Best Student Account?

Christie1

Hi all

I am starting university in September and need a student account.

Does anyone know which is the best sort of account?

Thanks
Christie x

chris91_2

Im with barclays and really like them. hassle free and they have a mobile version of their website and internet banking is secure. Overdrafts I don't use however I understand they are quite strict. They have also been voted best by money facts or some company voted by students, see the website.

jalexa

Christie1 wrote: »

I am starting university in September and need a student account.

Does anyone know which is the best sort of account?

All High Street banks offer an account suitable for or targeted at students.

Go through the websites and conduct your own "beauty contest".

Ask again if there are account features you are not clear about. Also about "customer service" experience if that is important.

smartiedriver_2

All the different banks offer slightly different packages. Some offer free incentives (a few years ago HSBC offered a student rail card which was fantastic, but no longer I think) so if one benefits you you might want to choose that one.

If you are intending to borrow or utilise an overdraft facility check out the best rates and also bear in mind penalty fees.

You might want to consider which banks have a branch on campus if you might need branch assistance or be paying in cheques/cash.

Bob_Bridges

Have a look at the Co-operative Bank student account
Very ethical.
Branches in most student cities.
You can apply on-line, or in branch.
Free overdrafts for all 3 years of degree course - more important than gimmicky give-aways from the other banks.

Good way to send a little message to all the big banks that have messed up the economies if you want a political slant on things.

Hope you get it sorted - enjoy being a student ! ( You might meet my eldest - just going as well ! )

Good luck, Bob

JacksterD

This year the Co-operative's account seems to be the one to go for. Since no banks offer worthwhile freebies anymore, the interest free overdraft is the thing you should be looking at, and the Co-Op guarantees £1400 in first year.

mikey72

Barclays have a decent overdraft, but no other perks, Lloyds will give you an NUS extra card and a YHA membership for three years. They'll also let you apply for a credit card, which could be a good or bad thing.

penguingirl

Have a look at where you will be living and what your local banks are- I am from England and went to uni in a small city in Scotland, I did my research when looking for accounts and found that the only two banks that were both at home and uni were HBOS and RBS, so I went with RBS. You may be best to wait until you start there- I remember being gutted that the RBS branch on campus were giving away lots of freebies that I hadn't got by opening my account in advance.

Also other things to look for:

• Amount of interest-free overdraft available (and how much it can increase each year)
• Amount and length of interest free graduate overdraft (e.g. mine lasted for 3 years after I graduated, whereas my OH's was only 2 years)
• Whether you can get additional products like a credit card- don't expect amazing offers, but could be good for building up your credit rating (just make sure you pay it off in full each month!!)
• Any freebies they have
• Any fees they charge for going over overdraft, direct debits bouncing etc- personally I never really looked at this because I was fortunate to have savings and be able to manage my money well, but I know lots of other students who used to struggle just before their next loan installment!