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Posted March 14, 2013

Opening an International Student Bank Account

One of the top priorities for any international students coming to the UK to study will be opening a bank account. Different banks have different policies, so before you do anything make you check individual terms and conditions with each company.

In order to open an international student bank account you will require :

  • A university bank letter (for this you will need to go to the university in person with your passport)
  • Proof of address
  • Passport

If the bank you wish to open an account with does not have a specific international student account, you may be able to open an ordinary student account. Here is an overview of what some of the main banks are offering to international students.

Barclays International Student Account Account Name: iBank Student Fees: First three months of the account are free, after which you will pay £5 per moth Online Banking: Yes Freebies: Specialist mobile tariffs with Three, where you can choose 30 day rolling contracts or SIM only.

For more information visit the Barclays website ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ HSBC International Student Account Account Name: HSBC Passport Bank Account Fees: Monthly fee of £8 Online Banking: Yes Freebies: London pocket guide, and British pocket guide. 25% off Lonely Planet Guides. Telephone relocation advice line which offers 24hr support.

For more information visit the HSBC Website ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NatWest International Student Account Account Name: Advantage Blue International – Student Option Fees: Monthly fee of £6.95 Online Banking: Yes Freebies: Mobile phone insurance, covering accidental damage, theft, accidental calls and more. Gadget cover that provides coverage up to a total of £500 for mp3s etc. SIM card for Orange, which has international calls for as little as 5 pence per minute.

For more information visit the NatWest website Have you got any advice to share with fellow international postgraduate students on how to successfully open a student bank account?
 

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