Opening a bank account in the UK

Opening a bank account in a new country is not always straightforward as different banks have different policies and conditions. However, most international students should be allowed to open what is called a ‘basic bank account’. Please note that international students on a course at the University for less than six months may not be able to open a bank account.

You should assume that it will take at least two weeks to open a bank account, so you should ensure that you have access to the money that you will need during this period.

What do I need to do before I open a UK bank account?

Before you can open a bank account in the UK you will need to have:

• Completed your enrollment and paid at least 50% of the year's tuition fee
• That your correct home address (in your home country) is stored on the University's Student Records System (RISIS)
• Registered in University accommodation or, if you live in private accommodation, have updated your address details on the RISIS web portal.

Please be aware that once you have registered in university accommodation it can take up to 24 hours for your new contact information to be updated in RISIS.

What do I need to open a bank account?

Common requirements to open a bank account:

• Over 18 in age
• Have a UK residential address
• Have a valid Passport with visa (BRP)
• A letter of introduction for UK banking facilities from the University. This must include your name, course details, dates, name, contact number, UK home address, and home country address

Bank Letter: You can print the bank letter very easily from your self-service RISIS portal.

You can use the computers in the library to log into the RISIS Web Portal, download, and print out the letter. When printing the letter, you will need to select the bank you want to open the account with. This is important because the bank will only accept the letter if it is addressed to them. If a bank is not on the list, please visit the Student Service Reception in Carrington Building where they can write you a letter for your chosen bank.

To open a bank account, you can go directly to the branch to see if they are able to open an account for you on that day. If they are unable to do so they will book you in for an appointment. Most banks will also allow you to apply online.

Tips on banking in the UK

• If you want a bank account based on Sharia principles, check banks' websites and publicity materials. Some mainstream banks offer accounts and services that meet these principles and there are also a few specialist banks that operate in accordance with them.
• You might be able to prevent tax being deducted from your interest - ask your bank or building society for the form R105 when you open your bank account.
• Once you have opened a bank account in the UK, always let your bank know in writing and as soon as possible if you change your address.
• If you are leaving the UK for a long break - for example over summer - let your bank know, otherwise they might treat your account as 'dormant' and close it.
• Most banks offer an environmentally friendly 'green' option where you do not receive any paper statements by post. However, if you extend your stay in the UK, you will need to collate evidence that you have enough money to pay for your living costs (and your tuition fees, if it is a Tier 4 extension). The easiest way to meet these requirements is with postal statements from a UK bank account provider.
• Make sure your bank knows that you want statements by post, and keep all your bank statements. The paper statements may come in handy when required for extending your visa.
• Always sign the back of your bank cards as soon as you receive them.
• Memorise the pin number and dispose of the letter carefully/change the number to something else. Use different passwords and pins for different accounts and be very cautious when using public computers.
• Check your bank and credit-card statements regularly for unfamiliar transactions; this will also maintain effective money management.

Every bank has different requirements, offers, and fees. It is best to do some research first and find an account that works best for you. Below are some accounts that banks have suggested for international students.