Opening a UK bank account
Source: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/international/money/bank-account Parent: https://student.sussex.ac.uk/international/visas
See the options available for bank accounts in the United Kingdom so you can manage your money effectively and easily transfer funds from home.
Why open a UK bank account?
There are many reasons to open a UK bank account.
- It is safer not to carry lots of cash with you. It is best to safely deposit this in a bank account.
- You won’t be paying a currency conversion fee every time you spend money.
- If you are using a non-UK bank card you will be charged every time you withdraw money from cash machines (also known as ATMs).
- If you get a part-time job in the UK your employer will want to pay your money directly into a UK account.
- You cannot set up direct debits from an overseas account. From a UK account you can pay your phone bill, subscriptions such as Netflix or Spotify and even your University fees. If you’re here for less than a year, there may be restrictions.
- If you are applying to extend your student visa you may be required to send bank statements to the Home Office. Having these in pounds sterling from a UK bank account will be easier.
- If you are being financially sponsored, it will not be possible to cash a banker’s draft or cheque in the UK unless you have a UK bank account.
How to open a UK bank account
There are different processes for opening up a bank account in the UK.
It helps to plan ahead – there are often long waiting times to open some accounts at the beginning of the academic year.
Some banks and app-based accounts allow you to complete the process before you arrive (see below).
Other banks, such as Barclays, let you register your interest and then complete the process online.
You may need to request a bank letter from us once you’ve started our online registration process.
Types of UK bank account
The bank accounts available to you will depend on the length of your course.
These bank accounts are available if you’re studying for fewer than six months.
### HSBC
You may be able to open an account. Contact HSBC to discuss your course and future UK study plans.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport (with valid visa if applicable) or proof of immigration status or EU national identity card
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter
You may also need a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or equivalent, such as a social security number.
See a guide by HSBC [PDF, 472KB] to help you get started.
### Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Bank may allow you to open a Classic Account. Contact Lloyds to discuss your course and future UK study plans.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: current passport or EU national identity card, and visa if you have one
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
### Metro Bank
This bank offers a Cash Account. You must have at least six months remaining on your visa.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport (with valid visa if applicable) or proof of immigration status or EU national identity card
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
### Monzo
The app-based bank Monzo offers the same services to everyone, regardless of your length of stay.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport (with valid visa if applicable) or proof of immigration status or EU national identity card – you’ll take a picture of your ID through the Monzo app
- Selfie video to confirm your identity
### Santander
This bank offers a Basic Account. Contact Santander to discuss how to apply for this account.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport (with valid visa if applicable) or proof of immigration status or EU national identity card
- a University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
You can watch a short YouTube video by Santander to help you get started (open YouTube video in new tab).
Find a Santander branch. - Six months to one year
Look at these bank accounts if you’re at Sussex for between six months and a year.
### Bank of China
You can open a Student Prime Account from within China or once you’re in the UK.
Complete the online application form on the bank’s website and collect your debit card from a branch in London once you arrive in the UK.
You must have at least six months remaining on your visa.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: current passport or EU national identity card, and visa if you have one
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
### Barclays
You can open a Basic Current Account. You must start the application online first.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: current passport or EU national identity card, and visa if you have one
- Your Barclays online application reference number
- Proof of address – this cannot be a University letter so contact us for alternative acceptable verifications.
### HSBC
You may be able to open an account. Contact HSBC to discuss your course and future UK study plans.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport (with valid visa if applicable) or proof of immigration status or EU national identity card
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter
You may also need a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or equivalent, such as a social security number.
See a guide by HSBC [PDF, 472KB] to help you get started.
### Lloyds Bank
You can open a Classic Account. Start your application online and you’ll be invited to bring your documents to a branch.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: current passport or EU national identity card, and visa if you have one
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
### Metro Bank
This bank offers a Cash Account. You must have at least six months remaining on your visa.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport (with valid visa if applicable) or proof of immigration status or EU national identity card
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
### Monzo
The app-based bank Monzo offers the same services to everyone, regardless of your length of stay.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport (with valid visa if applicable) or proof of immigration status or EU national identity card – you’ll take a picture of your ID through the Monzo app
- Selfie video to confirm your identity
### Santander
This bank offers a Basic Account. Contact Santander to discuss how to apply for this account.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport (with valid visa if applicable) or proof of immigration status or EU national identity card
- a University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
You can watch a short YouTube video by Santander to help you get started (open YouTube video in new tab).
