UK banks in the local area

Banking On-Campus Sessions - available during Welcome Week

Staff from some banks will be available to answer questions about their bank account options for home or international students, offer tips on safe banking, and (for international students) check your documents during the Welcome Week.

Don't forget to book your space through the Welcome Timetable. It will be a great opportunity to ask if you have any questions related to banking.

Many UK banks have introduced 'digital first' account opening processes, meaning that you would apply online, and they will try to verify your documents electronically if possible. If they are unable to do so, you may need to go into a branch to show them your documents or provide further information to the bank - your chosen bank will give you instructions to follow.

It is likely that you will still need to wait until after you arrive in the UK before you can fully open the below traditional bank accounts, so we strongly recommend you bring bank cards or pre-paid travel cards to see you through your first few weeks in the UK. Do not rely on cash - a digital bankingLink opens in a new window solution may give you quicker access to a contactless UK bank card, as it can take up to 6 weeks for a traditional bank account to be open.

The table below shows some banks that have branches in the local area. Please consider the accounts carefully, alongside the key considerations listed in the section "Choosing the right bank account for youLink opens in a new window."

You may also find this external comparison site useful: Save the Student- international student bank account comparisonLink opens in a new window.

Please speak to your chosen bank directly if you have any questions about any of their services.

For information on how to get to banks in the local area, please see our information on local buses and transport.

Bank	Local branch finder (the central campus postcode is CV4 7AL)	Information on current accounts	Notes
HSBC	HSBC branch finderLink opens in a new window	HSBC Bank AccountLink opens in a new window (No monthly fee)	Online application process. Some documents may need to be shown in branch. Branches available in the local area. Also offers an account which you can open from your home countryLink opens in a new window before arrival in the UK.
Barclays	Barclays branch finder Link opens in a new window	Student Additions Account (international)Link opens in a new window (No monthly fee)	How to apply: Register your interestLink opens in a new window, then apply online. Some documents may need to be shown at the local branch.
Lloyds	Lloyds branch finderLink opens in a new window	Classic AccountLink opens in a new window (No monthly fee)	Branches available in the local area. Online application process. Some documents may need to be shown in the branch. Note: On Tuesday 28th; Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th September, the Coventry High Street branch will be open late from 5pm – 8pm for document checking, for all students
NatWest	NatWest branch finderLink opens in a new window	Select accountLink opens in a new window (No monthly fee)	Online application process. Offers a free account with no monthly fee. Branches are available in the local area.
Santander	Santander branch finderLink opens in a new window	Essentials current account Link opens in a new window (Small monthly fee) Basic current account Link opens in a new window (No monthly fee)	Online application process. The branch on campus is now closed. Other branches are available in the local area.
Bank of China	Bank of China branch finderLink opens in a new window	Student Prime AccountLink opens in a new window	Offers the possibility to open a debit account from China; and collect the debit card from a local branch in the UK.
TSB	TSB branch locatorLink opens in a new window	Spend-and-Save AccountLink opens in a new window (No monthly fee)	Apply online. Branches are available in the local area.

The University does not recommend one bank or another to you. However, you may find some of these external comparison sites useful:

Save the Student- international student bank account comparisonLink opens in a new window

Money Saving expert - information on sending money abroadLink opens in a new window

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and we always recommend that you do your own research too.

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