Open a bank account as an international or EU student

Most banks will provide international students with a basic bank account when they are in the UK. You may not be able to open a bank account if you are here for six months or less.

If you can open an account, it will be a basic bank account. This means you will be able to:

• get cash from a cash machine (ATM)
• set up direct debits or standing orders

You may be able to open a student bank account, which provides more services, like an overdraft or credit card. Students with previous credit problems may not be able to open a student bank account.

1. Choose a bank

Choosing a bank with a branch in St Andrews can make some transactions, like transferring funds, easier.

There are five banks in St Andrews:

• The Royal Bank of Scotland
• TSB
• Barclays (see website for services provided in St Andrews)
• Nationwide

These banks have arrangements with English and overseas banks.

2. Decide how to open the account

Visit the bank’s website to check how to open an account. Depending on the bank, you may be able to:

• start a bank account application online before you arrive
• make an appointment online to visit the bank after you arrive
• visit the branch when you arrive

Starting a bank account application before you arrive, or making an appointment online, will let you open an account faster when you arrive in St Andrews. 

Banks can change what you need to open a bank account. Before visiting a bank in St Andrews, or applying for a bank account online, check what you need to do.

3. Prepare your documents

Proof of address

Banks will normally ask for ‘proof of address’. This is an official document that includes the address of your student accommodation. 

The local bank branches in St Andrews will usually accept the University bank letter as ‘proof of address’, but this may change, and they may ask for more information. You should contact the bank to check what they need.

To download your University bank letter, go to MySaint.

If your term-time address is not in the University accommodation system, you will need to provide a copy of your lease or tenancy agreement to confirm your term-time address. 

If you are not living in University accommodation, the bank may ask for a copy of your tenancy agreement instead of the University bank letter.

Identity documents

To open an account, banks normally ask you for identity documents like a:

• passport
• visa or biometric residence permit (BRP), if applicable
• bank letter from the University

Identity checks may delay the opening of the account, so allow time for the checks to happen.

Need help?

If you have any problems opening your bank account, email money.advice@st-andrews.ac.uk to contact the University's Money Adviser, or visit the Advice and Support Centre (ASC).