Open a bank account in the UK

As an international student, open a UK bank account after arriving to make accommodation and tuition payments easily. Learn how to apply and get a bank letter.

On this page:

  • Choose a bank account 
  • Open your bank account 
  • Benefits of having a UK bank account 
  • Contact us

Choose a UK bank account

Having a UK bank account that suits your needs can be very useful.

Find out how to choose a student bank account.

Open a UK bank account

It could take two weeks or more to open a bank account. You should consider this when planning your spending. 

Step 1: Check your information

You need to show the bank that you are fully registered as a student by producing a bank letter:

  1. register at the University before you open a UK bank account.
  2. check your name is correctly spelled on your student record. To make changes to your name, contact your Faculty.
  3. update your home and Bristol address. Your letter includes the addresses from your student record.

Step 2: Create a bank letter

Once you have fully registered and your details are correct, you can produce your bank letter. You can get up to three copies of the letter.

Produce your bank letter

Your letter is a PDF document which you can download. Your chosen bank will tell you if they can accept a digital version, or if you need to print the PDF.

Problems producing your bank letter

Contact student-services@bristol.ac.uk for help if you have:

  • problems producing your bank letter
  • already produced three bank letters and need another one.

Step 3: Give your address to the bank

Most banks ask you to apply online to open a bank account. 

Use the exact address shown on your bank letter and enter it in the same format on the application form.

Example address format:

[Flat number, Room number] 
[Building name] 
[Building number, Street] 
[Town or City] 
[Postcode] 

Benefits of having a UK bank account

A UK bank account is important because it is:

  • the most common way to pay in UK. Some businesses do not accept cash payments.
  • the only way to receive your bursaries, scholarships and grant payments
  • safer than carrying cash
  • not necessary to pay withdrawal and transaction fees
  • easier to pay for UK-based services, such as phone contracts. 

Contact us

If you have a funding, budgeting or money-related question or worry, speak to a Student Money Adviser.