Banking for International Students

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Banking for International Students

Once you have arrived in Sheffield, you will need to open a UK bank account. Please do your own research online and read the bank options summery below to help you choose the one that suits your needs best*.

Once you have enrolled, you can download a university bank letter to help you apply for your account. Log in to My Student Record and select 'My enrolment and fees', then 'Letter for your bank manager'.

Please check that the information on the letter is correct before you go to the bank, including your UK address. You should also make sure that your name as printed on the bank letter is exactly the same as it appears on your ID.

Barclays

Type of account

STUDENT ADDITION ACCOUNT

How do I apply?

Apply via Barclays app or in person at a branch.

Barclays
Sheffield City Hall Square
2-12 Pinstone Street
Sheffield
S1 2HN

What information do I need to provide? 

  • UK mobile phone number
  • Valid photo ID – passport, full UK/EU/EEA driving licence, EU/EEA national identity card, or UK biometric residence permit
  • UK residential address – a letter from your university showing your address if you’re on campus, or a tenancy agreement
  • Your 4-digit UCAS code – if you don’t have this, you’ll need to take proof of your student status to one of the branches. You will need to make an appointment to do this.

Will I need my BRP to open an account? 

No, having your BRP is not mandatory. 

Halifax

Type of account

BASIC, CURRENT, AWARD or ULTIMATE REWARD ACCOUNT

How do I apply?

Check which accounts you are eligible for. Apply online or in person at a local branch

HALIFAX
30/34 High Street 
Sheffield
S1 2GE  

What information do I need to provide? 

  • Proof of identity - You will need to be able to provide proof of identity
  • Personal details - Title, full name, date of birth, gender, marital status, nationality
  • Address - Home address and how long you have lived there
  • Contact details - Your phone number and email address
  • Finances - Your income and what you will use the account for
  • Overdraft - Whether you want to set up an arranged overdraft

Further information can be found here.

Will I need my BRP to open an account? 

No, having your BRP is not mandatory. 

HSBC

Type of account

HSBC BANK ACCOUNT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

How do I apply?

The quickest way to open your account is to visit the branch and scan a QR code to get your application started. Your application will be processed quicker than simply applying online, and HSBC can hopefully verify your documents on the same day.

HSBC
49 - 63 Fargate
Sheffield
S1 2HD

What information do I need to provide? 

Your proof of identity (i.e. passport) and your proof of address (i.e. bank letter which you can download from My Student Record)

Will I need my BRP to open an account? 

No, having your BRP is not mandatory. 

Lloyds

Type of account

CLASSIC ACCOUNT

How do I apply?

Applying for an account online is the most convenient way to open an account. You can also apply in any Lloyds Bank branch with your proof of identification and address.

LLOYDS BANK
1 High Street
Sheffield
S1 2GA

What information do I need to provide? 

If you have applied for a current account online, you can provide your proof of identification and address online.

If you apply for a current account in branch or continue the application in branch, then you will need to provide proof of identity and address at your nearest branch within 14 days to complete the application. All documents must be the most recent ones. The bank does not accept expired documents or documents printed off the internet.

The bank will need to see one of the following documents.

This document must show your full name. You can choose from the following:

  • current United Kingdom, European Union or European Economic Area photo driving licence
  • current UK / EU / EEA passport
  • EU / EEA identity card
  • all other current signed passports with a valid UK visa (BRP)

The bank will also need a document showing your full name and current UK address. You use a student bank letter which you can download from My Student Record. Lloyds will also need proof of your course start and end dates, which you can provide on a Student Status Letter which you can request from Hallam Help. 

Will I need my BRP to open an account? 

No, having your BRP is not mandatory. 

Metro bank

Type of account

CASH ACCOUNT

How do I apply?

Apply in store at the Sheffield Branch.

METRO BANK
58-64 Fargate
Sheffield
S1 2HE 

What information do I need to provide? 

You can open an account in store with a valid passport containing your current visa (with at least 6 months left on it) or Biometric Residence Permit.

You'll also need to bring 1 or 2 of the proofs of address. Options include Council Tax bill (valid for the current financial year) and Utility bill - gas, electricity or water, dated within the last 3 months, with the full set of options listed here in section 1. 

Please also take with you a student bank letter which you can download from My Student Record.

Will I need my BRP to open an account? 

No, having your BRP is not mandatory. 

Santander

Type of account

BASIC CURRENT ACCOUNT

How do I apply?

Apply online or in person at a local branch

Santander
34-36 Fargate
Sheffield
S1 2HE

What information do I need to provide?

Please provide one document from List 1 and one document from List 2.

List 1 (Proof of Identity):

  • EEA or Switzerland national identity card (with valid right to remain**)
  • Passport UK/Irish (unexpired and signed)
  • Passport non-UK/non-Irish (with valid right to remain**)
  • Unexpired Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

List 2 (Proof of Address and account eligibility):

  • A letter of acceptance/admission from the university/ college/ school confirming UK study details (this must include your name, course details, dates, name and contact number and UK home address)
  • Bank letter from University (which you can download from My Student Record)
  • Printout of digital UCAS AS12 letter

Will I need my BRP to open an account?

No, having your BRP is not mandatory.

*Please note, as the information below is taken from external agencies, it is subject to change without notice. Sheffield Hallam University can accept no liability for any goods or services provided by third party suppliers. Any goods or services which are not stated to be provided by the University are provided by third parties over whom we do not have control and you should satisfy yourself that you wish to purchase those goods or services before contracting with the supplier. The suppliers will be supplying on their own standard terms and conditions, and you should check that you agree to those terms and conditions before making any financial commitment.