Student banking

How to open a bank account

Most UK banks require you to apply online.

Once you've made your online application, your new bank will give you further instructions on the account opening process. 

You must provide your chosen bank with:

1. A bank letter. The easiest way to get one of these is using the Student Document Self Serve (student login required).
2. A valid form of identification (eg passport, driving licence, national ID)
3. Proof of your eVisa or Biometric Residence Permit (international students only)

When you've received your bank letter, you should book an appointment with your new bank. You can usually do this via its website.

Most banks offer free account opening but there may be charges for some services. Make sure you read its information before opening your account.

We can't recommend any specific bank account to you. Individual banks have different features and incentives which may help you decide, such as overdrafts, free railcards or gift cards.

Some banks don’t provide bank accounts to students on short courses (eg ELTC courses).

Bank letters

Bank letters can only be requested once you have completed online registration: 

• New students: Once you have attended any registration events and received your student card, this will mean you are registered.
• Continuing students: You can check if you are registered by logging into MUSE and going to 'Online Registration for Continuing Students'. 

Your bank letter should include:

• The address of your bank
• Your name (as it appears on your passport)
• Your registration number
• Your date of birth
• Your registration status
• Your term time address
• Your home address
• The date you were first registered
• Your expected date of completion
• Your faculty
• Your school
• Your degree
• Your year of study
• Official stamp of the institution

You must make sure your home and term-time addresses are correct on your student record before requesting your bank letter.

View/change your address (student login required)

There are two ways you can get a bank letter to help you open a bank account, either through Student Document Self Serve or by visiting SSID in the Students' Union.

Self-serve

You can generate your letter electronically using our Student Document Self Serve.

Some banks may need you to print a copy of your letter to present at its office.  

The bank letter will confirm: 

• your address
• course details
• that you’ve registered as a student at the University.

You need to decide which bank you wish to open an account with, as the banks require us to address letters directly to them.

You must check that your address details on MUSE are correct before generating your letter, as the bank needs these details. Banks will not accept letters if your address is inaccurate or incomplete.

If the room number of your student accommodation is not on your Student Record, banks will not accept your letters.

Generate a bank letter

Visit SSiD 

You can request your letter in person at SSiD on Level 3 of the Student’s Union building.

Problems opening a bank account

If you’re experiencing difficulties opening a bank account, we advise that you speak to the bank directly for assistance.

Our bank letters are in a set format, and it's not possible for us to edit the format of the letter, or to include additional information that is not listed above. If a bank rejects your documentation, we advise you to apply to a different bank.

Types of bank account

Current account

A current account is the most common type of bank account. It will allow you to withdraw cash immediately and pay for goods using a debit card.

Student account

A student account is the same as a current account, but with special terms and incentives for students (eg an interest-free overdraft).

Basic bank account

Some banks have a Basic Bank Account, which is roughly equivalent to a student account but with no credit/overdraft facilities.

Overdrafts

You may be offered an overdraft when you open your account. This means you can still withdraw money from your account up to a specified limit if your balance goes below zero.

Overdraft facilities and conditions will differ between banks. Your chosen bank can provide you with specific information regarding setting up an overdraft.