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Information on how to prepare for banking in the UK and what you'll need to know.
Most UK banks, both high street and digital, will require you to have a UK address before they let you open an account. This is for security verification reasons but also because they'll want to send your debit card to your address so you can use it.
However, there are steps you can take to make sure you're aware of the rules, regulations and options available to you regarding banking in the UK.
Please note that UCL has no influence over the types of accounts banks offer to students, the documentation they require or any other of their processes. We do not recommend any specific banks and it is up to you to decide which bank you would like to open an account with.
- Covering initial costs when you first arrive;
- Documents usually required to open an account;
- Students on a programme for less than six months.
- Opening a bank account before you arrive in the UK
Covering initial costs when you first arrive
Opening a UK bank account can at times be a lengthy process. If you are opening an account with a high street bank, you may need to visit the bank branch more than once to set up your bank account, and once you have set up your account you may need to wait approximately 10 days before your bank card arrives in the post. However, NatWest is a high street bank with the option to register online, saving you lengthy trips.
Another option can be to open an account with Wise or PayPal. These digital bank accounts can be used to purchase goods and services online such as Amazon and supermarkets in the UK and you can easily pay into them from international bank accounts.
Read more about opening an account with a high street bank or a digital bank.
You may also want to consider pre-paid cash cards. Visit the Money Advice Service webpages for more information on pre-paid cards.
For safety reasons, it is not a good idea to bring large sums of cash, and there may be restrictions on the amount of cash you can bring with you to the UK. Read more about the restrictions on taking cash in and out of the UK on the Gov.uk website.
See the UCL fees webpages for information on how to pay tuition fees.
Documents usually required to open an account
The documentation you will need to provide varies depending on which bank you select to open an account with. However, as a general rule, you will need to ensure you have the following in place:
- your passport and valid visa (including your BRP) if you are an overseas student
- your passport or National ID card if you are from the European Union
- proof of student status and proof of address in the UK and in your home country (this can only be issued once you have completed enrolment)
- your UCL Student ID card
Proof of student status and proof of address
In most cases to obtain proof of address, you will require a Statement of Student Status from UCL. A standard Statement of Student Status confirms your enrolment status, mode of attendance, programme of study, programme start and end date, and your home and term-time address. It is essential that you update your term-time address to your UK address on your Portico account before you print off a Statement and/or bank letter. Your home address should remain as your overseas address.
In some cases, banks may also request that you provide a bank letter addressed to them, showing your term-time and home address. Your home address will be your address in your home country. You term-time address will be your London address.
Please enter your name as it appears on your passport. The bank may check to see whether the two documents are identical.
A Statement of Student Status and/or bank letter can be obtained from your Portico account. Please see this document for a step by step guide on how to download it from your Portico account: Statement of Student Status guide.
If you are unable to print these off, please contact the Student Enquiries Team via askUCL who will be able to email them to you. Although your Statement of Student Status should alow you to open an account, some banks will not always accept it as proof of address in the UK. In those cases, you may be requird to find further proof of address e.g. a tennancy agreement or a utility bill.
If you are staying in UCL Accommodation, you can request a letter from your Hall reception confirming your address after you check in.
Please note that you will usually need to find a permanent place to stay before you can open an account. Most banks will not accept a hotel, hostel or UCL as your address in the UK.
Please also note that you only get a Statement of Student Status when you have fully-enrolled. You cannot get one having just pre-enrolled.
Students on a programme for less than six months
Please note that if you are on a programme of study for 6 months or less (as is the case for many affiliate students), you may not be able to open a bank account with certain banks. It is advised that you first check which digital banks you are eligible to open an account with as they are usually more flexible. You can also try using a pre-paid cash card as mentioned above.
Opening a bank account before you arrive in the UK
Some UK banks will let you start off the process from abroad on their website but you will eventually need to provide them with a UK address where they'll send your debit card. This can help you save time when you arrive in the UK as you're already halfway to opening your account but means that you'll still be without an account for a few days after you arrive.
The criteria for opening accounts can change so it's worth doing some research on which banks allow you to start the process from your home country.