Money and finance services for your move to the UK

Opening a bank account, moving money across borders, sorting tax and finding the right cover are some of the first things to handle when you arrive. This directory gathers banking, money transfer, tax and insurance providers experienced with people relocating to the UK. Every listing is checked before it goes live, and the directory is always free to use.

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2026
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Finance

Sort your money in the UK

From opening a bank account to transferring money, filing tax or arranging cover, each area below has its own checked list of providers and guidance for new arrivals.

Accountants & Tax

Accountants and tax-preparation services, including specialists in expat and dual-country tax — for self-assessment, HMRC filings and staying compliant at home and in the UK.

Self-Assessment Expat Tax HMRC Filings
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Banks

High-street banks offering current and savings accounts — the traditional route, though most ask for proof of address and ID to open an account.

Current Accounts Savings Branches
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Credit Cards

Credit cards for spending, rewards and building a UK credit history — useful for new arrivals who arrive without a domestic credit footprint.

Build Credit Rewards Cashback
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Currency Exchange

Bureaux and services for exchanging currency at competitive rates — for travel money and converting funds you bring with you.

FX Rates Travel Money Convert Funds
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Financial Advisors

Regulated advisers who help with planning, investments, pensions and protection — valuable when navigating an unfamiliar financial system.

Planning Investments Regulated
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Financial Services

Broader financial products and tools — from lending and budgeting apps to credit-builder services — to help you manage money in the UK.

Lending Budgeting Tools Credit Builders
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Insurance Companies

Insurers covering home, contents, life and more, including providers that work with people new to the UK who lack a long local history.

Home & Contents Life Cover Expat-Friendly
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Mobile & Online Banks

App-based banks that are often quicker to open than high-street accounts — a popular first account for new arrivals while settling in.

App-Based Quick Setup No Branch
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Money Transfers

International transfer services for sending and receiving money across borders — usually cheaper and faster than a traditional bank transfer.

International Low Fees Fast Transfers
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Pensions & Investments

Pension and investment providers, including help with transferring or consolidating overseas pensions and building long-term savings in the UK.

Pensions ISAs Investments
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Questions & answers

Common questions about finance in the UK

Practical answers on bank accounts, transferring money, tax, credit history and insurance as a new arrival.

Most banks ask for proof of identity and proof of a UK address, which can be the first hurdle for new arrivals. High-street banks may also want to see immigration documents. App-based banks are often quicker to open and sometimes accept alternative proof, which is why many people open one of those first and move to a high-street account once settled. Having your passport, visa documents and any address evidence ready makes the process smoother.
Some banks and app-based providers let you start the process from abroad, while most high-street banks require you to be in the UK with a local address. International banks may offer accounts you can open before moving if you already hold an account with them elsewhere. It is worth checking each provider’s rules, as requirements differ and change.
Dedicated money-transfer services usually offer better exchange rates and lower fees than a traditional bank transfer, especially for larger amounts. Compare the total cost — the rate plus any fees — rather than the headline fee alone, as a low fee with a poor rate can work out more expensive. Transfer times and limits also vary, so factor those in.
Credit history generally does not transfer between countries, so most people start from scratch. Registering on the electoral roll where eligible, opening a UK account, and using a credit card or credit-builder product responsibly all help over time. Paying bills on time and keeping borrowing modest builds a record that lenders can see. It takes months rather than weeks, so starting early is worthwhile.
It depends on your residency status, income and where that income arises, which can be complex for people with ties to more than one country. The UK uses a Statutory Residence Test to determine tax residence. Some nationalities, notably US citizens, have filing obligations in their home country as well. An accountant experienced in expat or cross-border tax can help you understand what applies to you.
Generally yes. The US taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live, so most US citizens in the UK must continue filing an annual US return alongside any UK obligations. Mechanisms such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and foreign tax credits often reduce or eliminate double taxation, but the filing itself is usually still required. Specialist US expat tax services handle exactly this.
Insurers often price on UK history, so a lack of local record can mean higher quotes, whether for car, home or other cover. Some providers specifically recognise overseas history or price more fairly for newcomers, which can make a meaningful difference. Comparing several quotes, including from expat-friendly insurers, is the best way to find reasonable cover early on.
Both have their place. Mobile and online banks are typically faster to open and convenient to manage from your phone, which suits the first weeks after arrival. High-street banks offer branches, broader product ranges and are sometimes preferred for mortgages or larger borrowing later. Many people use a mobile account to get started and add a high-street account once settled.
Whether and how you can move an overseas pension to the UK depends on the scheme, the country and UK rules, and getting it wrong can be costly. Regulated financial advisers who specialise in international pensions can assess whether a transfer is in your interest or whether leaving it in place is better. Because the rules are complex and individual, personalised regulated advice matters here.
Yes. Browsing the Finance directory and its listings is completely free. Some provider links are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up or purchase at no extra cost to you, and some providers may pay a listing fee — but neither affects who appears or how we describe them. Our recommendations are made independently, and nothing here is financial advice.

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This page was last updated on 2 June 2026.