Opening a Bank Account

When you arrive in Plymouth, a great first step is opening a bank account. Take some time to compare what’s out there and choose the one that suits you best. Most banks offer standard student accounts, but some sweeten the deal with extras like freebies and interest-free overdrafts.

Here are a few banking options in the local area:

• Lloyds
• HSBC
• NatWest
• Barclays
• Santander

When you open a bank account, you’ll need to show proof of your student status. Our friendly Student Experience Team can provide you with an enrolment letter at Enrolment Week to help with this.

Payment Methods

Credit Cards

These can be used for payment of tuition fees and accommodation charges. Make sure your credit limit will allow you to make large payments in the UK. You can do this by checking with your bank or credit provider before you leave home. Also, be sure to you give someone at home the authority to pay money into your credit card account while you are in the UK, in case of emergency.

Debit Cards

Maestro, Visa or Cirrus can be used to pay your tuition fees and accommodation charges (there is no handling charge for payment by debit card), as well as for shopping and other expenses. Make sure you have enough money in your account to allow you to make this payment. Ideally, you will check this with your bank before you leave home. Similarly to your credit card, you should also make sure that you give someone at home authority to pay money into your bank account while you are in the UK, in case of emergency.