Open a Student bank account

You'll need:

• UK Passport or Driver's Licence (full or provisional)
• Proof of address - Driver's Licence, Utility Bill or Bank Statement. If you don’t have one of these,  you can use one of the documents we ask for to verify your UK student status.

You’ll also need to verify your UK Student status. Your UCAS status code is the fastest way to do this - we’ll ask for it in the application form. If you don't provide this code, we'll ask you to confirm your student status another way before we can change your account. This means you may wait a little longer to get your account changed. For more information on what other proof of student status we can accept, see question ‘What do we need to verify your student status?’

Once your account is open, we’ll send your tastecard redemption code to your email address. We will use the email address you provided to us during your application process to contact you about your tastecard.

Your UCAS status code is the simplest and fastest way to show us you’re a student. This is a 16-digit code emailed to you by UCAS and will be unique to you. You'll also be able to find this by logging into the UCAS Hub (opens in new tab). 

If you can't find your UCAS status code, you can contact UCAS on 0371 468 0468 who will reissue the code within 24 hours.

If you don't provide this code in the application form, we'll ask you to confirm your student status another way before we can change your account. This means you may wait a little longer to get your account changed. 

If you don’t provide your UCAS number in the application form, we’ll accept any of the below documents as proof of your UK student status. You’ll need to manually upload one of the below documents after you submit your Student account application.

• Letter from UCAS
• Letter of acceptance
• Enrolment offer
• Enrolment certificate
• Student loan or finance letter
• Students Awards agency for Scotland (SAAS)
• Local education authority award letter

After you graduate your Student account will switch to a Graduate account. We’ll notify you about 60 days in advance, so there's no unexpected surprises. 

You can apply for an overdraft once your student account is open. If your course has started or is about to start, you might be able to apply for an overdraft while opening your Student account. You’ll need to be 18+years, Subject to lending criteria.

If you’re approved, your Interest-free overdraft limit is £500 year one term one. You can apply to increase the overdraft up to £2,000 from term two year one.  Students from year three onwards can apply for up to £3,250.

You can apply for an overdraft on your account at anytime once your course has started with an instant online decision.

You can only have one student account with NatWest Group (NatWest/Royal Bank/Ulster Bank) at a time. If you try to open more than one student account you will only receive the benefits of the account once. 

Banking My Way is a free service that allows you to record information about the support or adjustments you need to make banking easier. You can also let us know any additional support you may need to ensure all of our colleagues are aware of this. The information will be shared on our internal systems and therefore you will not need to repeat these requirements every time you interact with us.

Once your account is open, you can record this through Online Banking or with our colleagues in branches or over the phone.

Learn more about Banking My Way

If you’ve lived in the UK for more than three years, you can apply for our Student bank account. If not, then you’re recognised by us as an international student and are not eligible for our Student account. See our current accounts hub for other options.