Get ready for university the right way!

With so many new expenses, a student bank account can help you budget, and plan your student days. This is why it’s so important to choose a student bank account that suits your needs.

What is a Student Bank Account?

A student bank account is an ideal way for university students to save money, pay rent, take care of tuition fees or manage other daily expenses; allowing you to access your money easily with great additional benefits such as freebies and interest-free overdrafts!

When Can You Apply for a Student Bank Account?

As soon as you receive your offer letter from UCAS (depending on your chosen bank or building society) you should be eligible to open a student bank account.

It is recommended to have this in place as soon as possible, as opening an account can take a couple of weeks to process.

As most banks offer interest-free overdrafts on student bank accounts, It’s important to consider that the UK Law doesn’t allow under 18’s to get an overdraft. Should you open a student account before you’re 18, you can apply for an overdraft once you turn 18.

What Documents Do You Need To Open a Student Bank Account?

UK students are required to present:

1. One of two forms of a photo ID
2. Proof of address
3. Proof of student status e.g. acceptance letter or UCAS offer letter

Once your account is open, update your Student Finance body and inform them of your new bank account details.

International students are required to present:

1. An in date passport
2. A valid visa
3. A bank statement from your home bank, from the past three months
4. Proof of address in the UK or abroad
5. Student ID or an acceptance letter from your university.

Most banks support online applications but ensure to double-check the type of account you are opening is an international student bank account as opposed to a UK student bank account; as these accounts require more documentation.

What is Digital Banking

Digital banks are a great way to manage your banking solely via mobile as opposed to branches.

Students use this to easily keep track of their incomings and outgoings however, Monzo and Starling both don’t offer a specific student account providing a disadvantage to those offering a student account with benefits.

Can You Have More Than One Student Bank Account?

This is a common question among students. Whilst it’s usually not possible to open more than one student bank account, you can open a new current account for everyday spending. An example of banks who charge no monthly fee to maintain are:

• Santander Everyday Current Account
• TSB Spend and Save
• Barclays Bank Account
• Starling Bank Current Account

What is a UCAS Status Code?

Once UCAS receives your application, they create a personal status code which is sent via email and allows banks to confirm your entitlement to student bank accounts. This is beneficial as it will speed up the process of opening your student bank account by confirming you are an eligible student applying. Remember, each code given by UCAS is unique to each applicant and it is strictly not to be shared with others.

How Do you find your UCAS student code?

You can find your UCAS student code once you have submitted your application to UCAS and it is approved. UCAS will then give you your unique 16 digit code which can be accessed through your UCAS track online portal where it should ask you if you are opening a student bank account.

Once UCAS receives your application, they create a personal status code which is sent via email and allows banks to confirm your entitlement to student bank accounts.

Are Student Accounts Credit Checked?

As with most bank account setups, you will be credit checked, and this could be especially difficult for students as you could potentially hold less data for banks to review.

This could impact a student’s opportunity to open a student bank account however, there are many ways to increase your credit score.

You can invest in a student credit card which can be a great way to cover unexpected expenses and build a good credit history. Banks such as HSBC offer this service.

Can I Switch My Student Bank Account?

The answer is yes! You can switch student accounts. As most providers offering student accounts are part of the Current Account Switch Service (CASS), the process of switching your existing bank account is an easy transition!

However, you must ensure you check to see if the bank account you switch to has a matching overdraft limit as this isn’t transferable. Below are examples of banks that offer a switch:

• Santander – Switch at any point during your studies
• HSBC – Only first year students can switch

Which Bank Accounts Should International Students Use?

If you’re planning to study in the UK and are looking to secure your student bank account, some banks offer the opportunity to set up a bank account before you arrive.

It may be worthwhile to check with your current bank provider if they are linked to UK banks, as you will already be on their customer database to make the process smoother.

Below are some of the best international student bank accounts for 2021, taking into account the fees.

What Happens to My Student Bank Account When I Graduate?

It’s important to consider what will happen to your student bank account after you graduate. For example, if you have an overdraft, when do you need to pay this back? What is the interest rate?

Once you graduate, there is the option to switch to a graduate bank account. If you already hold a student account, you’re instantly able to convert to a graduate account once you finish university.

There is also no need to stick to the same bank if you find a better option!

Why Should You Care

Setting up your student bank account will make managing your money a whole lot easier leaving you more time to enjoy your life at university!