How to Open a GBP Account in the US [2025]
If you need to send or receive payments in British pounds, opening a GBP account in the US could make managing your money cheaper and more convenient.
You can open a GBP account in the US with a specialist provider such as Wise or Revolut, or an international bank like HSBC. Hold a balance in GBP, receive GBP payments from others, send money to the UK, and spend internationally with low fees and competitive exchange rates.
This guide looks at how to open your new GBP account, as well as the features and fees to expect.
💡 Key points: Opening a GBP account online in the US
| 💡 Key points | |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | You can open a GBP account in the US for yourself or your business with some global banks, and specialist providers like Wise and Revolut |
| Account features | GBP accounts from specialist providers have often got linked cards for simple spending, and offer ways to send and receive in GBP conveniently |
| Account fees | Some GBP accounts in the US have ongoing fees – providers like Wise and Revolut both offer some accounts with no monthly costs to pay |
| Exchange rates | Using a GBP account can give you access to preferential exchange rates, and means you can avoid unnecessary exchanges |
| Safety | The providers we’ve featured in this guide have industry level security features and are considered safe to use |
Can I open a GBP account in the US?
Yes. You can open a GBP account in the US either from a global bank or a provider like Wise or Revolut.
Not all US banks offer GBP account options for individual customers, so you’ll need to shop around to find one which suits your needs.
Some bank GBP accounts are more aimed at people looking to save or invest in British pounds rather than individuals looking for day to day money management tools, for example.
Can I open a GBP account online? 💻 📱
Yes. You can open a GBP account from the US online, with some banks and also with dedicated digital only providers like Wise and Revolut.
Not all banks in the US offer digital account opening for foreign currency account products. If getting your account set up online or in an app is important to you, you might find a specialist provider is a good match for your needs.
What is a GBP currency account? 🇬🇧
A GBP currency account offers ways to manage your money in British pounds conveniently.
Depending on the account you select you may be able to hold GBP only, or other major currencies like US and Canadian dollars, euros, Japanese yen, Australian dollars or Swiss francs.
Account features can vary but generally you will be able to send and receive GBP payments, often with low fees. Some accounts also offer a linked debit card for spending and cash withdrawals.
| GBP bank account pros | GBP bank account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Hold, send and receive GBP payments ✅ Avoid converting back to USD unnecessarily ✅ Some accounts have linked cards for travel spending ✅ Accounts with no ongoing fees are available | ❌ Transaction and service fees are likely to apply ❌ Not all US banks have GBP accounts for individual customers |
What do I need a GBP account for?
- Receive payments in GBP and hold your balance in pounds for later use
- Send money to people and businesses in the UK easily
- Access preferential exchange rates
- Get a linked card to pay when you’re in the UK with low or no extra fees
🇬🇧 How to open a GBP account online with a specialist provider 💻
You can open a GBP or multi-currency account online in the US with providers like Wise and Revolut. The process is all managed from your phone or laptop, with no need to visit a physical branch location.
To give an idea, here’s how to open a GBP account online with Wise:
1. Gather the information and documents needed to apply
Before you register for a Wise account, double check the information and documents that will be needed. Generally you’ll need proof of ID, your SSN and a proof of address.
2. Open the Wise website or download the app
You can get the Wise app for Android or iPhones, to apply for your Wise GBP account with just your smartphone – or open up the Wise desktop site to apply online.
3. Tap Sign Up and enter your personal and contact information
Tap the option to sign up and follow the prompts to enter your personal and contact information.
4. Upload images of your documents for verification
You’ll be prompted to upload a clear photo of your ID document and proof of address, which you can do right from your phone.
This is to help keep your account secure and is required by law.
5. Once your account is verified you can access your GBP details and hold a balance
Your account will be verified, and you can then start to transact. You can open a Wise GBP balance in the app, and tap on the currency symbol to get local account details. Give this to anyone sending you money in British pounds.
You can also add money to your account yourself in a selection of currencies, order a Wise Multi-Currency Card for spending and withdrawals, and send money overseas easily.
What do you need to open a GBP account?
Different banks and providers have their own requirements to open a GBP account. Usually you’ll be asked for the following:
| 📁 Information needed to open a GBP account |
|---|
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What is the eligibility to open a GBP bank account?
While different banks and providers have their own rules, you’ll normally have to meet a few eligibility rules to open your GBP account.
