If you are an international student new to the UK you are advised to open a bank account in the UK.
This is the safest and most effective way of managing your money. If you intend to take up part-time employment you will find that your employer will want to pay your salary into a UK account.
Basic bank account
This should allow you to pay in and take out money and you are normally provided with a cash-point (ATM) card or debit card to enable you to draw money out. Basic accounts do not offer any form of credit, so you will not be given an overdraft facility or credit card.
You should be able to open a basic account with any of the main UK banks without making a payment or with a minimum of £1. However, you may be offered a more flexible account if you are able to pay in a substantial amount.
There are several useful websites you can visit that will give you information on the types of account that are available to you. It is worth doing some research as you might find that some banks will be more flexible with the type of account they will offer you or the proof of identity that is required.
You will need to find out if the bank will offer you any of the following:
- A cash card
- A debit card
- An overdraft facility
- Regular statements
- Telephone banking
- Internet banking
You should also check whether:
- money can be transferred from abroad
- you are able to make direct debit payments
- Any outstanding balance at the end of your studies can be transferred back to your bank in your own country, if required
- there are any account charges and if so, how much?
When you have this information you can make a decision about which bank you would like to open an account with. Most of the main UK banks have a local branch within 15 minutes walking distance from St Mary's.
Proof of identity
You will need some or all of the following documents (depending on the bank requirements) to be able to open an account:
- Your passport, with student visa if appropriate
- Your national photo ID card if you are from an EU country
- A letter of introduction from St Mary's, giving details of your course and confirming your overseas and UK address. You can request this from the e:Vision Portal.
- A copy of your rental agreement
- Utility bills (gas, electricity, phone etc) with your name on it
Please ensure you take all the necessary documentation with you when you go to open an account.
You may need to wait for 2 weeks or more before your account is fully functional so you will need to ensure that you have enough cash or travellers cheques to last you until your account is set up.
Direct debit payments
If you set up a direct debit with St Mary's in order to pay tuition fees or accommodation fees, you must ensure that you have enough money in your account on the agreed payment dates.
If the direct debit amount is more than the money you have in your account, the bank will refuse to make the payment and will charge you about £30 - £40 every time the payment is declined. St Mary's will also charge you for declined payments.
Local Banks
Please see the list below of some of the main banks which are located in Twickenham, close to St Mary's. There are also branches in Teddington, Kingston & Richmond which are also close to the University. You may also wish to consider using an online bank, such as Monzo or Revolut.
Barclays Bank plc
- 2 York Street, Twickenham, Middlesex
- Telephone: +44 (0) 845 755 5555
HSBC plc
- 2 London Road, Twickenham, Middlesex
- Telephone: +44 (0) 845 740 4404
Lloyds TSB
- 17 Heath Road, Twickenham, Middlesex
- Telephone: +44 (0) 845 300 0000
NatWest plc
- 25 King Street, Twickenham, Middlesex
- Telephone: +44 (0) 845 610 1202
Santander
- 1 King Street, Twickenham, Middlesex
- Telephone: +44 (0) 845 765 4321
Useful websites