student/graduate accounts for international students

jaffaorange

Can anyone recommend good current accounts suitable for international / foreign students ?

misskool

Depends where you are from and what you need from your account. To open any international student bank account, you will need a letter from your university as proof that you are a student and a proof of address, from your university if living in halls or a tenancy agreement if a private house and proof of funding.
HSBC are very restricted. However, if you open a bank account in your home country, you will be able to get an introduction letter and apply for a 'proper' student account (ie, Switch, overdraft, credit card)
Barclays will charge you a nominal sum if you go under a certain limit (I think £1500) but they will give you a visa debit card which is better than a solo card on a normal international account with HSBC.
RBS don't like international students.
Natwest are ok, they will provide a limited service.
I don't know of the other banks but they don't really offer a good international student service.