In the UK, traditional banks with local branches are known as “High Street Banks”. Many people prefer to bank with these, as it means you can visit the branch in-person for face-to-face customer support and assistance.
Not all High Street banks have branches in Swansea, so we have provided details of some that do below. Other banks are available.
Opening an account may involve visiting the branch – although you can usually get things started online. They will require a range of documentation which might include:
- Personal identification (usually a passport or national photo ID card, some banks also require you to have your UK Visa),
- Proof of UK address,
- Proof of studies at Swansea University (you can request a letter from MyUniHub at reception or emailing myunihub@swansea.ac.uk)
HSBC
HSBC offers a specialist bank account for International Students. It can be set up online, or by visiting a branch. You will require some specific ID documents, so check here for details of what you’ll need to get things set up – HSBC ID Check Guide. You must already be in the UK before you apply for this account.
If you are already a customer of HSBC in your home country, they have a specialist service to help you set up your account before you travel – you can find details of this by clicking here.
• HSBC International Student Account
• 10 Portland Street, Swansea, SA1 3DF (click for Google Maps location)
• New Customers – 03455 873 444 (UK) / +44 1226 261 010 (International)
• Existing Customers – 03457 404 404 (UK) / +44 1226 261 010 (International)
• Live Chat available in app and online
Barclays
Barclays offers a “Student Account” - but this is only available if you have lived in the UK for at least 3 years.
Barclays standard ‘Barclays Bank Account’ is available to those recently arrived in the UK, including international students. You must have your BRP before you can apply for the account. Your application can be started online, via the Barclays App, or by going into the branch. Please also be aware Barclays does not accept University issued letters as proof of address. Visit the Barclays Proof of ID & Address page which details what can be accepted.
• Barclays Bank Current Bank Account
• 262 Oxford Street, Swansea, SA1 3BR (click for Google Maps location)
• New Customers – 0345 600 4545 (UK)
• Existing Customers – 0345 734 5345 (UK) / +44 24 7684 2099 (International)
• Live Chat available in app and online, via Apple iMessage and via Social Media
Lloyds Bank
Lloyds Bank Student Accounts are only available if you have lived in the UK for at least 3 years. You can still apply for a 'Classic Bank Account' with Lloyds.
They will usually require you to hold your BRP before opening an account – however in case of difficulty their team may be able to help you further. You can apply online, by telephone or by going to the branch – but you will need an appointment (information below)
• Lloyds Bank – Current Accounts
• 802 Oxford Street, Swansea, SA1 3AF (click for Google Maps location)
• Book an appointment – 0345 300 0000 (UK) / +44 1733 347 007
• Existing Customers – 0345 602 1997
• Live Chat available in app and online, via Apple iMessage and via Social Media
TSB
TSB’s Student accounts are only available if you have lived in the UK for at least 3 years.
You can apply for their other current accounts – the ‘Spend & Save’ account is the most popular. They will usually require you to hold your BRP or your passport with a full valid UK Visa before opening an account.
If you arrived in the UK in the last 3 months, you will need to apply via the website or by going to the branch – you cannot apply through the App.
• TSB Current Accounts
• 11 Union Street, Swansea, SA1 3EF (click for Google Maps location)
• Book an appointment / Branch direct number – 01792 463776
• Help & Support – 03459 758 758 (UK) / +44 203 284 1575 (International)
• Live Chat available in app and online
Halifax
Halifax Student accounts are only available if you have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
The Halifax Current Account is available to apply for. They will usually require you to hold your BRP before opening an account. You can apply online, but you may be required to go to the branch to complete this. You can also arrange an appointment to do your whole application in-branch
• Halifax Current Accounts
• 22/23 Union Street, Swansea, SA1 5TX (click for Google Maps location)
• Book an appointment / For help with setting up accounts – 0800 056 0056
• Help & Support – 0345 720 3040 (UK) / +44 113 242 1984 (International)
• Live Chat available in app and online
NatWest
NatWest’s Student Account is only available to UK Citizens or those who have lived in the UK for at least 3 years, but other options are available
NatWest offer International Current Accounts. Those in eligible countries can set up an account before travel and use the account internationally. There are strict eligibility criteria, an £8GBP monthly charge, and not all countries are supported – click here for eligibility details.
If this isn’t available, or is not right for you, you can apply for a standard Select / Everyday Banking Account. They will usually require you to hold your BRP or your passport with a full valid UK Visa before opening an account – you must have at least 6 months left on your valid visa too! Applications start online, by video call, or in branch – we recommend making an appointment.
• NatWest Main Website
• 14-16a Oxford Street, Swansea, SA1 3AG (click for Google Maps location)
• Branch Contact Number (Book Appointment) – 0345 3020 774 (UK) / +44 1248 671 222 (International)
• Help & Support – 03457 888 444 (UK) / +44 3457 888444 (International)
• Live Chat available in app and online
Santander
Santander only offers one account for people who are not permanent residents of the UK – their Basic Current Account. This is the only option that would suit those on a student or student dependant’s visa.
This account provides the basics of banking, but you would not receive a Contactless Debit Card or access to Apple / Google Pay. Although you can attempt to apply online, this can be complicated – for this reason we recommend you make an appointment to apply in-branch. Santander also require more ID documents than others - take a look at page 3 of this guide for information – Santander – Customer ID Requirements
• Santander Basic Account
• 1 Union Street, Swansea, SA1 3EE (click for Google Maps location)
• Book an appointment – 0333 207 2899
• Help & Support – 0330 9 123 123
• Live Chat available in app, automated chat bot available online