One of the first things International Students will do when they arrive in the UK is open a bank account. You will need your own UK bank account in order to set up a direct debit for your accommodation fees, pay bills, and deposit and transfer money.
Banking Terms
As an international student the world of UK banking can be overwhelming. For example words such as 'direct debit' (which is a payment out of a bank account arranged by the organisation which receives the money with the express agreement of the account holder), and 'standing order' (which is an instruction by a bank’s customer to the bank, to pay an amount of money regularly to another account), can be confusing.
You will need to learn the vocabulary of the bank to enable you to get the most out of your British Bank Account. Check out our vocabulary cards below to learn the lingo.
Simply click on the word below to hear it's audio description, then select 'Click to Flip' to learn the definition of the word. When you are confident in your understanding of the word press the arrow underneath to move on to the next one:
You will need to learn the vocabulary of the bank to enable you to get the most out of your British Bank Account. Check out our vocabulary cards below to learn the lingo.
Simply click on the word below to hear it's audio description, then select 'Click to Flip' to learn the definition of the word. When you are confident in your understanding of the word press the arrow underneath to move on to the next one:
Ready to Open a Bank Account?
Now that you've learned the vocabulary of British banking, you are ready to open your account. As an International Student you should be able to open a Basic Bank Account.
What is a Basic Bank Account?
A Basic Bank Account is a bank account that offers basic banking services. It can be used to pay in and take out money, but you cannot use it to get credit or an overdraft.
What is credit?
Credit is when the bank allows you access to money that is not yours, for an agreed period of time, on the condition that you will pay it back within a specified period. If you need access to credit you should speak to a bank about opening a standard ‘Current Account’ instead of a basic bank account. This may not be an option, but it is certainly worth asking what else may be available to you. Check out the British Bankers' Association Guide here for more information.
Evidence Required
In order to open a bank account in the UK you will need to prove your identity. You will also need to prove you have valid immigration permission to remain in the UK for the purpose of study.
Watch our 'Opening A UK Bank Account' video below to find out more about the different bank accounts available to you. The video will tell you exactly what documentation you will need in order to open a bank account, and where you can get that documentation from. Click the screen below to play the video:
What is a Basic Bank Account?
A Basic Bank Account is a bank account that offers basic banking services. It can be used to pay in and take out money, but you cannot use it to get credit or an overdraft.
What is credit?
Credit is when the bank allows you access to money that is not yours, for an agreed period of time, on the condition that you will pay it back within a specified period. If you need access to credit you should speak to a bank about opening a standard ‘Current Account’ instead of a basic bank account. This may not be an option, but it is certainly worth asking what else may be available to you. Check out the British Bankers' Association Guide here for more information.
Evidence Required
In order to open a bank account in the UK you will need to prove your identity. You will also need to prove you have valid immigration permission to remain in the UK for the purpose of study.
Watch our 'Opening A UK Bank Account' video below to find out more about the different bank accounts available to you. The video will tell you exactly what documentation you will need in order to open a bank account, and where you can get that documentation from. Click the screen below to play the video:
Some Top Tips...
- You may be able to find a bank account based on Sharia principles. Try a search online to find out which UK high street banks offer accounts and services that meet these principles.
- There are also a few specialist banks in the UK that operate in accordance with Sharia principles - try a search on Google and you should be able to find them online.
- Always let your bank know in writing, as soon as possible, if you change your address or any other personal details.
- If you are leaving the UK for a long break, e.g. returning home for summer, let your bank know as soon as you can - otherwise they might treat your account as 'dormant' and close it down.
All finished? Click the 'Next' button to find out more about your Visa requirements:
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