UK Bank Account Comparison

The best accounts for international students — all accept overseas passports

⭐ Most recommended for students

🔥

Monzo

Most popular with students

Overseas ID

✅

Open in

Same day

Monthly fee

Free

✓ Pros

  • ·Accepts passport + student visa to open
  • ·App is simple and excellent
  • ·Instant spending notifications
  • ·No foreign transaction fees on basic tier
  • ·Easy bill splitting with friends

✗ Cons

  • ·No physical branches
  • ·Customer support is chat-only
  • ·Cash deposits require a PayPoint store

Search "Monzo" to download the official app

💸

Wise

Best for sending money home

Overseas ID

✅

Open in

1–3 days

Monthly fee

Free (card: £7 one-off)

✓ Pros

  • ·Lowest fees for international transfers
  • ·Holds 40+ currencies
  • ·First transfer free
  • ·Great exchange rates (mid-market)
  • ·Can receive money like a local UK account

✗ Cons

  • ·Not a full UK bank (no FSCS protection)
  • ·Small fee on most transfers after first
  • ·Less useful for day-to-day UK spending
Open Wise account

* Affiliate link — no extra cost to you

🌐

Revolut

Great for travelling & multi-currency

Overseas ID

✅

Open in

Same day

Monthly fee

Free (standard tier)

✓ Pros

  • ·Excellent travel features
  • ·Spend in 150+ currencies at great rates
  • ·Free basic tier is generous
  • ·Crypto, stocks, savings vaults

✗ Cons

  • ·Free tier has monthly ATM withdrawal limits
  • ·Not always great as a primary UK bank
  • ·Support can be slow

Search "Revolut" to download the official app

⭐

Starling

Best traditional-feel digital bank

Overseas ID

✅

Open in

1–2 days

Monthly fee

Free

✓ Pros

  • ·Full UK bank account (FSCS protected)
  • ·Excellent app and budgeting tools
  • ·No fees on overseas spending
  • ·Real customer support

✗ Cons

  • ·Slightly stricter ID checks than Monzo
  • ·Fewer social/viral features
  • ·No crypto or investment features

Search "Starling" to download the official app

💡 Tips for opening your account

  • ·Bring your passport + student visa (BRP or eVisa screenshot)
  • ·Have a UK address ready (halls address is fine)
  • ·Open Monzo first for daily spending, Wise for transfers home