UK bank account

[LesleyA]

Please advise I am an online counsellor/therapist outside the UK wanting to offer online counselling to UK residents. I would like to be paid in pounds. How can I get a bank account so clients can pay me in pounds in that account. Thank you

You should probably ask a bank.

Is there a bank where you are that will let you open a currency account?

Revolut

I second Revolut.

Thank you, I must seem quite ignorant not having first thought that. Anymore thoughts would be appreciated. I’m wanting my clients in the UK to be able to pay at a bank known and convenient for them. Thank you Kate

Monzo, Starling

If you are in the EU the passporting of banking services is currently in doubt post transition period. You may find it harder than you expect as different EU countries will have different regulations and even in the same country some banks may choose not to offer those services.

What country are you in?

I don't know where you are based by my therapist uses a service called GoCardless and you can pay internationally via direct debit from your bank account. Would something like that, or indeed PayPal, work?

Transferwise is good but it isn't a bank account, but good for transferring money.

Look into Transferwise - it will allow you to be paid in most currencies and will minimise fees if you want to transfer your money into another currency. Have used it for years for occasional transfers between EUR and GBP. The sender will just see a 'normal' UK account number and sort code.

It has never (for a long time at any rate) been easy to open a UK bank account as a non-resident. 20 years ago when visiting six months prior to moving here I naively thought we could set up a bank acount in advance in order to transfer money here. "You could have a look at setting up an offshore account and change it later" was the only option I was offered.

PayPal?