Opening a UK Bank Account
There are a number of factors you should consider when choosing, and opening, a bank account or building society account as an international student in the UK.
Unfortunately, we cannot advise you on which account, and bank / building society, you should choose; however, there are a number of UK-based consumer websites which provide recommendations about accounts offered by UK banks.
UKCISA has a useful Student Banking blog which looks at whether you really need to open a UK bank account and what is involved in doing it.
How to open a bank account
In order to open an account, you will usually need:
- your passport;
- evidence of your UK address. For most banks, a letter from your School confirming your address can be used for this purpose;
- you may also need to show evidence of your immigration permission. Where this is required, most banks will accept the entry vignette in your passport if you have not yet collected your BRP, or the online verification status if you have an eVisa.
Typically, the application for a new account starts online, but if you’re unsure and you’re opening an account with a bank that has a branch locally, you can visit in person for assistance. Some of the online-only banks will require an application via a phone app.
Whilst the vast majority of students do not have any issues opening bank accounts in the UK, each prospective account holder is assessed by the individual bank on their application and being able to open an account is not guaranteed.
After you have opened a bank account
Once you have opened an account, you will be sent your debit card and your PIN separately.
The debit card will enable you to use contactless payments in shops, currently up to £100 though you will need to use your card with your PIN number the first time to activate it. Once activated, this will mean you do not need to enter your PIN or hand over your card for payments up to £100. You simply hold your card over the screen of the card payment machine. Alternatively, it is usually possible to set up your card on your mobile phone using the wallet function enabling contactless payments up to £100. For payments over £100, or if the contactless payment doesn’t work, you will need to insert your card into the machine and use your PIN. You will also need your PIN to withdraw money from cashpoints/ATMs.
Internet banking is common in the UK, and many, if not most, banks will offer an online banking option that is included with your account. With online banking you will often be able to use an app that will allow you manage money and payments all through an app. If this is unfamiliar to you, your chosen bank is likely to have information on their website about internet/online banking.
If you are under the age of 18
If you are under 18, you may need to follow a different process, and for certain banks, you may need to visit the branch in-person. You may also find that the type of account you can open will be different to students who are aged 18 or older.