UK student bank account for international students

iBank Student and foreign student bank accounts with Barclays Wealth International

The sheer quality and cultural richness of the universities and colleges in the United Kingdom (UK), along with the vast mix of courses available, attracts thousands of international students into the UK student population each year.

And for every overseas student, there's a foreign student bank account available from Barclays Wealth International. For non-UK residents, opening a student account in the UK can often be time-consuming and difficult. A lack of credit history may mean only limited cash-only banking facilities are offered. If you're away from home, this is far from ideal.

If you're studying in the UK and need an account that lets you operate easily across borders, our iBank Student bank account with VISA debit card, will make your UK and international banking as simple and efficient as possible.

Download the application form*

International students - how to open bank accounts

Here's how to open a bank account with us if you're an international student already living in the UK:

iBank Student bank account

• Complete an application form* and take it to any UK Barclays branch, or
• Visit any UK Barclays branch and fill in an application form with a member of staff

You'll need the usual documentation, including your passport and either the original letter of admission from your university or UCAS, or a letter of introduction for UK banking facilities from your university. Download our brochure* to find out more or view our application requirements*.

Open a UK student bank account

As an international student studying in the UK, you can open your iBank Student account when you arrive in the UK at any Barclays branch. Naturally, you will have to supply the necessary documentation, either as original documents or as certified copies, with your application.

For an outline of what you'll need to open your account and the documentation required, whether you are applying yourself or via an agency, details can be found here**

Download the application form*

UK student banking services for international students

From an international bank account to advice on mortgages for you or your parents, iBank Student provides the comprehensive UK solution for overseas students.

iBank Student

For a low monthly fee, you'll have access to our:

• International bank account, available in sterling, euro and US dollars
• Connect VISA debit card in sterling, accepted in 22 million outlets worldwide (subject to application and status)

Also our savings and investment services, including:

• Easy Access Savings Account - You can deposit funds whenever you wish and make withdrawals at any time without notice or penalties. Tiered rates of interest giving you more interest the more you save in the account. Minimum opening balance is only £1 with a maximum balance of £1m. Interest is paid annually on the anniversary of account opening.
• Access to our full range of savings and investments for balances of £10,000 or more

Plus, you'll be able to:

• Manage your money, online and by telephone, in different currencies and time zones when it suits you¹
• Make international payments faster, cheaper and more easily online than over the phone
• Pick up foreign currency and travellers cheques commission-free from any UK Barclays branch
• Gain expert advice from our mortgage advisers to help you or your parents buy property in the UK.

Download the application form*

International student bank account - features

As a client of iBank Student, you'll have access to:

• A range of international banking products and services in major currencies
• Easy access and control through International Telephone and Online Banking
• Commission free foreign currency and travellers cheques
• Mortgage advice from our special advisers.