Student bank account WITHOUT UCAS code

Hi guys

I’m a mature student and I applied to my university directly. I’m currently about to begin my third and final year of studies and I want to open a student bank account.

Although some banks seems to say online that a ‘proof of study’ letter is enough to open an account, most application forms don’t let you actually progress without a UCAS code. Can anyone tell me which banks 100% will allow you to open a student account without a UCAS code as a 3rd year student. I want an account with a 0% overdraft but I’m not bothered about any of the other benefits.
Please only reply if you’re sure about the banks application process. I know NatWest claims a proof of study letter is fine but after many hours spent on the phone to customer support they confirmed to me that that isn’t actually true and without a ucas code they won’t let you open a student account.

Any advice is much appreciated, thanks guys.

George

Reply 1

mesub

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post by PhysicsGeorge77

Hi guys

I’m a mature student and I applied to my university directly. I’m currently about to begin my third and final year of studies and I want to open a student bank account.
Although some banks seems to say online that a ‘proof of study’ letter is enough to open an account, most application forms don’t let you actually progress without a UCAS code. Can anyone tell me which banks 100% will allow you to open a student account without a UCAS code as a 3rd year student. I want an account with a 0% overdraft but I’m not bothered about any of the other benefits.
Please only reply if you’re sure about the banks application process. I know NatWest claims a proof of study letter is fine but after many hours spent on the phone to customer support they confirmed to me that that isn’t actually true and without a ucas code they won’t let you open a student account.
Any advice is much appreciated, thanks guys.
George

For Natwest, did you and try and go to a branch??

Basically all student bank accounts have a 0% overdraft, although the amount varies. Generally it's almost always at least £500.

The issue is, you're going into third year now. Most providers like you to have at least two years left in your degree OR be a first year student. Some may accept transfers in using the CASS (current account switching service)

Here are a few that may take you, but I would of course advise you to dig into them further.
TSB Student Account
Barclays Student Additions Account
Santander (You'll need to switch in though)
HSBC Student Account
Co-operative Bank
Lloyds Bank
Halifax

It's definitely possible, but be prepared to go into branch and the process to be longer. Good luck!

Reply 2

martin7

Original post by PhysicsGeorge77

Hi guys

I’m a mature student and I applied to my university directly. I’m currently about to begin my third and final year of studies and I want to open a student bank account.
Although some banks seems to say online that a ‘proof of study’ letter is enough to open an account, most application forms don’t let you actually progress without a UCAS code. Can anyone tell me which banks 100% will allow you to open a student account without a UCAS code as a 3rd year student. I want an account with a 0% overdraft but I’m not bothered about any of the other benefits.
Please only reply if you’re sure about the banks application process. I know NatWest claims a proof of study letter is fine but after many hours spent on the phone to customer support they confirmed to me that that isn’t actually true and without a ucas code they won’t let you open a student account.
Any advice is much appreciated, thanks guys.
George

I think you were doomed to fail with NatWest.

Towards the top of their Student Bank Account page at https://www.natwest.com/current-accounts/student_account.html it has their rules:

•

To apply, you must be 17+ and have been living in the UK for at least 3 years. Online applications only.

•

To confirm you're a student or postgraduate and eligible for this account, we require your unique 16 digit UCAS code.

•

You need to be a full time undergraduate student (on at least a 2-year course at a UK university/college) or you need to be completing a full time postgraduate or nursing course lasting a year or more. You can apply within 6 months of your course start date.

You'll need to check the web pages of the banks that offer student accounts -- there aren't that many of them -- to see whether they'll consider you. The ones I've looked at generally require you to be starting your first year of study when you apply.

Reply 3

PhysicsGeorge77

Thanks a lot for the replies guys 🙂 I think, like you both mention, being in third year is gonna be a sticking point, but I’ll investigate further.

Thank you