STUDENTS can open a specially tailored bank account during their time at university.
Currently, student account providers are battling it out for the top spot, with many offering tempting perks in time for the new term beginning in September to tempt customers in.
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We explain all you need to know about how to apply for a student account, and what the best deals on the market are at the moment.
Moneyfacts has revealed that the most generous overdraft tariffs this year are with Nationwide Building Society, HSBC and Barclays, as the banks are offering up to £3,000 interest-free.
This year two banks are offering a free cash incentive upon opening too, plus a variety of other offers are being flogged too.
The financial comparison experts said that it’s important to study all the packages before you commit.
Rachel Springall, finance expert at Moneyfacts, said: “Student account providers have not held back with tweaking perks this year, which are enticing and could save students some cash.
“The pandemic’s impact may have caused some anxiety amongst prospective students who are preparing to live away from home for the first time in their lives.
“If they have money concerns, they would be wise to speak with their family and friends for advice in the first instance, but also take some time to find a decent student account to stand by them during their years of study. “
Moneyfacts also advises students to take advantage of free mobile apps to budget and keep an eye on expenses on the go.
What is a student account?
If you’re a student in the UK you can set up one of these accounts.
Usually you’re provided with a larger overdraft limit than a normal bank account – with some going up to £3,000 without interest.
But remember an overdraft isn’t free money.
After you graduate you still have to repay everything you have borrowed and interest may kick in on graduating.
Plus, you might face additional charges if you go over the overdraft limit.
If you think this might happen, you should speak to your bank immediately, as it could hurt your credit rating and ability to borrow in the future.
Who can apply for a student account?
Most student accounts require you to be either over 17-years-old or over 18, and you’ll need to have been accepted onto a full-time UCAS course at a UK institution lasting at least two years.
You can’t get one if you already have another student account set up and you will need to be a UK resident.
Check the eligibility criteria for the account you are applying for if they have any additional requirements too.
What perks do accounts offer?
Different banks and building societies will offer freebies to tempt you into opening their account and not a rivals.
This could include discount cards, cashback offers or subscriptions.
But you want to keep in mind if the overall package is worth it and you shouldn’t go for the account just because of the freebies available.
What are the best student accounts at the moment?
We’ve rounded up the student accounts with the highest interest-free overdraft limits and the best perks to help you decide which one you might go for.
Barclays
With a Barclays student account you can earn cashback through Barclays Cashback.
Blue Rewards is available as an add-on for £4 per month too.
As a perk of opening the student account you’ll get a free 12-month subscription to the online library Perlego.
That’s available from September 20 this year until December 31, so you’ll only have the first term of your course to redeem the incentive if you choose to open an account with Barclays.
Usually the subscription would cost £96 a year so you can save nearly £100 on resources for your course.
The bank also offers an interest-free overdraft of up to £3,000 by your final year, with up to £2,000 for second year students and £1,000 for freshers.
HSBC
HSBC has launched a variety of new perks this year too.
You can get £80 in cash once you open a new account, plus the choice of a £20 Uber Eats voucher or a year of unlimited next-day delivery with ASOS Premier – which would otherwise cost you £9.95.
You can get the perks when five debit card transactions have been made within the first month of opening the account.
You’ll also be able to get up to £3,000 in your overdraft by the time you complete uni, as in Year 1 you can get at least £1,000, Year 2 you’ll be able to get up to £2,000, and £3,000 in your final year.
NatWest
The bank offers a free 24/7 emergency cash service as well as other immediate perks.
The offers available at Natwest include an Amazon Prime Student account that would usually cost £3.99 a month, free of charge for the first six months.
Plus you can also get a Coach Card worth £12.50 over one year or £30 over three years.
Or you can get a free tastecard instead which would usually usual cost £34.99 per year and £50 cashback upfront.
The tastecard is valid for four years giving 50% off food or two for one meals, plus offers on entertainment and shopping.
NatWest is offering a more generous overdraft within the first few years of study, so students can get up to £2,000 after their first four months at uni.
After that they can still get up to £2,000 in overdraft spending for their remaining years as a student.
Santander
Santander offered 1% credit interest last year but this year that’s been scrapped.
However, you can still get its popular Railcard offer which would usually cost you £30 to buy for a year or £70 for three years.
The four-year 16-25 Railcard is offered for new customers and it’s completely free of charge meaning you won’t have to splash out on your own card to get discounts on journeys.
You can also earn up to 15% cashback from selected retailers and get preferential rates, offers and discounts at 123 World.
From your first year to your third year at university you can get up to £1,500 in your overdraft.
Then if you’re studying beyond that you can get up to £1,800 in Year 4 and up to £2,000 in Year 5.
TSB
TSB is the only brand to offer a generous credit interest rate of 5% AER.
You’ll also be able to get up to £1,500 in your overdraft during the first year, but it will only be £500 for the first six months before raising to £1,000 by month nine and reaching the full amount at the end of the year.
After that you can get up to £1,500 for the rest of the time you are studying.
Halifax
With Halifax you’ll be able to get cashback extras like earning up to 15% cashback from selected retailers.
You can also round up your card payments when you spend and put the change into your Halifax savings account with the Save the Change option available.
There’s also a credit interest of 0.10% AER, and you can have an interest free over draft of up to £1,500 for every year you are studying.
Nationwide
Nationwide won’t apply any charges for using your debit card abroad which is great for anyone planning a gap year or trip away between studying as well as placement year’s abroad.
You can get up to £1,000 in your overdraft in first year and it raises by £1,000 every year after that so £2,000 in year 2, and £3,000 in Year 3 beyond.
Lloyds
With Lloyds account it’s free to register for Everyday Offers and It’s On Us.
You’ll be able to earn up to 15% cashback from selected retailers with the account as well.
In Year 1, 2 and 3 you can get up to £1,500 overdraft spending, and up to £2,000 for your time studying beyond that.
But you’ll only be able to go up to £500 for the first six months of your degree, going up to £1,000 between the seven months and nine and the full amount is available after 10 months.
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