Banking Information
Opening a Bank Account before arriving in the UK- EU/International students
You can make arrangements before coming to the UK in order to access money on arrival in the UK.
Tips for accessing your money when in the UK:
- Do not bring large amounts of cash to the UK
- Open an account in your home country with a multi-national bank
- Check the bank allows cash withdrawal from UK banks
- Check that money can be transferred from outside the UK to the account
- Open an account in your home country with a bank that has internet banking
- Bring a bankers draft made out to ‘The University of Dundee’, in pounds sterling, for your tuition and accommodation fees
- Apply for a credit card in your home country for use in the UK
- Instead of bringing cash, bring Sterling Travellers Cheques. However, please bear in mind there are charges for cashing Travellers Cheques
Exchange students
Bring an English translation confirming your enrolment at your home institution. It must show:
- The institution name;
- course title;
- course start and end dates; and
- your address in your home country.
Opening a bank account in the UK
We recommend you organise your financial arrangements soon after arriving in Dundee. It is a good idea to open a UK bank account and transfer money into it as soon as possible. The following major banks have branches close to the main campus in Dundee.
- Bank of Scotland
- Barclays Bank plc
- Clydesdale Bank plc
- HSBC Bank plc
- Lloyds TSB Scotland plc
- NatWest Bank plc
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Santander
Banks are normally open from around 09.30 to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. All have 24-hour automatic cash machines. To open an account you will have to complete an application and provide the following documents:
- your passport
- your university admission letter and acceptance certificate
- funds to deposit
- documentary proof of your local address in theUK(unless you open a passport account with HSBC where you can use your home address)
HSBC Passport Account is a student-friendly account, particularly if you are opening an account in UK for the first time: www.hsbc.co.uk
Over the past 2 years international students have encountered difficulties when opening a bank account. This is due to an increase in money laundering (fraud). Bank staff require various documents and will ask many questions. Please do not feel that you are personally under suspicion, however frustrating it may be. It is just standard practice.
Proof of Address
Different banks will have different policies when it comes to opening accounts. They also vary from branch to branch.
You may be asked to provide any of the following documents as proof of your address in the UK:
- If you are living in University residences, your lease agreement or a letter of introduction from the University
- If you are living in private accommodation, a Letting Agency Tenancy agreement, a utility bill or a personal possessions insurance policy
The University’s Registry Office (at 2 Airlie Place, building number 41 on the campus map) can provide you with a letter of introduction which some banks will accept as proof of address.
If you experience any difficulties, please contact the International Student Adviser at internationalsupport@dundee.ac.uk.
For more information on banking in the UK see: www.bba.org.uk/customer/personal-banking
Bank Statements
When you require bank statements – for example, for visa extension purposes, please order your statements one month in advance and ensure you have the required funds in your account over a period of 28 days. Banks will not normally issue statements over the counter on request.
Banks Near to the University Campus
Find banks on Google Maps: http://maps.google.co.uk
1. A: enter your current location (University postcode DD1 4HN)
2. B: enter the enter the bank’s postcode (the postcodes are below in bold)
- Bank of Scotland 2 West Marketgait, Dundee DD1 1QN Tel: 01382 317539
- Barclays Bank plc 24 High St, Dundee DD1 1SZ Tel: 0845 7555555
- Clydesdale Bank plc P.O Box 22, 7-8 High St, Dundee DD1 1SS Tel: 0844 7362616
- HSBC Bank plc 25-29 Murraygate, Dundee DD1 2EE Tel: 0845 7404404
- Lloyds TSB Scotland plc 55 High St, Dundee DD2 3AU Tel: 0845 3000000
- NatWest Bank plc 1 Courthouse Square, Dundee DD1 1NH Tel: 0845 6002803
- Royal Bank of Scotland 133 High St, Dundee, DD2 3BX Tel: 01382 611658
- Santander 6 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4EY Tel: 0845 7654321
3. Finally, click ‘get directions’ and a detailed map will appear which you can print off or follow the directions on your phone.

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