Banking

It is important that you make the appropriate preparations regarding your finances before coming to the UK. Opening a bank account can take time and patience, as different banks can follow slightly different procedures, emphasising the need for certain documentation.

Opening a bank account is important as it:

• Keeps your money in a safe and secure place - It is not a good idea to carry a lot of cash with you
• Enables you to pay your tuition and accommodation fees
• Assists you in the registration process - Unless you have a banker's draft for the full fee amount, you must open a bank account in order to register, and this process can take around two weeks
• Provides relevant documentation if you need to extend your visa in the UK

As international students are temporary residents in the UK, banking facilities are provided on a restricted basis. Due to tight security measures it can take a few weeks to open a bank account. In order to make this period less stressful for you, make sure you have enough money to cover the first two weeks in Manchester. Try to avoid carrying cash; use travellers' cheques or a credit card, if you have one, instead.

Take action before coming to the UK, to help you when you are here:

• Make a prepayment of your tuition or accommodation fees by bank-to-bank transfer
• Speak to your bank in your home country to see if they can advise you regarding opening a bank account in the UK - does the bank in your home country have any special relationship with a bank in the UK that could make it easier to open an account?
• Find out if you can use a cash card from your home country bank in UK bank machines
• Try to open an online account with a multinational bank in your home country before coming to the UK
• Download  a PDF of the University's guide to bank accounts offered by local banks (94KB)
  (Please note that this document is intended as a guide only and the accounts offered may change. Further terms and conditions may apply).

You will need a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat (downloadable from Adobe ) to view PDF files. PDF files open in a new window.

Please note that when you come to open a bank account in the UK you will need the following documents:

• Your passport to prove your identity;
• Your offer letter addressed to your overseas address (not PO box number);
• Your University accommodation contract (if you will be living in University accommodation).

Don't worry if you don't have these; in exceptional circumstances the University can issue a document confirming your details to your chosen bank.

Useful websites:

• UK Council for International Student Affairs
• HSBC
• Natwest
• Barclays

More detailed information is available in our Finance section

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