Find a Santander branch. - One year or longer
These bank accounts are available if you’re:
- on a postgraduate course for at least one year
- an undergraduate studying at Sussex for at least two years.
### Bank of China
You can open a Student Prime Account from within China or once you’re in the UK.
Complete the online application form on the bank’s website and collect your debit card from a branch in London once you arrive in the UK.
You must have at least six months remaining on your visa.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: current passport or EU national identity card, and visa if you have one
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
### Barclays
You can open a Student Additions Account using the Barclays Mobile App. You’ll need to apply from your current UK residential address and you’ll need a UK mobile or phone number. If you are asked to visit a branch you will be directed to do so during the application process.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: current passport or EU national identity card, and visa if you have one
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
- If you have it – a 16 digit code emailed to you by UCAS (if you have misplaced this email please contact UCAS who will re issue it in 24 hours)
You can start the process to open a student bank account online. Barclays aims to get students set up with a Barclays account using the Barclays Mobile App. If this is not possible for you, call Barclays on 0345 734 5345 to discuss your individual needs.
### HSBC
If your home country or territory is included in this list of international banking centres [PDF 3.5MB], you can open a new account before leaving home. It will be set up when you arrive and, once you have provided documents, you can start using it in a few days. Contact your International Banking Centre to get started.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport or EU national identity card, and visa if you have one
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
You may also need to provide a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or equivalent (for example, social security number).
See a guide by HSBC [PDF, 472KB] to help you get started.
### Lloyds Bank
You can open a Classic Account. Start your application online and you’ll be invited to bring your documents to a branch.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: current passport or EU national identity card, and visa if you have one
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
### Metro Bank
This bank offers a Cash Account. You must have at least six months remaining on your visa.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport (with valid visa if applicable) or proof of immigration status or EU national identity card
- University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
### Monzo
The app-based bank Monzo offers the same services to everyone, regardless of your length of stay.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport (with valid visa if applicable) or proof of immigration status or EU national identity card – you’ll take a picture of your ID through the Monzo app
- Selfie video to confirm your identity
### Santander
You can open an Essentials Current Account. You can do all this online by uploading the required documents.
#### Documents you need
- Proof of identity: passport (with valid visa if applicable) or proof of immigration status or EU national identity card
- a University letter with your term-time address – see how to request a bank letter.
You can watch a short YouTube video by Santander to help you get started (open YouTube video in new tab).
Sharia banking
Some banks in the UK offer Sharia-compliant accounts for those who wish to bank according to Islamic principles. These accounts will not pay or charge any interest or provide any credit or overdraft facilities. Any money held in a Sharia-compliant account will not be used to invest in goods or services prohibited under Islamic law, such as gambling or alcohol. These accounts are available to both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Al Rayan is the largest wholly Sharia-compliant bank in Britain. The closest branches to Brighton are in London.
Getting credit
As an international student, you may not be able to get credit (borrow money) – also known as having an overdraft.
Transferring money to the UK
Read our advice on how to receive money from overseas.
If you expect to regularly receive international transfers, you may wish to consider accounts offered by Santander, which does not charge a fee unlike many other banks.
Spending money abroad
If you’re travelling outside of the UK, don’t carry large amounts of cash. You can use most UK bank cards abroad, but check any additional charges and take into account the cost of currency exchange. Some bank accounts such as Monzo allow charge-free cash withdrawals of up to £200 per month if you are travelling in the EU.
Exchanging currency
The Post Office in Bramber House is the only place on campus where you can exchange currency, however it only accepts US dollars and euros.
Most banks provide a currency exchange service but the commission rate varies.
Frauds and scams
There is a danger that your bank account may be targeted for criminal activity which involves moving money between accounts.
Watch out for fraudulent activity as students have been targeted by organised crime groups for money laundering operations.