Opening a UK bank account

You will normally be required to show all of the following original documents (except for Santander on campus - see below) before a bank account can be opened:

  • Your passport or ID card as proof of identity
  • Your unconditional offer letter showing your overseas address
  • Your University accommodation offer letter (or private accommodation contract) showing your UK address

Letter of Introduction

If you do not have your original unconditional offer letter or University accommodation offer letter, you can apply to the University for a Letter of Introduction to a bank. It is important that you open your bank account at the branch specified on your letter.

Apply for a Letter of Introduction using your e:Vision account and collect it from The Student Hub, Market Square, bringing photographic identification such as your passport or University Card with you.

Bank accounts

Note: this is not a full list of banks available and we don't recommend any bank in particular. Check details of exactly what services you will get before opening your account.

Santander Basic Current Account

  • Apply in branch on campus located at Market Square (above Nisa)
  • Usually just need your passport or national identity card and your Uni card to open an account
  • Accepts students who have visas valid for less than six months

Santander York University
Unit 7, Upper Ground Floor, Market Square,
Heslington, York, YO10 5DD
Telephone: 0551 1482090

 HSBC Bank Account

  • Bank account

HSBC
13, Parliament Street, York, YO1 8XS
Tel: 03457 404404

 Unizest

  • Account name - Aspire account 
  • Online account
  • Easily set up before coming to the UK
  • Endorsed by UKCISA
 Online Operated
www.unizest.co.uk
Twitter: @Uni-Zest

 Yorkshire Bank Readycash Account

  • Basic bank account

Yorkshire Bank
46 Coney Street, York, YO1 9NQ
Tel: 0800 678 3380

 Lloyds TSB Classic account

  • Your visa must be valid for a minimum of two years
 Lloyds TSB
2 Pavement, York, YO1 9LB
Tel: 08453 000000
Natwest Student Account Natwest
1 Market Street, York, YO1 8SR
Tel: 08457 888444

Barclays Bank

  • Must be studying on an undergraduate programme at least 2yrs in length or postgraduate for 1yr or more

Barclays
1-3 Parliament Street, York, YO1 8SE
Tel: 0345 734 5345
RBS Student Account
  • Your visa must be valid for a minimum of two years
 RBS
6 Nessgate, York, YO1 9FY
Tel: 01904 642961

Delays opening a UK bank account

In case there is a delay in opening a UK bank account you should bring enough money (Sterling) in cash and traveller’s cheques to last one to two weeks. If possible, bring a credit and/or debit card. Do not carry large amounts of cash or keep large amounts of cash in your accommodation.

Email deceptions

You should never respond to emails asking for your bank details - even if it seems to come from your own bank.