How do I open an account?

We have a variety of accounts you can choose from below.

Please make sure you provide the right forms of identification(opens in a new window) when you do open an account with us.

Identification to open account

How do I apply for a Current or Savings Account?

To apply for a current or savings account that you can manage online and through our mobile app, you have four options:

1. Mobile app

If you're an existing Royal Bank of Scotland customer, you can apply via the Royal Bank of Scotland mobile app. Just select 'Apply', choose the account you would like and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Online

The quickest way to open your account is online.

Please see our range of Current Accounts(opens in a new window) and Savings Accounts.(opens in a new window)

3. Call us

You can also get in touch with our Account Opening Telephony team. They can help you with a range of Savings accounts as well as our Select and Reward current accounts.

Royal Bank of Scotland account opening
0800 121 129 (+44 131 549 8888)
Relay UK: 18001 0800 121 129
Open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday 9am - 3pm
(Opening hours may vary on public holidays)
Calls may be recorded.

4. For help with your online account application, you can also visit a branch

To open in branch you must bring your own digital device such as a mobile or tablet and our staff can assist you opening the account yourself.

Royal Bank of Scotland branch locator
Find your nearest branch using our branch locator.

How do I open a Business Account?

New Business Account

If you need a bank account for your new business, learn how our startup package could help. With 18 months free banking it has been designed to help your startup business get off to a flying start!

Startup Package(opens in a new window)

Switching Business Account from elsewhere

Already have a business account somewhere else? Learn more about how we could help with your business banking and how switching to us works.

Switching(opens in a new window)

Business Banking is available to those aged 18 or over.

Disclaimer

Free banking means that the charges for the day to day running of your account (known as your ‘service charge’) will not apply during the free banking period. At the end of this period, you will automatically move to the standard tariff. Charges for ‘unarranged borrowing’ and ‘additional charges’ are not part of the free banking offer. Free banking applies to businesses that started trading within the past twelve months with projected or existing annual turnover not exceeding £1 million.

How do I open a Business Currency Account?

In order to open a Business Currency Account with us you also need a regular Business Sterling Account. This can be an existing Royal Bank of Scotland account, or one that is opened at the same time as the Currency Account. Please note that the name on both accounts should be the same.

Talk to us

For help with this now, you can speak with one of our advisors:

Business customers
0345 6002230 (overseas +44 131 5498888)
Relay UK: 18001 0345 6002230
Open 24 hours a day
Calls may be recorded

Visit us in branch

Royal Bank of Scotland branch locator
Find your nearest branch using our branch locator.

How do I open a Joint Account?

To create a joint account you need to add someone to an existing account. You can either add them to an account you already have or, if you’d like a completely new account, one of you can open a new account and then add the second person once it's open.

To open in branch, you should bring your own digital device such as a mobile or tablet and our staff can assist you opening the account yourself.

Find out more about our Current Accounts (opens in a new window)

Get more info about our joint bank accounts (opens in a new window)

How long will the account take to open?

New Customer

If you have applied for a current account or an instant saving account online and this is your first account with us, the process may take up to 10 days dependent upon the identification you provide whilst applying.

Existing customer

If you have applied for a current account or an instant saving account online and you already have an existing account with us, then your new account should be open within 24 hours.

If you've applied for an account already and you require any further information please contact:

For Current or Savings accounts

We offer 24/7 application support online via Cora, our digital assistant, and our friendly webchat team. Simply click the Cora button below and ask 'help with my account application' and select the current or savings account.

Have you met Cora, your digital assistant?
Cora can help you with a wide range of queries, including this one.

You can also do this in the mobile app by tapping 'Help' on the homescreen, followed by "Chat to Cora".

Royal Bank of Scotland application helpdesk (Loans, Overdrafts or Credit Cards)

Royal Bank of Scotland application helpdesk
0345 3030 344
Relay UK: 18001 0345 3030 344
Open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, closed Sat-Sun.
(Opening hours may vary on Public Holidays)
Calls may be recorded.

Loan or Overdraft - option 3
Credit Card - option 4