Some specialist accounts are only available to high earning individuals – providers like Wise and Revolut do not check your credit history or require a minimum balance to transact:
| 📌 Eligibility criteria to open a GBP account |
|---|
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Best GBP currency accounts in the US 🇬🇧🇺🇲
Getting a GBP account in the US can make it easier and cheaper to manage payments internationally. Here are a few popular options you might want to consider:
| Wise | Revolut | HSBC Global Money | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 GBP services offered | Hold, send, spend and receive GBP | Hold, send, spend and receive GBP | Hold and send GBP |
| 🌍 Supported currencies | 40+ currencies supported | 25+ currencies supported | 8 currencies supported |
| 💰 Maintenance fees | No ongoing fees | 0 USD – 16.99 USD/month | No ongoing fees |
| 🏦 Minimum balance requirement | None | None | None – the underlying USD account you select may have a minimum balance requirement |
| ⬆️ International transfer fees | Low, transparent fees based on currency | Variable fees which depend on the account plan you choose | No HSBC fee for global transfers |
| ⬇️ Receive payments | Receive with account details in GBP and 20+ other currencies | Receive with local account details in USD and GBP, and SWIFT details for other currencies | Add money from your own linked HSBC account |
| 💳 Debit card for spending | Available | Available | Not Available |
*Details correct at time of research – 22nd July 2025. About Wise pricing: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
Wise GBP account
⭐ Great for:
|
The Wise Account is a multi-currency account which comes with a card, to allow you to hold, exchange and spend in British pounds easily.
Your account also offers GBP account details which you can use to have others send you money in GBP.
Wise currency exchange uses the mid-market rate with low, transparent fees, and simple ways to send money to people and businesses in the UK and many other countries.
There are no ongoing fees and no minimum balance requirements, making this a low cost way to manage your money across currencies.
| 💡 Wise GBP Account | |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 GBP services | Hold, send, spend and receive GBP with local account details. More information on: Wise GBP account |
| 💱 Exchange rates | Mid-market rate |
| 🎯 Wise limits | Send up to 20 million GBP per payment. Balance holding is usually unlimited |
| 🔐 Is Wise safe to hold money? | Yes. Wise Accounts can be managed in app, with easy ways to get help if needed. Industry level security features apply to keep customers safe |
| ⬇️ Receiving GBP transfers | Receive GBP with local account details with no fee, or get paid GBP by SWIFT with a 2.16 GBP receive fee |
| 🇺🇲 Is Wise regulated in the US? | Yes. Wise is regulated in many US states.
Where Wise does not hold its own license, services are offered through partnership with Community Federal Savings Bank |
*Details correct at time of research – 22nd July 2025. About Wise pricing: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
How to open a GBP account with Wise?
- Download the Wise app or open the desktop site
- Select the option to Sign Up
- Follow prompts to enter your personal and contact information
- Upload the required documents for verification
- Tap ‘+’, and choose ‘British pound’ to open a GBP balance from the Wise app
| 📌 More information: How to open a Wise Account in the US, if you are looking to learn more on how you can get the best out of a Wise Account, this guide might help you: How to use Wise Account |
Revolut GBP account
⭐ Great for:
|
Revolut customers in the US can choose from 3 different plans, including some with no ongoing fees. All accounts support GBP for holding and give you GBP local account details to get paid by others in pounds conveniently.
Use your Revolut account to make payments to others, and to spend with your linked debit card. Different account plans have their own features and can include travel perks, discounts and low cost transactions.
| 💡 Revolut GBP Account | |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 GBP services | Hold, send, spend and receive GBP |
| 💱 Exchange rates | Revolut rate for weekday currency conversion to your plan limit – fair usage and out of hours fees can apply |
| 🎯 Revolut limits | There are usually no limits on the amount you can receive to you account – outbound payment caps may apply depending on your account tier |
| 🔐 Is Revolut safe to hold money? | Yes. Revolut accounts are secure and holding money is safe. Automatic and manual anti-fraud processes are in place 242/7 |
| ⬇️ Receiving GBP transfers | Receive GBP transfers using local or SWIFT details, with no Revolut fee |
| 🇺🇲 Is Revolut regulated in the US? | Yes |
*Details correct at time of research – 22nd July 2025
How to open a GBP account with Revolut?
- Download the Revolut app
- Select the option to Sign Up
- Follow prompts to enter your personal and contact information
- Upload the required documents for verification
- Once verified, tap Accounts to open a GBP balance
HSBC GBP account
⭐ Great for:
|
To open the HSBC Global Money Account you must first have a USD account with the bank. Some accounts have eligibility requirements or fees, so do check before you sign up. Once you have your Global Money Account you can add money from your linked USD account to convert to GBP for sending to others.
The Global Money Account doesn’t offer a linked card and does not come with its own GBP account details, making this a good choice for HSBC customers looking to send GBP payments rather than for travel use.
| 💡 HSBC GBP Global Money Account | |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 GBP services | Hold and send GBP |
| 💱 Exchange rates | HSBC rate which may include a markup |
| 🎯 HSBC limits | No specified holding limit – limits on outbound transfers may apply depending on the account you’re sending to |
| 🔐 Is HSBC safe to hold money? | Yes. HSBC is an advanced bank which has strong security features and is safe to use. |
| ⬇️ Receiving GBP transfers | Not available – add money from your own USD account instead |
| 🇺🇲 Is HSBC regulated in the US? | Yes |
*Details correct at time of research – 22nd July 2025
How to open a GBP account with HSBC?
