If you are planning to study in UK, one of the first things you will need is a local bank account. The UK banking system is well established and offers a range of options for international students, from traditional high street banks to digital only services. In this guide, we will walk you through the top 10 banks in the UK that are best suited for international students in 2025; covering features, benefits, documents required and what makes each one stand out.
Why Is Choosing the Right Bank Important for Students?
Banking in the UK isn’t just about holding money. As an international student, a UK bank account helps you:
- Pay tuition and rent without foreign exchange fees
- Get paid for part-time jobs
- Access student discounts and benefits
- Build a financial footprint in the UK
- Transfer money internationally at lower costs
Table: Top 10 Banks in the UK (2025)
| Bank Name | Type | Best For | Key Student Features |
| Barclays | Traditional | Overall banking & student perks | Free overdraft, mobile banking, app-based ID verification |
| HSBC | Traditional | International money transfers | Global Transfer, student overdrafts |
| Lloyds Bank | Traditional | Student & graduate accounts | Tiered overdraft, free ISIC card |
| NatWest | Traditional | Student freebies | Free 4-year National Express card |
| Santander | Traditional | Budgeting & student incentives | Free 4-year railcard, easy mobile banking |
| Monzo | Digital | Budgeting and instant notifications | Easy sign-up, bill splitting, real-time updates |
| Revolut | Digital | International transactions | Multi-currency accounts, virtual cards |
| Starling Bank | Digital | No-fee banking | No hidden fees, strong customer service |
| TSB | Traditional | Day-to-day student needs | Interest-free overdraft, mobile app |
| Metro Bank | Traditional | In-branch experience | Walk-in setup, extended hours |
Below is our detailed breakdown of the top 10 UK banks in 2025, including why each might be right for you.
1. HSBC – Best for International Students & Global Banking
Founded in 1865, HSBC is one of the most globally recognized banks with branches in over 60 countries. It is a go to choice for international students and expats due to its seamless international transfers, fast account setup and globally recognized debit/credit cards.
Why Choose HSBC:
- Open an account before you arrive in the UK (from India or other countries)
- Supports student visa and Tier 4 documentation
- Dedicated HSBC Student Bank Account with overdraft up to £3,000
- Excellent mobile banking app with budgeting tools
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Best For: International students, global job seekers, expats
2. Barclays – Best All-Rounder for Students and Working Professionals
Barclays is one of the oldest and most trusted high street banks in the UK, offering both in-branch services and a powerful app experience. They support a wide range of financial services from credit cards to investment planning.
Why Choose Barclays:
- Quick online account setup for students
- Blue Rewards program gives cashback on utilities and subscriptions
- Fee-free overdrafts for students
- Accepted for accommodation deposits and Tier 4 visa proof
Best For: UK-based students, families, freelancers
3. Lloyds Bank – Best for Customer Support and Mortgages
Lloyds Bank is known for putting customer care first. Their Classic Account and Student Account are perfect for those who prefer in-branch support, especially in smaller towns or suburbs.
Why Choose Lloyds:
- Widely available branches across the UK
- Strong online security and fraud protection
- Offers Help to Buy ISA and student mortgage advice
Best For: Long-term UK residents, students with family, first-time homebuyers
4. Santander UK: Easy Access and Great Student Perks
Santander has carved out a strong reputation in the UK banking world, especially among students. It’s not just because of their iconic student railcard deal, but also because they understand student budgets and make banking easy. If you’re coming from overseas or just starting uni life in the UK, Santander often feels like a soft landing.
Why students love Santander:
- Free 4-Year Railcard with their student account – you save 1/3 on train travel.
- Up to £2,000 overdraft, interest-free – helpful when money’s tight.
- Straightforward app to manage your money on the go.
Plus, they’ve got loads of branches around the UK and great phone support if you’re not into online-only banks. It’s a balanced mix of digital and in-person services that makes life easier for students.
5. NatWest: Classic UK Bank with Modern Vibes
NatWest has been around forever, but don’t let its age fool you. It’s one of the UK’s most forward-thinking banks when it comes to digital tools and student benefits. Their mobile app consistently wins awards and students particularly like how simple and modern their banking feels.
What stands out at NatWest:
- Free Tastecard or Amazon Prime with student accounts – who doesn’t love freebies?
- Interest-free overdraft up to £2,000 for eligible students.
- User-friendly app with budget tracking and easy money transfers.
They’re also part of the same group as RBS, which means shared ATMs and resources. And if you’re planning to stay in the UK after uni, NatWest offers a smooth transition from student to graduate and personal accounts.
6. Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS): Solid Option with a Scottish Touch
RBS is a trusted name, especially if you’re heading to a university in Scotland. It’s essentially the same bank as NatWest but branded differently in Scotland. Students often feel they get more personal attention here, especially in local branches.
Why RBS could be for you:
- Same benefits as NatWest, including overdraft and freebies.
- Strong community presence in Scottish cities.
