Finance providers for every stage of your move

Banking, tax, currency and financial services — vetted and reviewed for anyone moving to or living in the UK. From opening your first UK bank account to filing with HMRC, find the right provider for every stage of your financial life here.

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Finance

Find financial services in the UK

Every sub-category has its own curated list of vetted providers, plus practical guidance on how the UK financial system works for new arrivals.

Accountants & Tax Preparation

UK-registered accountants and tax preparation services specialising in expat and international tax — Self Assessment, foreign income, HMRC compliance and more.

Self AssessmentExpat TaxForeign Income
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Banks

High street and challenger banks that welcome new arrivals and international applicants — including accounts that don't require a UK credit history to open.

New Arrivals WelcomeCurrent AccountsNo Credit History
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Credit Cards

UK credit cards designed for new arrivals and those with thin credit files — including credit-builder cards, cashback cards and options that don't require a long UK credit history.

Credit BuilderNew ArrivalsCashback
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Currency Exchange

Currency exchange services offering competitive rates for expats converting money to and from sterling — travel money, large transfers and ongoing currency needs.

Competitive RatesTravel MoneyLarge Transfers
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Financial Advisors

FCA-regulated independent financial advisors experienced with expatriate and cross-border financial planning — pensions, investments, tax and protection.

FCA RegulatedExpat PlanningPension Advice
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Financial Services

Broader financial services for expats — credit building, investment platforms, savings accounts and wealth management tailored to new arrivals and international residents.

Credit BuildingInvestmentsSavings
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Insurance Companies

Home, contents, travel and life insurance providers that cover new arrivals and international residents — including providers that don't require a UK claims history.

Home & ContentsTravel InsuranceLife Cover
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Mobile & Online Banks

App-based and online-only banks that open accounts quickly for new arrivals — no branch visit required, no UK credit history needed, often within minutes of landing.

Open in MinutesNo Branch NeededInstant Cards
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Money Transfers

International money transfer services offering low fees and competitive exchange rates — for sending money home, receiving a salary from abroad or converting large sums on arrival.

Low FeesFast Transfers100+ Countries
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Pensions & Investments

UK pension schemes, ISAs and investment platforms for expats — including SIPP providers, overseas pension transfers and regulated advisors specialising in expat retirement planning.

SIPPs & ISAsPension TransfersExpat Investing
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Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

Common questions from expats and new arrivals navigating the UK financial system.

Most traditional UK high street banks require you to be physically present and have a UK address before opening an account. However, several digital and challenger banks — including Monzo, Starling and Revolut — allow you to open an account from abroad or immediately upon arrival without a credit history or proof of address. These are widely recommended as a first step for new arrivals.
Whether you need to file a Self Assessment tax return depends on your residency status, income sources and visa type. Most employees taxed via PAYE do not need to file a return. However, if you have foreign income, are self-employed, or have income from investments or property, you likely will. An expat tax specialist can assess your position and ensure you meet HMRC deadlines.
Specialist money transfer services such as Wise, XE, Remitly and WorldRemit consistently offer significantly better exchange rates and lower fees than high street banks. For regular transfers — such as moving a salary or pension — setting up a recurring transfer with a specialist provider can save hundreds of pounds per year compared to using a bank.
Unfortunately, UK credit reference agencies — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — do not have access to your overseas credit history. You effectively start from zero when you arrive. The fastest ways to build UK credit are opening a bank account, registering on the electoral roll, and using a credit-builder credit card responsibly. Some expat-friendly banks and fintech providers have products specifically designed for new arrivals.
Yes, if you are a UK tax resident, you are generally required to declare your worldwide income and gains to HMRC, including income from overseas employment, rental properties, investments and pensions. The rules are complex and depend on your domicile status and whether you claim the remittance basis. An expat-specialist accountant can help you understand your obligations and avoid penalties.
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