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"Best Student Bank Account (help please)"

I've got to set up a new bank account for my student loan to be paid into and stuff, however I'm unsure as to which bank is the best to go with.

I know there was the bank that gave away a free rail pass when you set up an account with them, anyone know which bank that was?

Also what will I need to set up a student bank account? I'm guessing the usual stuff like passport/drivers license, household bill and a bit of money - but do I need anything to prove I'm a student or that I'll be starting uni in september?

Thanks in advance.

This whole bank student-y thing is all another year off for me, but what I'd do is set up accounts with everyone who give freebies, then cancel them :-P :-)

NatWest always seem nice on the phone, seem to not let people steal my money and there's a pretty lady in the branch near to me.

Case closed.

I went with HSBC and got the railcard shindig. They're ace.

I got a halifax student current account, though i was with the halifax at the time so it was pretty easy.

Paradox: wrote:

> Also what will I need to set up a student bank account? I'm guessing
> the usual stuff like passport/drivers license, household bill and a
> bit of money - but do I need anything to prove I'm a student or that
> I'll be starting uni in september?

You usually need to forms of ID, drivers license and passport was what I used. Most ask for proof that you are a student or will be a student, might have limits on when you can sign up but they'll tell you that when you go in.

I don't get much extras with my student account, no commision when getting foreign currency is the only thing I can think of at the mo.

Yeah, HSBC don't do it no more, the gits.

I think Natwest or Barclays seem to offer the best overdrafts so I'll probably be going with one of those two.

Any more advice/whatever welcomed by you studenty types.

Lloyds TSB are really good, ive been with them ever since my stoodent adventures.

Edit: Free rail pass was HSBC, however a friend of mine was with them but they had no end of trouble. I happen to get a free rail card just cause I signed up with HSBC then cancelled it but they still sent it to me by accident :)

Paradox: wrote:

> What 'horror stories' you heard Mr. Light?

Stuff like them closing off overdraft limits without informing you, and being utter twunts when demanding repayment...

Don't you have one just now?

When picking your student bank account sure the free stuff is good but you shuld pick it due to the amont of overdraft you think you will require. (you will require on at some point)

I am with natwest and they have a £1600 overdraft in the 3rd year but you can extend to this after about a year. Barclays on the other hand can go up to £3000 which alot of students find tempting. I didn't want it as i knew i'd go to £3000 easily so this way i did have to watch my money, rather than having £3000 to pay as well as my student loan when i finish uni.

I here Barclays ar pretty good and every city has about 2 of them so tose last mintue money transactions are easy. Natwest i don't have any gripes(sp?) with they are friendly enough for people that want me to be in debt to them.