- First open a USD account with HSBC by uploading your documents and information
- In the HSBC app, add on the Global Money Account
- Transfer money to your Global Money Account from your linked USD account for sending a payment
📚 Learn more on: HSBC Global Money Account Review
🇬🇧 How to open a GBP bank account in the US with a bank 🏦
You can also open a GBP account in the US with a bank, such as HSBC which has a Global Money Account for GBP and other major currencies.
To open a GBP account with HSBC US you’ll also need to have a USD account with them. This may mean paying account fees depending on the specific account you select. There are also some eligibility rules for some account products which you’ll need to check. Here’s how to open a GBP account with HSBC in the US:
1. Check you’re eligible for an HSBC USD account
To open your Global Money Account you must first have a USD account with HSBC. Some accounts have eligibility rules including minimum balance requirements, so check the account you’ve selected is suited to your needs.
2. Open your USD account in the HSBC app following prompts
Open your preferred USD account – this can usually be done in the HSBC app. If you run into any difficulties you can call the HSBC support team to get help.
3. Within the HSBC app, add a Global Money Account
Once your USD account is verified you can easily open a Global Money Account in the HSBC app. This allows you to hold and exchange GBP, and to send payments to the UK easily.
4. Add money to your Global Money Account to transact
Before you can use your Global Money Account you’ll need to link your USD account to it, and add some money. Within the HSBC app you can convert your USD balance to pounds for spending or sending to someone else.
Which US banks offer GBP currency accounts?
Not all US banks offer GBP currency accounts, and where they are available they often have more of a focus on customers looking to save or invest in foreign currencies.
East West Bank has foreign currency savings accounts in GBP for example, but these aren’t really optimized for travel or day to day use.
| 💡 If you are looking to find the best GBP account for your needs, this guide might help you: Best GBP currency accounts in the US. |
Fees to open and maintain a GBP account
Different banks and providers have their own fees, so you’ll need to read through the account fee schedule before signing up. Here are some important fees on the accounts we’ve profiled in this guide:
| 💡 Important fees to know: | |
|---|---|
| Wise | No fee to open a personal account, 9 USD one time card order fee, currency conversion from 0.57% |
| Revolut | 0 USD – 16.99 USD monthly fee, variable transaction fees depending on the account tier you select |
| HSBC | No fee for the Global Money Account – but you also need a USD account which might have its own fees or minimum balance requirement |
*Details correct at time of research – 22nd July 2025.
What is the minimum amount to open a GBP account?
Depending on the account you select there might be a minimum deposit or balance requirement, or a fall below fee. This is especially common for accounts aimed at high earning or high wealth individuals. Here’s a summary of the providers we’re looking at today:
| 💡 Minimum balance: | |
|---|---|
| Wise | No minimum balance |
| Revolut | No minimum balance |
| HSBC | No minimum balance for Global Money Account – your USD account may have a minimum balance requirement |
Can I deposit GBP into my US bank account?
Most US bank accounts hold USD only, and can not accept deposits of GBP. Instead, if you’re sent a payment in GBP the bank will convert the payment to USD, often with fees deducted.
If you’d prefer to deposit GBP directly consider a provider like Wise or Revolut which offer GBP account information to deposit pounds easily.
Can I open a British bank account online?
You can open an account to hold GBP online with a global provider like Wise or Revolut. Generally, to open a British bank account with a UK bank you would be asked to have a UK residential address. That’s not required with Wise or Revolut.
| 📚 Looking to open a UK bank account from the US online? This guide might help you: How to open a UK bank account from the US. |
GBP business accounts
US banks and specialist providers like Wise and Revolut offer multi currency accounts for business customers. These can be especially helpful for businesses trading internationally in the US.
All of the providers we’ve looked at in this guide offer multi-currency solutions for business customers:
Wise Business review: Pay a one time fee to open a Wise Business account to hold, send, receive and spend in a broad selection of foreign currencies including GBP. No ongoing fees apply.
Revolut Business review: Monthly fees from 10 USD – 140 USD apply, for accounts which support 25 currencies and which have options for card services, payments and extra perks.
HSBC Business: Business customers can work with FX specialists to manage business finances more efficiently across currencies.
| 💼 If you are looking to find the best GBP account for your business, this guide might help you: Best GBP Business Accounts in the US. |
Conclusion: Opening a GBP currency account in the US
Opening a GBP currency account in the US is possible with either a global bank or a specialist provider like Wise or Revolut. Accounts can often hold GBP alongside dozens of other currencies so you can manage your day to day finances more conveniently, including receiving payments in pounds and sending money to the UK.
GBP accounts from banks may be aimed at people who want to invest and save in pounds, or who need to make payments rather than spend with a card. If you’re thinking more of opening a GBP currency account in the US for travel use, or for day to day spending and payment services, a specialist provider like Wise or Revolut is a good choice.
Get your account set up with just your phone or laptop, to access GBP account details to receive payments, with a linked card for easy spending and withdrawals.
