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For most international students, opening a UK bank account is essential. We've put together guidance on choosing and opening a bank account, including advice on how to prove your identity. You should also read the advice provided by UKCISA:
In case there is a delay in opening a UK bank account, you should bring enough money (Sterling) in cash (nothing greater than £20 notes) and traveller’s cheques to last one to two weeks. If possible, bring a credit and/or debit card. Do not carry or keep large amounts of cash in your accommodation.
Documents
You will normally be required to show all of the following original documents 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 Letter of Introduction, which should include your UK address / Your University Accommodation Contract (or private accommodation contract) - showing your UK address
Your BRP*
Documents
Normally, you begin the application process online. The bank will then ask you to provide electronic copies of your documents or to visit the branch to provide your proof of identity and complete the application process.
*If your BRP has been delayed due to UKVI production issues, Barclays and Santander will accept your application without a BRP. You will need, in addition to the other documents listed above, a Confirmation of Study letter that includes your residential address in York. This can be requested through e:vision.
Documents
*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 print it using any of the photocopier/printing machines around campus, including in the Library.
Choosing a bank account
Check the details of exactly what services you will get before opening your account, including access to online banking services, and think about what you need from your bank.
Note: this is not a full list of banks available and we don't recommend any bank in particular. Some accounts will have an administration fee, normally charged monthly.
Bank account
Require passport and University bank letter to open an account.
Must have a visa valid for twelve months or more.
Require passport, BRP visa card, and University bank letter before coming into the branch. BRP must be valid for more than three months.
If you have an account with HSBC at home, it may be possible to open a UK account before travelling here.
Online bank
Accepts visas valid for three months or more
Must live in the UK for six months or more
Your visa must be valid for a minimum of one year
No minimum time limit on visa.
Requires BRP, passport and University bank letter (note: will not accept University bank letters as proof of an on-campus accommodation address).
Online bank.
No minimum requirement for length of visa.
Must be resident in the UK to apply.
Yorkshire Bank: ReadyCash Account
Setting this up will allow you to open a basic bank account with Yorkshire Bank
Local Branch
Santander
7, High Ousegate, York,
YO1 8RZ
HSBC
13, Parliament Street, York, YO1 8XS
Tel: 03457 404404
Online only
Lloyds TSB
2 Pavement, York, YO1 9LB
Tel: 08453 000000
Barclays
1-3 Parliament Street, York, YO1 8SE
Tel: 0345 734 5345
Online Only
Yorkshire Bank
46 Coney Street,
York,
YO1 9NQ
Tel: 0800 678 3380
Watch out for bank scams
You should never respond to emails, phone calls or texts asking for your bank details, even if it seems to come from your own bank. If you are unsure about a communication you have received, contact your bank directly to query it. Find out how to spot scams and what to do if you think you have fallen victim to a scam.
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