- Tailored support for international students.
If you’re looking for a safe and friendly bank with decent digital tools and a Scottish base, RBS might be your match.
7. Halifax: No-Nonsense Banking for Everyday Needs
Halifax is one of those banks that quietly does everything right. It doesn’t shout about flashy offers, but it’s a go-to choice for students who want straightforward banking. Their student account isn’t as flashy as others, but it’s consistent and reliable.
Here’s what to expect:
- No monthly fees and a solid overdraft for students.
- Great online banking, easy-to-navigate app.
- Reputation for solid customer support.
If you want simple banking that works and don’t need extra perks, Halifax is the stress-free way to go.
8. TSB: Banking That Feels Personal
TSB may not be the biggest name in the UK, but it makes up for it with personal service and a real focus on helping customers grow financially. Students who prefer a more supportive, guidance-based experience tend to rate TSB highly.
Why consider TSB?
- Helpful staff – in-branch service feels friendly and personal.
- Competitive student account with fee-free overdraft.
- Loans and savings options that are student-friendly.
If you’re someone who appreciates talking to real people over just using apps, TSB might be worth checking out.
9. Metro Bank: Fresh, Friendly, and Always Open
Metro Bank is fairly new compared to the legacy giants, but it’s made a name for itself with 7-day banking and a bold focus on customer service. Students who prefer in-branch visits will love how Metro Bank opens its doors even on weekends.
What’s great about Metro Bank:
- Branches open 7 days a week, including Sundays.
- Fast account setup – often same-day in-branch.
- Student accounts available with standard features.
It’s especially handy if you want the comfort of walking into a bank without dealing with long queues or short hours.
10. Monzo: Modern Banking for the Digital Age
Monzo isn’t your traditional bank – it’s mobile-first and totally digital. Students who want to ditch the paperwork and manage everything on their phone love Monzo. It’s got smart features that help you control spending, save automatically, and even split bills with flatmates.
Why Monzo is perfect for tech-savvy students:
- Instant notifications when you spend.
- Easy-to-set budgets and savings pots.
- Fee-free spending abroad.
Monzo doesn’t have physical branches, but its digital experience is smooth, fast, and built for student life.
Conclusion
The best bank in the UK depends on your needs—some students want digital ease, others prefer in-person help. High street banks like HSBC, Lloyds, or NatWest offer trusted services with real-world presence. Newcomers like Monzo and Metro Bank appeal to students who want control at their fingertips.
Still unsure? Think about:
- Do you want perks like railcards or Amazon subscriptions?
- Will you need an overdraft or travel abroad often?
- Do you want a bank near your university or prefer mobile-only banking?
No matter your choice, setting up your UK student bank account early makes everything easier—from paying rent to receiving scholarship funds. And if you’re still feeling stuck, Stubard can guide you through it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best bank for students in the UK in 2025?
Santander is often considered the best for students due to its free 4-year Railcard, student overdraft, and cashback offers.
2. Can international students open a bank account in the UK?
Yes, most UK banks like HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds allow international students to open accounts with proper documents.
3. Which UK bank offers the best student overdraft?
Santander, NatWest, and Lloyds typically offer up to £2,000 interest-free overdrafts for eligible students.
4. Is Monzo a good bank for international students?
Yes, Monzo is ideal for tech-savvy students with its mobile-first banking, instant spend alerts, and fee-free currency exchange.
5. Are UK student bank accounts free?
Most student accounts have no monthly fees and offer perks like interest-free overdrafts or reward subscriptions.
6. What documents do I need to open a student bank account in the UK?
You’ll usually need a valid passport, UK university acceptance letter, proof of address, and sometimes your UCAS status code.
7. Which UK banks are open on weekends?
Metro Bank is one of the few high street banks open 7 days a week, including Sundays.
8. Can I open a UK bank account online as a student?
Yes, banks like Monzo and Starling offer fully online account setups with ID verification via app.
9. What’s the difference between Lloyds and Halifax?
Lloyds offers more student-focused perks, while Halifax is known for simple, no-frills everyday banking.
10. Do UK banks offer mobile banking apps for students?
Absolutely. Banks like NatWest, HSBC, Monzo, and Barclays have highly-rated apps for easy mobile banking.
11. Is it better to choose a digital or high street bank in the UK?
It depends on your preference—digital banks like Monzo are app-based, while high street banks offer in-person services.
12. What is the best UK bank for saving money as a student?
Barclays and HSBC often have competitive savings interest rates and helpful tools for budgeting.
13. Are there any UK banks with perks like Amazon Prime or Tastecard?
Yes, NatWest offers student accounts with optional Amazon Prime or Tastecard subscriptions.
14. Can I switch UK bank accounts during my studies?
Yes, you can switch accounts anytime using the Current Account Switch Service without losing your direct debits or income.
15. Which UK bank is easiest to open an account with for new arrivals?
Metro Bank and Monzo are known for easy setup, with some accounts opened on the same day.