove your address in the UK.

How to open a Metro Bank account online in the UK?

There are a couple of ways you can open a bank account with Metro Bank. You can visit your local branch, where a customer service representative will guide you through the process.

Alternatively, you can apply online. This could be the most convenient option if you don’t have the time to make a trip to a Metro Bank branch.

Here’s what you need to do:⁵

1. Go to the Metro Bank website and select a current account
2. Read all the requirements, legal details and features carefully.
3. Click the ‘Apply online now’ button.
4. Make sure you have a device with a camera (such as a laptop with camera, or your mobile phone) as you’ll need to take a selfie to verify your identity.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions, providing your details and uploading your ID and proof of address documents when requested.
6. Check all the details and submit your application.
7. Order your debit card and set up online banking.

How long it takes to open a Metro Bank account?

It should be pretty quick to apply for a Metro Bank account, with online applications typically only taking around 10 minutes.⁵

If your application is successful, your account should be open and ready to use right away. If you apply in store, your new bank card will be printed out there and then. For online applications, it’ll take a few days for your card to arrive in the post.⁵

If you’re switching to Metro Bank from another bank using the Current Account Switch Service, your new account should be open within 7 working days.

How to contact Metro Bank customer service?

If you need help with opening your new account, here’s how to contact Metro Bank customer services:

• Call 0345 08 08 500⁶ for all personal account queries, including opening or closing an account, getting set up with online banking and help with international transfers.
• Visit a local branch - find your nearest Metro Bank branch here.

Wise - An alternative to a Metro Bank account

While you’re comparing accounts and providers, make sure to check out the Wise account. It’s a fantastic alternative to a Metro Bank account, especially if you need to spend overseas or send payments between countries.

When you sign up online with Wise, there’s no initial or monthly fee to pay.

You’ll get a powerful account for managing your money in 40+ currencies, including making international payments for low fees and mid-market exchange rates.

For a one-time cost of just £7, you can get a Wise debit card which has no foreign transaction fees for spending abroad, just a small conversion fee for cross-currency transactions. You can withdraw up to £200 a month in up to 2 transactions from overseas ATMs with no Wise fees.

Sign up with 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 there you have it - your at-a-glance guide on how to open a Metro Bank account online in the UK. It should be quick and easy to get your new account up and running, as long as you have those all-important ID documents ready.

Sources used for this article:

Sources checked on 26-Oct-2023.