opening a UK bank account

Once you have fully enrolled, attended your induction and International Check-in, you can open a UK bank account.

On this page you'll find some advice and steps to follow before you open your account.

1. Choose your bank

Do your research online and see which banks offer the best deal for you. It’s worth checking they offer a student account, as these can include some generous deals. You can also walk in to a high street bank and speak to someone for more information and advice.

If you are studying for 12 months or more there will be lots of banks to choose from. If your course is less than 12 months there may be fewer options. There are also convenient ways to open an online bank account when you arrive in the UK.

Watch this video to find out how to open a bank account when you arrive in the UK

2. Ensure you have the right documents

Once you have chosen a bank they will advise which documents you will need to open an account. You will normally need to provide:

  • Your passport
  • A document confirming your UK address (for example a contract for your accommodation). Please use your accommodation address, not the Leeds Beckett University address (personal mail sent to the university will not be redirected to you). 
  • A letter from Leeds Beckett University confirming that you are a student, you can request this bank letter from our Student Advice team via the button below

The bank may also require information about your bank account in your home country and proof of your home country address. Please note that your passport will not be accepted as proof of your overseas home address by the bank.

3. Book an appointment

UK banks will often require you to book an appointment to open a bank account. They can get quite busy at the start of term, so we recommend you make an appointment as soon as you can.

4. Check the terms and open your account

Many international students find that banks do not provide them with an overdraft or loan facilities and will not issue credit or cheque guarantee cards to them. You may also be charged substantial fees for transferring one currency into another.

Make sure that your account offers the facility for a tax refund on interest paid to you as an international student.

If you are transferring money to the UK by banker’s draft, it is strongly recommended that it is made out in pounds sterling. A draft in another country’s currency can take three to four weeks to clear, leaving you without financial support in that period of time.

It may take 10–15 days before your new bank account is fully operational with a printed cheque book, cash card and personal identification number (PIN).

5. Keep check of your account

Once you have opened a bank account you will receive monthly bank statements. Keep these in a safe place because you will need them in future to support applications to the Home Office for an extension of stay in the UK.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

A.

All major banks and some foreign banks are represented in Leeds, and you can open a suitable account at a building society or Post Office. Choose a branch near your place of study.

We cannot recommend which bank to use, but you should find out what services different banks offer and compare them before you open an account. The benefits and costs may vary considerably from one bank to another, so try to find the best deal for you! Ask to speak to the bank’s student adviser and obtain some written information to take away and read. Lloyds TSB and Santander are also present at City Campus during the Freshers Festival to help you set up an international student account if you wish.

The British Banking Association have also provided a useful guide to opening an International student bank account, which you can access through the UKCISA website.

A.

If you require a letter from the university to open a student bank account, you can visit our Official Letters page for more information and to request a bank letter.

A.

If you feel like you need to discuss your financial situation with someone, our Money Advice team will be able to assist. You can also talk to the Students' Union or seek advice from the UKCISA guideline on 'Financial Hardship'.

A.

You may also use an internationally acceptable credit card for many payments. If you are enrolling on a course that lasts for six months or less, you may have difficulty in opening an account in the UK. You are strongly advised to contact your local branch in your home country to find out what cards would be best for you to bring with you.

A.

Students bringing with them large amounts of US dollars may be able to open a dollar account, changing them into pounds sterling when the exchange rate is favourable.

get the support you need

We know that coming to university this year is more challenging than ever before. Looking after your emotional and mental wellbeing is so important. We are here for you - please get in touch with our friendly Global Village support team, and they will be able to get you the help you need. 

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