Can I Open a Bank Account in the UK?

Can I Open a Bank Account in the UK?

Opening a UK Bank Account

Can I open a bank account in the UK?

In most cases international students will only be able to open an account that offers basic banking facilities. The type of documentation you will need to provide to open an account varies from bank to bank; you will therefore need to take this into consideration when choosing a bank.

How do I choose which bank is best for me?

Before deciding which bank you want to use, you should compare what services they can offer you and what charges they will apply. You could also ask your bank at home if they have a special agreement with a bank in the UK.

What should I ask the bank?

Here are some of the questions you may want to ask the bank when you enquire about their accounts:

  • Which documents do I need to open an account?
  • Will the bank charge me a monthly fee for the account?
  • Do I need to deposit a specific amount of money when I open the account?
  • What sort of card will I get – cash (ATM) card or debit card
  • What services does the account offer? (direct debits, standing orders, cheque book etc)
  • How long does it take to open the account?
  • Do you send bank statements every month? (Please see important note below)
  • Does the account comply with Shariah Law? (only if you wish to opt for an account which complies with these Muslim principles).

What do I need to open an account?

Requirements may vary from bank to bank, so check with the bank what they will need from you. As a general guide, this is what you will be required to provide:

  • Your passport with your valid student visa or valid biometric ID card (banks are required to check that you have a valid visa for the UK).
  • EU students will need to check if a national photo ID card will be sufficient.
  • A letter from NTU confirming your course details and UK and overseas addresses (also called: “Letter of Introduction for UK Banking Facilities”). You will need to request this letter from your School Office once you have decided which bank you will use.

IMPORTANT: Bank Statements

Most banks will send you this document by post every month. It includes details of all the transactions for your account. They are important and you should keep them as they will be required for visa applicationsor as proof of address. Online statements may not be accepted for visa applications, so it is better not to choose this option if offered. Most banks can send you duplicates, but it can take several weeks to receive them and you may be charged for them. International students are advised to ensure their bank can send regular bank statements.

What else I should know about bank accounts?

Once you have opened your account, remember the following:

  • Always remember to tell the bank if you change your address.

• It is important to keep your bank statements. Youwill need these if you have to extend yourvisa. Most banks chargefor duplicate statements and it may takeseveral weeks for you to receive them.

• Keep your personal details and account details somewhere safe, to prevent someone else using youraccount or “stealing your identity”. Moreinformation about this is available at

Banking Terms:

Cash CardA cash card enables you to withdraw money from an ATM/cashpoint.

Cheque Book You can use a cheque to pay for some goods and services. You will usually need a cheque guarantee card when you pay by cheque.

Debit CardYou can use a debit card to pay for goods and services. Debit cards are accepted in nearly all places, including for online payments. Debit cards can also be used in ATMs and are usually used as cheque guarantee cards too.

Standing OrderThis is where you instruct the bank to make regular payments on your behalf (e.g. paying your rent to your landlord)

Direct DebitThis is where you sign an agreement for a company to directly debit your account, usually on a monthly basis. This is often used to pay utility and phone bills.

OverdraftThis facility allows you to spend more money than you have in your account. The bank will usually charge you interest if this happens and sometimes other fees as well. Check with them before you use this facility as it can be very expensive.

InterestA charge for borrowing money, or a reward for saving money. It is usually shown as a percentage of the money borrowed or saved.

Where can I get further information?

Visit the nearest branch of the bank for further information about the accounts they offer and how to open an account. You can also find information about their products online:

Name of Bank / Accounts available / Cost of Account / Account
facilities / Cost of money transfers abroad / Address of local branches / Website for more details
Halifax / Easycash Account / No monthly fee / Visa electron card
online, mobile and telephone banking / Per transfer £19.50
or £9.50 online / 7 – 11 Milton Street Nottingham NG1 3EP
1 St Peters Square Nottingham NG1 2NW /
HSBC / Basic Bank Account / No monthly fee / Debit card
online, mobile and telephone banking
Mobile Apps / Varies / 26 Clumber Street
NG1 3GA
19/21 Lister Gate Nottingham NG1 7DE /
Lloyds / Cash Account
Classic Account
Islamic Account / No monthly fee / Debit card, Direct debits
online mobile and telephone banking / Per transfer £20 / 12-16 Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 3DA
Market Square House Old Market Square Nottingham NG1 6FD / Cash Account:
Classic Account:
Islamic Account:
Natwest / Basic Account
Select Silver Account / Basic – no monthly fee
Select Silver Account - £10 per month / Debit card, direct debits
online mobile and telephone banking / Varies / 148 - 149 Victoria Centre Nottingham NG1 3QT
16 South Parade
Nottingham NG1 2JX / Basic Account:
Select Silver Account:
Santander / Basic Account
International Student Current Account / Basic Account – no monthly fee
International Student Current Account - £5 per month / Cash card/Debit card
direct debits
online, mobile and telephone banking / Per transfer - £25 / Student Support Services Newton Building
Burton Street Nottingham NG1 4BU / Basic Account:
International Student Current Account

TSB / Cash Account
Classic Account
Islamic Account / No monthly fee / Debit card
Internet and telephone banking / Varies / 11 Low Pavement Nottingham NG1 7DQ
7 Beast Market Hill Nottingham NG1 6FB / Cash Account:
Classic Account:
Islamic Account:
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