Opening a UK Bank Account

Somebody making a card payment

As you prepare for your move to the UK and the start of your studies at the University of Chester, there are a few important things to arrange before you arrive. One of the most essential is opening a UK bank account, which will make it easier to manage your finances and make payments once you are settled in the UK.

Please note that all University of Chester sites operate on a cashless basis and do not accept cash payments. Therefore, you will need to use a debit or credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay for any transactions on site. 

The University of Chester does not accept cash payments at any site. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Before opening a UK bank account, it is important to check with your chosen bank which documents you will need to provide, as the requirements can vary between banks. Ensuring you have the correct documents ready in advance will help make the account-opening process as smooth and straightforward as possible. You can usually find this information on the bank's website, where details of the application process and required documentation are often provided.

Normally, you will need the following documents to open a UK bank account: 

  • Your passport 
  • Your student visa 
  • Proof of UK address letter (tenancy agreement, utility bill/letter)
  • Your university enrolment confirmation letter. You can access your enrolment confirmation letter on the Enrolment Page tab via eVision on Portal, or on the University of Chester app. 

Opening a UK bank account is very important because: 

  • The University of Chester does not accept cash payments. If you wish to buy food/drink on site, you will need to pay with a bank card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. 
  • If you would like to work part-time during your studies (check your visa regulations), you will need a UK bank account so your employer can pay you your wages.
  • A bank statement can serve as proof of address, which is often necessary for starting a job.
  • It is easier to resolve issues like forgetting your PIN with a local bank.
  • You can avoid currency conversion fees on withdrawals.
  • You can access a debit card for cashless payments and 24/7 ATM withdrawals.
  • You can set up direct debits, standing orders, and use telephone and internet banking.

Having a UK bank account makes financial management easier and more convenient, especially if you're living or working in the UK.

Here is a list of some banks in Chester city centre that you may wish to explore when opening a UK bank account. We recommend researching all the options available and choosing the bank that best meets your individual needs and circumstances: 

  • HSBC, 47 Eastgate Street, Chester, CH1 1XW
  • Nationwide, 62 Foregate Street, Chester, CH1 1HT
  • Lloyds Bank, 8 Foregate Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1XP
  • Santander, 59-61 Foregate Street, Chester, CH1 1YQ
  • NatWest, 33 Eastgate Street, CH1 1LG

Here is a list of some banks in Warrington town centre that you may wish to explore when opening a UK bank account. We recommend researching all the options available and choosing the bank that best meets your individual needs and circumstances: 

  • Nationwide, 22 Sankey Street, Golden Square Shopping Centre, Warrington, WA1 1TD
  • Lloyds Bank, Horsemarket Street, Warrington, WA1 1TP
  • TSB, 7 Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2LY
  • Halifax, 10 Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2LG
  • Santander, 18-20 Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2LT

Here is a list of some banks in Wrexham that you may wish to explore when opening a UK bank account. We recommend researching all the options available and choosing the bank that best meets your individual needs and circumstances: 

  • TSB, Priory Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SP
  • Halifax, 55 Hope Street, Wrexham, LL11 1AF
  • Santander, 1 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SG
  • Lloyds Bank, 28 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1SE
  • NatWest, 33 Lord Street, Wrexham, LL11 1LP

You may wish to consider an online bank account as an alternative to a traditional high street bank. Online banking providers can offer a convenient way to manage your money through a mobile app, often providing debit cards, budgeting tools and multi-currency services. Depending on the provider, some accounts may have eligibility requirements or charge fees for certain services.

Below are some examples of online banking providers that you may wish to explore:

You may be able to continue using your bank from your home country if they have branches in the UK or a partnership with a UK bank. It's a good idea to contact your current bank to see whether they offer UK accounts or can provide banking services through a local partner, which can make the transition smoother for you.

Many UK banks now offer services tailored to comply with Sharia principles, ensuring that Muslim customers can bank in line with their values. If you're seeking Sharia-compliant banking, it's a good idea to visit your preferred bank's website to see if they offer this service; availability can vary between banks.

Our Student Money Advisers are part of the Your Money team in Student Services.

Alongside promoting positive money management skills across all our sites, a key part of their role is to offer one-to-one support and guidance to any student who has queries or questions about managing their money, so they can focus on enjoying their time at university.