We recommend you open an account with a multi-national bank in your home country before you travel to the UK. This will enable you to use that bank’s automatic teller machines (ATMs are usually known as a ‘cash point’) in the UK, and prevent the need to bring too much cash with you. Please make sure that you first check with the bank if this facility is available and if so, whether you will be charged for making cash withdrawals in the UK. If possible, we also recommend you obtain a credit card from a home bank to have in case of emergencies.
If you are going to be here more than six months you should open a UK-based bank account. Santander, Barclays, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds TSB, Nationwide, Natwest and Woolwich banks are within walking distance of the University.
As an international student it is a good idea to go to various banks and ask them what they can offer you before you decide which bank to use. During Freshers' Fortnight you’ll have the opportunity to visit the banks and begin the bank account application process.
You may find the process of opening a bank account in the UK a little time consuming and bureaucratic. It is possible that you will not be able to use your account for up to four weeks, so do keep this in mind. International students are normally offered a basic bank account. This should mean you get a current account with a cash card, which enables you to withdraw money from the automatic teller machines (ATM). You might not be offered an overdraft facility, chequebook, debit or credit cards. Some banks do provide accounts that offer more features such as a chequebook, internet and telephone banking, standing order and direct debit facilities, and a range of savings accounts. To qualify for this type of account you may need to provide extra documentation and may be required to maintain a minimum account balance or pay a monthly fee. Please contact the Student Centre for advice during this process.
To open an account you will require a letter of confirmation from St George's to prove that you are a student with us. You can get this from the Student Centre.
Please be aware you may need to provide some more documentation:
- your passport
- letter of reference from your bank at home (sometimes required at the discretion of the bank)
- proof of address here in the UK
Useful link
UKCISA offer guidance on opening a bank account in the UK.
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