The Best Bank Accounts For International Students In The UK

There are many things to think about once you’ve decided to embark on your study abroad experience – some more tedious than others. One of the most essential tasks when moving over to the UK will be opening a UK bank account. As an international student in the UK, opening a UK bank account can make your life much easier.

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of having a British bank account, how to choose the best one, what you need to open an account, and the best bank accounts for international students in the UK.

Why You Need a British Bank Account

There are numerous benefits of opening up a British bank account that will inevitably make your time here in the UK less stressful. The most significant benefit is that you will be saving money just by having a UK account. This is because, by making the switch, you can avoid your bank’s exchange rate, which is usually more expensive than the official rates. Secondly, you may be charged fees each time you use your card abroad, which can add up quickly.

Furthermore, if you wish to pick up part-time work alongside your studies, then you should consider opening a British bank account. This is because most UK employers usually require a UK bank account for paying wages.
Other reasons for obtaining a British bank account includes paying recurring fees, such as UK sim cards, can be complicated or even impossible without a UK bank account.

And lastly, paying back friends or splitting bills can be made very complicated or far more expensive due to international fees, and lack of physical branches for help, such as forgotten pin codes or lost cards.

How to Choose a UK Bank Account

Choosing a UK bank account can be confusing given all the options available, which is why it’s essential to choose the right one to meet your specific needs. The main two types of accounts are current accounts and savings accounts.