Step one: Choose a bank

When choosing a bank, you should consider the distance, that is, how close it is to where you live, whether there are many branches, and whether the account is free. Of course, we also have to look at the issue of interest.

Barclays Bank (BARCLAYS) - a local bank in the UK

Students can open an account in China. After arriving in the UK, they only need to go directly to the bank with their personal documents and the information provided by Standard Chartered Bank. Apply for bank cards at Barclays. The process is not complicated, just fill in the information online and make an appointment. Like domestic bank cards, you can handle SMS services, and weekly bills will be sent to your mobile phone. Additionally, there are no monthly fees for Barclays student accounts. The bank has also proposed a personalized bank card business, where you can choose your own headshot as the cover of the card.

SANTANDER

Many universities have business offices of this bank, so it is a bank specifically for students. There are usually many discounts, and we often cooperate with some merchants to organize some preferential activities. However, a monthly fee of 5 pounds will be charged each month.

HSBC (HSBC)

This bank is the choice of many international students because it has branches in China and does not charge fees for transfers. So you can get it done at home before going abroad. However, the bank statement (Bank Statement) is not easy to obtain.

Step 2: Prepare materials

1. Passport

2. BRP

3. Letter of proof of enrollment in school, i.e. Bank Letter : After completing the school registration, open a Bank Letter on Hub. You need to select the bank to apply for in advance.

4. Proof of address

Step 3: Make an appointment

You can make an appointment by phone or online. Most British bank working days are Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 16:00. Some banks are also open on Saturdays. It is recommended that you make an appointment directly online to avoid having to go to the bank. You will need to fill in personal information online, so be sure to check carefully. After a successful reservation, you will be given a reservation number, which you must remember.

Step 4: Formal application

Unlike in China, banks in the UK will make an appointment with you in a small cubicle. You also need to fill in some personal information, it’s not difficult, don’t worry. If you want to open online banking or mobile banking, you can inform the staff. When our parents pay us living expenses, we need an account number (Account Number), not a card number. This information can be obtained by bank personnel.

Step 5: After opening an account

After successful application, your card and password will be mailed to the address you provided within 1 to 2 weeks. Online banking and password will also be mailed separately. You need to get the password from the letter. After getting the card and password, you can activate the account and use Online Banking services. The password for online banking is 12 digits, and you only need to enter 3 digits each time you log in.