How to open a bank account for International students
Which bank? We cannot recommend one bank in particular so please check out a few banks before making a decision. HSBC, Barclays, Halifax, Lloyds, TSB, Santander, NatWest They will have different accounts, offers and branches located throughout Newcastle. Some banks offer Sharia accounts. Do your research! We have staff from a few high street banks at the information Fair today, have a chat with them
Opening an account In order to open a bank account, you will need: Your passport Confirmation of your UK and overseas address; if you do not live in University accommodation, you will need to provide a tenancy agreement or a bill sent to you at that address A bank letter from the University- you can request this by going to MyNorthumbria and clicking on Letter Requests
Bank letter You can only have 1 bank letter Do your research before your request the letter from MyNorthumbria You must specify which bank you wish to open an account with.
if you are studying here on a programme of less than six months, it is normally not possible to open a student bank account at first. You should be able to open a basic bank account, which you may then be able to upgrade to a student bank account when you have started on your degree programme.
In the interests of safety, the University strongly advises all students against carrying large amounts of cash around or keeping cash in your room. We recommend that: Money is transferred from overseas in the form of bank transfer or by banker s draft. Any large sums of cash you may have are deposited in a bank account as soon as possible.
Don t carry around large amounts of cash as it can be risky. Find other methods for paying for goods such as by cheque, direct debit or debit card. Keep your bank statements in a safe place. If you wish to extend your visa while you are in the UK you will be required to show them as evidence of funds. Keep a record of money in your account. If you receive money and you don t understand why, or if money seems to be disappearing from your account then please notify your bank and the police immediately. Do pay your fees on time. If there is a reason why you may not be able to pay your fees on time then contact the Finance Office in Sutherland Building immediately.
Fraud UK banks have strict regulations about the use of banking facilities. To avoid becoming the victim of fraud or money laundering, please ensure that: You do not allow anyone else to access or use your bank account; You do not pay in any cheques or transfer any money electronically into your account from suspicious or unknown sources. If you are found to be misusing your bank account, your account may be closed down and, in some cases, you may face prosecution
Don t ignore bills or financial problems because they won t go away. If you don t understand a bill or a letter, or if you are concerned about your finances then come and speak to an adviser. Don t lend large amounts of money to friends because they may not pay you back, and there is very little you can do to recover your money. Do consider taking out insurance to cover your belongings.
Don t allow anyone else to use your bank account. There should be no reason for anyone else to use your account. Allowing someone to use you bank account will place yourself at risk. Your bank may become suspicious that you are money laundering or aiding someone else to do so, which is a criminal offence. If someone approaches you requesting to use your bank account, notify your bank and the police immediately. Do manage your money carefully as finding sources of funding for your studies once you have come to the UK is very difficult.
Do not give your card or PIN number to anyone else Do not give your sort code or account number to anyone else (especially on the internet when people offer you employment) Do not reply to e mails or phone calls requesting your account information
Any questions?