Opening a UK Bank Account

As you prepare to move to the UK and begin your studies at the University of Chester, one of the essential tasks to tackle is opening a UK bank account. The process can sometimes feel lengthy and complicated, so we’ve put together a guide to help you tick this off your to do list more quickly.

Download University Bank Letter

It’s important to remember that the University of Chester is a cashless campus, so you’ll need to use a UK bank card or Apple Pay for transactions.

For international students, a bank letter from the University is required to open a UK bank account. Only full-time students enrolled on courses of longer than six months’ duration can open an account. To download a bank letter, you must first complete your enrolment, which includes paying tuition fees and providing copies of your passport or your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if applicable.

Please visit the International Checklist and Essentials page for more information on how to enrol at the University of Chester.

Bank letters can only be issued for banks situated near your study site, so make sure you select the branch you wish to bank with when downloading your bank letter.

Download your Bank Letter here

Popular Banks Amongst New Students

Opening a Bank Account in Person

All students are to complete the online application at your chosen bank’s webpage.
Students should only visit the branch once advised to do so through the automated system.
Once advised to visit the branch, you will need to book an in-person appointment at the branch to complete the account opening process.
Overseas students will be required to present the following:

Valid passport / EU/EEA passport / identity (ID) card
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) / Student visa
Banking Facility Letter from the University
Proof of address (tenancy agreement, utility bill/letter)

Opening a Bank Account Online

Certain banks are allowing international students to apply online in their home country before arriving in the UK. Several online banks may be able to assist you with opening a bank account entirely online without the need to visit a branch.

If you have left your home country before applying, you are still able to apply online. Once you have received an email confirmation, you must visit the bank in person and show them the following documents:

ID (passport/identity card)
Proof of address letter (tenancy agreement, utility bill/letter)
Visa documents (BRP/Student visa)

For details of how to open an account while you’re overseas click on the links below (a bank letter from the University is not required):

If you would like to apply for an account via the bank’s website, visit the webpage of your chosen bank; you will still need to visit the branch with your documents.

Understanding banking terminology will help keep your bank account safe and secure. HSBC has a helpful list of basic banking definitions to help you: Banking Definitions | Bank Terminology – HSBC UK

Frequently Asked Questions:

Please see the guide to opening a UK bank account above.

There are many banks in and around Chester city centre. These are the most popular banks:

HSBC, 47 Eastgate Street, Chester, CH1 1XW
Nationwide, 62 Foregate Street, Chester, CH1 1HT
Lloyds Bank, 84 Weston Grove, Chester, CH2 1QL
Barclays, 30, St Werburgh Street, Chester, CH1 2ES
Santander, 59-61 Foregate Street, Chester, CH1 1YQ

Nationwide, 22 Sankey Street, Golden Square Shopping Centre, Warrington, WA1 1TD
Lloyds Bank, Horsemarket Street, Warrington, WA1 1TP
Barclays, 23-25 Golden Square, Warrington, WA1 1TW
TSB, 7 Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2LY
Halifax, 10 Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2LG
Santander, 18-20 Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2LT

Barclays Bank, 51 Hope Street, Wrexham, LL11 1BE
TSB, Priory Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SP
Halifax, 55 Hope Street, Wrexham, LL11 1AF
Santander, 1 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SG
Lloyds Bank, 28 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SE
NatWest, 33 Lord Street, Wrexham, LL11 1LP

There are many reasons why international students should open a UK bank account:

If you would like to work part time during your studies (check your visa regulations) you will need to have a UK bank account, so that your employer can pay you your wage.
A bank statement can serve as proof of address, which is often necessary for starting a job.
It is easier to resolve issues like forgetting your PIN with a local bank.
You can avoid currency conversion fees on withdrawals.
You can access a debit card for cashless payments and 24/7 ATM withdrawals.
You can set up direct debits, standing orders, and use telephone and internet banking.

Having a UK bank account makes financial management easier and more convenient, especially if you're living or working in the UK.

The University of Chester is a cashless campus, meaning cash payments are not accepted on site.

You may be able to continue using your bank from your home country if they have branches in the UK or a partnership with a UK bank. It's a good idea to contact your current bank to see if they offer UK accounts or can provide banking services through a local partner, making the transition smoother for you.

Many UK banks now offer services tailored to comply with Sharia principles, ensuring that Muslim customers can bank in line with their values. If you're seeking Sharia-compliant banking, it's a good idea to visit your preferred bank's website to see if they offer this service; availability can vary between banks.

Opening a UK Bank Account