Do I need a student Visa to open an UK bank account?

Question

I'm Canadian seeking to open a UK bank account but don't have a student visa, will they let me?

Answer 1

You don't need much, my partner just came from usa on a visit visa, they opened one up for her, just needed an address and bills in your name for a basic solo or maestro debit and savings account, she had a Job offer letter so they gave her a Visa Debit card and check book, if they think you are working and earning money they will give you as much as possible.

Myself a UK Citizen (born here) they gave me the minimum as i did'nt have a Job and had been away to USA for 10 years.

There a millions of foreigners here now from Europe, many Illegal, but the banks love all of their money that is for sure.

You won't have any problems.

Try barclays.co.uk, Nat West.com Hsbc.co.uk, lloyds TSB, I believe Nationwide, Abbey National and the CO-OP are best if you want to use the Debit card abroad in Europe and elsewhere as they charge considerably less for each transaction abroad.

Ask the banks their requirements about address etc for foreigners before you come, they may accept your home address in Canada.

Also our USA bank cards work fine here and we use the internet bank to check account status pay bills and transfer money in and out.

Does not make sense does it.

Go into several banks and apply as some of them do not even bother to respond, maybe as they are owned by a bank that you may have already applied too.

I got with Nat West and HSBC, my usa friend got with Barclays.co.uk

I found it helpful when given a negative answer was to ask, "is there any other solution to that" or if I am travelling and don't have an address what can I provide instead, etc ask the right questions and you will get the right answers.

Good Luck

Answer 2

You need to have residency there in order to open a bank account.