Metro Bank launches ‘instant’ online current accounts

Metro Bank has announced the launch of its instant online current accounts.

For the first time, customers of the London-based bank can sign up and complete the process using their smartphones.

Metro Bank said people fill in their personal information, upload identification documents, include a selfie and receive account details once the application is finished.

Cards are delivered by first-class post and typically arrive within two working days.

The CEO at Metro Bank, Craig Donaldson, said: “We promised to revolutionise UK banking and today we’re bringing our revolution nationwide, with the launch of our online current account opening platform.

“Now wherever customers are, they can experience the great service and convenience that everyone’s been talking about.”

He continued: “When it comes to physical versus digital, it’s not either or; customers should be able to benefit from the best of both worlds. Opening an account from the convenience of your own home, then being able to use the account straight away, with a card ready to be printed in your local store, is a great example of the seamless integration of bricks and clicks.”

Speaking further, Mr Donaldson said the vast majority (92%) of people now want the choice of banking “however, wherever and whenever they choose”.

He added: “We’re continuing to invest across all our channels, whether that’s our physical stores on the high street, the great tech that sits behind our app and internet banking, or our telephony systems that mean customers get through to a colleague straight away. Welcome to the banking revolution.”

Metro Bank is continuing to invest in its physical as well as digital footprint. The company expects to operate across 110 branches by 2020.