Student Accounts for International Students

darbooka

A friend who is a full time student from abroad is starting on a new course and has asked for recommendations as to where might be the best place to start in terms of applying for a student account. Some on this board have reported difficulties for foreign (international) students in the past. Does anyone know of current or recent experience as to which banks or societies have RECENTLY/Currently opened full facilities student accounts for international students?

jadejie

i have no experience of this, but i'd guess it's different for international student regarding the free overdraft/student loan or any kinds.

misskool

As far as I can remember, HSBC is the best bank for international students, they won't actually charge you to use the account (Barclays will charge you £5 a month if you're under £2000).

HSBC is a big international bank so if your friend has an account in her home country with HSBC, they will be able to write a letter of introduction and allow her more leeway with some of the credit facilities. If you hold an account with HSBC in good standing for 6 months, I think they will issue a student credit card with a limit of £250, good for the odd emergency.