Banking
It is very useful to open a bank account once you arrive in Edinburgh.
This process is not normally available prior to arrival in Edinburgh unless your branch at home has a relationship with a UK bank.
This process can only take place once you have moved into your accommodation.
Why open an account?
You may need to pay for accommodation by direct debit or you may need to provide bank statements as evidence of your funding for immigration purposes.
Direct debits may also be used to pay tuition fees, but not all bank accounts are suitable for direct debit payments - check with your bank first.
There is more information about direct debits on the Finance Office website.
If you are a student for a year or longer then most banks will permit you to open an account.
If you are here for less than a year then your choice may be more limited.
We are not able to recommend specific banks to students but it is a good idea to use a bank with a branch near the university.
These branches are generally more used to dealing with students and understand their problems and needs.
We have negotiated with some banks (see the list below) for them to accept our letter of introduction which will make it easier for you to open an account.
You must also take the appropriate documentation.These documents are listed on the letter of introduction.
It is up to you to do some research, work out which account suits you best and find out what the banks are charging for their various services.
To help you we have prepared a Bank Comparison chart which provides information on some of the facilities and services available at those banks which accept our letter of introduction.
Choosing a bank
Use our bank comparison chart to help you research which bank and account suits you best. The chart includes the documents and identification each bank requires to set up a new account.
How long will it take?
Some accounts can be opened during an appointment in the bank branch, others take longer.
The time it takes varies from bank to bank and depends on the type of account you open.
Banks are now obliged to carry out very strict checks and abide by banking regulations to prevent money laundering etc. This means that the whole process may take longer than you would wish.
Be prepared for the process to take up to 2 weeks but remember to ask when speaking with each bank how long it normally takes.
Bank Introduction letter
To assist you to open an account, by providing proof of your accommodation in Edinburgh, the University can provide you with a Bank Introduction letter.
Bank letter for students in University accommodation
After you have fully checked in to your University accommodation you can download and print a copy of the letter from MyEd. Look in MyEd for the ‘Print Bank Letter’ facility.
Once you have a copy of the letter you can take it to one of the bank branches listed on the letter with the additional documentation requested.
Only certain banks and branches have agreed to accept this letter so you must open the account at one of these branches.
Bank letter for students in private accommodation
If you are in private accommodation then you will need to apply online for a bank introduction letter.
Bank introduction letter
This service is only for those students who:
- are not in University Accommodation
It will take around 3 days for the letter to be processed.
The letter will be mailed to the address you provide on the form.
Please check all details carefully before submitting the form.
It is not possible for the University to provide you with a bank letter on demand.
Check on the Bank Comparison chart for details of the documents required by each bank.
Banks near the University
There are a large number of banks with offices in and around Edinburgh and you can select any bank that you wish.
While the University does not endorse any particular bank we do suggest that banks in the vicinity of the University are more used to dealing with students.
The University of Edinburgh has negotiated for its standard letter of introduction to be accepted by the following banks:
This article was published on May 21, 2013