International Student Bank Account

HSBC UK
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International Students

Stay on top of your money while you study

If you're already in the UK, you can apply for an HSBC Bank Account with us.

With this account, you won't have access to our credit facilities (e.g. overdrafts, loans or credit cards), some of our savings accounts, and you won't receive a cheque book.

Start your application online today

Document verification will be required in branch.

How to apply

Still in your home country?

If you already have a relationship with HSBC in your home country, you may be eligible to apply for an overseas account before you arrive in the UK.

At a glance

Bank the way you want

Manage your money online, on your mobile or over the phone, 24/7, 365 days a year.¹
Withdraw up to £300 a day

Get hold of your money when you need it from ATMs throughout the UK.²

Set up bill payments and easy transfers

Set up Direct Debits and standing orders to make sure your bills are paid automatically. Sending money to family and friends is easy, too.
Make contactless payments

Your account comes with a contactless Visa debit card, making it easy to pay on the go.

Things you should know before applying

Charges for using your card abroad

If you pay for something using your HSBC Visa debit card while you're outside the UK, you'll need to pay a 'non-sterling transaction fee' of 2.75%. So, for example, if you spent £100, you'd be charged a fee of £2.75.

If you withdraw money from an ATM, you'll also need to pay a 'cash fee' of 2% (minimum £1.75, maximum £5) as well as the non-sterling transaction fee. So if you took out £100, you'd be charged a total of £4.75.

Any transactions you make will be converted into pound sterling (unless you choose to pay in local currency). To make sure your exchange rate is as competitive as possible, you'll pay the exchange rate set by Visa.

More about using your card abroad

Documents you will need to bring to our branch

Your proof of identity

You’ll need to bring one of these documents. It must be the original document, not a copy:

your current passport or travel document (passports should include all pages that contain signatures, the passport number and any extension dates where applicable)
your current National Identity Card (EEA or Swiss Nationals only)

And also one of these documents – again, it must be the original document, not a copy:

your visa
a biometric residence permit that doesn’t expire in the next 3 months

Your proof of address

Provide one of the documents below and make sure it is both recent and certified
letter from a university/college confirming your acceptance of a place on a qualifying course
EU Photocard Driving Licence and Overseas Driving Licence
bills and Bank Statements

How to open an account

Start your application online.
You'll receive a text message asking you to bring your ID and proof of address to your nearest HSBC branch.
After your documents have been verified and the account opened, we'll send you a letter with your Telephone Security Number and instructions on how to register for mobile and online banking.
We'll send you a welcome pack, either in the post or by email.

Opening your account is easy

You can apply for an HSBC Bank Account if you:

are 18 or over
currently live in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
have valid ID and proof of address
have proof you've been accepted onto a qualifying course at a UK university or college
have read the important account documents

If you live in the UK and have lived in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for at least 3 years, apply for an HSBC Student Account instead.

Open an account This link will open in a new window

Frequently Asked Questions

For instructions on sending or receiving money outside of the UK please visit our international money transfer page.

You can view and download paperless statements online by following these steps:

Log on to online banking.
Select ‘My banking’.
Select ‘Statements’ under the documents’ section.
View and download your statements.

if you’d like a paper copy of the statement, you can:
give us a call if you’re registered for telephone banking
pop into your nearest branch and ask us to order you a copy

Your Telephone Security Number is a 6 to 10 digit number that only you will know. It is what we use to verify you if you call us.

Once your account has been opened, you’ll receive a letter with your Telephone Security Number and instructions on how to register for online and mobile banking

Your proof of identity

You’ll need to bring one of these documents. It must be the original document, not a copy:

your current passport or travel document (passports should include all pages that contain signatures, the passport number and any extension dates where applicable)
your current National Identity Card (EEA or Swiss Nationals only)

And also one of these documents – again, it must be the original document, not a copy:

your visa
a biometric residence permit that doesn’t expire in the next 3 months

Your proof of address

Provide one of the documents below and make sure it is both recent and certified

letter from a university/college confirming your acceptance of a place on a qualifying course
EU Photocard Driving Licence and Overseas Driving Licence
bills and Bank Statements

A standing order is a regular payment of a specified amount to another account. Setting up a standing order can reduce the amount of admin you have to do. It can also help make sure you never miss a payment on something important like your rent.

Click here for more information on how to set up, amend or cancel a standing order with online banking

A Direct Debit is a way to make sure all your household bills and other regular outgoings are paid on time.

It allows companies to instruct your bank to transfer money from your account to theirs. The amount transferred is decided between yourself and the company during the set up process. The Direct Debit is then paid to the company by the bank on an agreed date,

Direct Debits are often used to pay things like gas, water, electricity and council tax bills. All Direct Debits are protected by Direct Debit Guarantee Scheme.

Click here for more information on how to set up, amend or cancel a Direct Debit with online banking

Existing customers

Activate your card

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Account all set up? Find out how to activate your card.

Use your card abroad

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Going travelling? Your HSBC debit card makes the ideal companion.

Update your address

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Moved to a new place? Update your details easily online.

Additional Information

1. Our telephone, online and mobile banking services are open 24 hours a day subject to scheduled maintenance periods. To help us offer the best service, we may monitor and/or record your calls with us. Back to 'At a glance'

2. Some cash machine owners in the UK may charge you for withdrawals. This will be shown on screen with an option to cancel the withdrawal if you want. Back to 'At a glance'

HSBC Bank Account for International Students

Stay on top of your money while you study

Start your application online today

Still in your home country?

At a glance

Things you should know before applying

Charges for using your card abroad

Documents you will need to bring to our branch

Important account documents

How to open an account

Opening your account is easy

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I send or receive money outside the UK?

How do I get bank statements for proof of address?

What's a Telephone Security Number and how do I get one?

What documents do I need to open an account?

What's the difference between a standing order and a Direct Debit?

Existing customers

Activate your card

Use your card abroad

Update your address

Additional Information

Customer support