The new online current account application is completely web-based, meaning that unlike in the past, customers no longer have to send identification through the post, Barclays says.
The bank has identified the fear of losing important documents in the post as one of the key reasons for the lack of online account take up and will be hoping the new system can address this fear.
The new process also allows customers to apply for an online overdraft as part of their application. The bank says that the application should take no longer than ten minutes including questions on whether a customer wants a cash or debit card.
