What is the Best Student Bank Account for International Students?

Question

I will be leaving for study in UK, specifically Scotland - University of St Andrews in about a month. I have been researching my options regarding student bank accounts available to me. The banks at my University are as follows: Abbey, Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale, Lloyds TSB and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Interest-free overdraft is not a priority for me, though international money transfer without fee or much hassle would be much appreciated. Perks or incentives would also be great.

I have looked at each of the websites but none of them is swaying enough to help me decide on anything. Please help me.

Answer 1

Hi, I was European when I arrived to the UK for studies and I found out that I was considered international for banks. Only if a student is in the country for more that 3 years the banks consider him English. Bare in mind that you have to pay about 5 pound each month to the bank, as international. That's a standard fee.  I would recommend you to go with HSBC if possible, but if you want to go with one of the banks in your campus chose RBS. To transfer money usually takes about a week, always depending on where the money comes from.