Setting-up a Bank Account

UK banks are able to open accounts for international students However, as they need to collect certain information from you to meet UK government financial rules we have explained the steps you will need to follow below. Remember that if you plan to bring money into the UK you must declare any cash of £10,000 or more (or its equivalent in other currencies) to customs officers. The banks will make a distinction between UK students; International students with 3 years of address history in the UK; and new-to-the-UK international students. There are differences in the types of documentation required for each type of student, and the types of accounts you can open with the bank.

You will need a UK bank account in order to:

Have a contract (non pay-as-you-go) for a UK mobile phone

Pay your bills! Most utility companies (and letting agencies) will expect you to set up a standing order from a UK bank account

Receive scholarships and salary payments for part-time and vacation work

For most banks, you will need some or all of the following documents to open an bank account as an international student:

An in-date passport

A valid visa

Student Enrolment certificate which must have your full student address and postcode, be dated within the last 4 months, as well as being signed and stamped by your College. Please be advised that the requirements from local banks about the enrolment certificate will differ, and some local banks will not accept the enrolment certificate for new-to-the-UK students.

A bank statement from your home bank, from the past 3 months. If you are living in College, and have not lived in the UK for 3 years prior to your degree, some banks (like NatWest and Barclays) will require you to contact the bank in your home country to update your address details to your UK address, and request for your statements to be sent to that address. These will then be accepted as proof of address. Both NatWest and Barclays will accept bespoke letters from your College on lettered paper and addressed to the bank, confirming that you live in University-owned accommodation. Neither bank will accept the enrolment certificate.

For all banks you will need a UK mobile number to open an account online or via their app. You can buy a pay-as-you-go sim card with cash at any mobile phone store. Accounts are opened fully online at all the local banks, including the scanning of your documentation.

Banks may require students living in-college or University accommodation to obtain a signed and stamped letter from their college office confirming that their address is owned by the college or University. Students living in private accommodation may need to show utility bills