OPENING A UK BANK

ACCOUNT
 Why open a UK Account
• Advantages: it’s cheaper!
• If you get a job, your employer will want to
pay your money directly into a UK account
• You cannot set up direct debits (eg for a
telephone contract) from an overseas
account
• You will receive bank statements.
 What sort of account?
• Basic bank account which allows you to
pay money in and take money out
• Usually provided with an ATM card to
withdraw money at cash point
• No Credit or overdraft facilities
 How to open a bank account?
• Proof of identity
• Tenancy agreement if you are NOT living in
College accommodation
• Utility bills showing your name – you will not
have these if you have only just arrived in the
UK
• Formal letter from KCL confirming your student
status; start and end dates of your course;
confirmation of both your overseas and UK
address. Needs address of the bank
 Which to choose
• Do your own research – find a bank that
suits your needs
• A-Z of Financial Terms explains some of
the acronyms and terms used in British
Banking – available to take away
 Local banks in Camberwell
• HSBC, 23 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8RP
• Barclays, 1-3 Butterfly Walk, Camberwell,
London SE5 8RW
• NatWest,70 Denmark Hill, London SE5
8TT
• Lloyds TSB, 25 Camberwell Green,
London SE5 7AB
• Santander, 34 Denmark Hill, London SE5
 More information
• KCL Student Information & Advice
www.kcl.ac.uk/advice
• Email advice@kcl.ac.uk
• The Compass www.kcl.ac.uk/thecompass
• The Financial Services Authority:
www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
• IoP Student support adviser:
Charlotte.townsend@kcl.ac.uk