Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Welcome to Warwick

Opening a UK bank account

Please scroll down for further information on how to open a UK bank account if you are an international student.

Arrange a digital bank account before you arrive in the UK.
You can use this for basic necessities once you arrive in the UK. (e.g. University fees; rent; food and other living essentials).
Do not rely only on cash for your first few weeksLink opens in a new window - it is not a safe way to store your funds. Having a bank account before you arrive can also help in case you need to self-isolate.
Delays with your preferred bank account? Try opening an account with one of the other local UK banks first. You can later switch to your preferred bank at your convenience. The important thing is to quickly set up a UK bank account to store your funds safely!

Choose paperless statements When opening a UK bank account, we’d encourage you to opt for paperless statements. Digital bank statements help minimise your carbon footprint and mean you’ll have access to your bank statements even if your address changes.

The University cannot recommend which account you should open. Instead we have collated the information below to help you make the choice of the best account for your needs.
1. Before you arrive in the UK
Do you need a UK bank account? Things to do before leaving home
2. Keeping your money safe
Avoid carrying or storing large amounts of cash in your first weeks
3. Digital/ international banking solutions
Alternatives to cash for your first weeks in the UK
4. Choosing your bank account
Useful factors to consider
5. UK banks in the local area
Local banks and their account opening processes
6. Documents needed
Typical documents for a UK bank account
When and how to pay your feesLink opens in a new window
Cash payments are not accepted. Pay securely using Flywire Link opens in a new window
Budgeting & Financial hardship
Budget planning and information for home students.
SU Advice Centre - MoneyLink opens in a new window
Banking vocabulary explainedLink opens in a new window
Jargon buster tool

Please share your feedback about the banking pages:

 
How useful is this page? Please share your feedback below.
 
To what extent would you agree?
Privacy notice
This form is anonymous. No data which personally identifies you is collected on the form, and the data you provide is used solely to help us improve the delivery of our courses.

The University of Warwick is the Data Controller of any information you have entered on this form and is committed to protecting the rights of individuals in line with Data Protection Legislation. The University's Data Protection webpages provide further information on your rights and how the University processes personal data. If you wish to submit a data subjects rights request, make a complaint or report a suspected personal data breach, please contact the University’s Data Protection Officer by email at infocompliance@warwick.ac.uk.