Interest-free overdraft
An arranged interest-free overdraft lets you borrow up to an agreed limit without paying interest. Limits vary between banks and are subject to eligibility.
Student bank accounts
Compare student bank accounts.
Earn £15 when you switch
Our student accounts with the highest overdrafts
Accurate as of Friday, 28 August 2026
Open a Santander Edge Student current account by 16/10/26 & spend by 31/12/26 for a chance to win prizes up to £100k, guaranteed at least a £20 prize. 1 prize per customer. Prize paid by 31/1/27. Must be a UK resident & 18+. T&Cs/eligibility apply
Free 4-year railcard + interest free overdraft + win up to £100K (guaranteed at least £20)
Santander Edge Student current account
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Interest Rate
0% AER
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
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Account fees
None
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Rewards and other perks
Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other personalised offers
Important information & opening criteria
Account details:
Overdraft: Up to £2,000 interest and fee-free arranged overdraft
Rewards: Get cashback, vouchers, prize draws and other personalised offers when you use Santander Boosts
Other Perks: Free 4-year 16-25 Railcard, saving you 1/3 on rail travel in Great Britain.
Important information:
Must be over 18 & live in the UK permanently & be studying for an undergraduate course or a level 4-7 apprenticeship. To enter the prize draw you must open, or transfer from, a Santander account to a Santander Edge Student current account between 14/07/26 and 16/10/26 and make eligible purchases on your debit card by 31/12/26. New Edge Student customers only. 1 prize per customer only. Prize paid by 31/01/27. Must keep account open until the prize is paid. Overdraft is subject to status.
5% interest on balances up to £500
Student Account
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Interest Rate
5% AER
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
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Account fees
None
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Rewards and other perks
Receive 5% AER/4.89% gross variable
Important information & opening criteria
Account details:
Interest rate: 5% AER interest on in-credit balances up to £500
Overdraft: Interest and fee-free tiered arranged overdraft
Other Perks: Receive 5% AER/4.89% gross variable interest on balances up to £500
Important information:
You can then apply to increase the overdraft to £1,000 in months seven to nine and from month ten up to £1,500 – helping you to manage your spending over your first year. UK resident 17+, Eligibility for overdraft: UK resident 18+
Get a £50 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card and entry into a £10,000 prize draw when you open a Starling student account and verify your student status. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Ends 31/10/26. 18+ UK students. T&Cs apply
Get a £50 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card, and the chance to win £10,000 in a prize draw*
Student Current Account
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Interest Rate
0% AER
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Arranged overdraft
Yes (subject to eligibility)
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Account fees
None
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Rewards and other perks
No fees from Starling for spending abroad
Important information & opening criteria
Account details:
Overdraft: Up to £500 interest-free available, subject to status
Rewards: No fees from Starling for spending abroad or withdrawing cash
Other Perks: Portion up your money with Spaces, stick to your budget with Bills Manager, and get smart insights on your spending habits
Important information:
Open an account and verify your student status to receive a £50 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card. T&Cs and eligibility criteria apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Apply, open a Starling student account and verify student status by 31/10/26 for a chance to win £10k (3 winners). UK residents aged 18+ with at least 1 year left on their course. Additional account and overdraft criteria apply. Overdrafts are subject to status and credit checks. T&Cs apply. Overdrafts are repayable on demand.
This is a preview of our student bank accounts. For a full breakdown of all our current accounts, including alternative current account types, progress to the results table.
What is a student current account?
A student bank account is a current account designed for students in higher education in the UK.
They work the same way as standard current accounts but usually come with tailored features such as larger interest-free overdrafts, cashback, and incentives such as discounted or free railcards and shopping vouchers.
What perks could I get with a student bank account?
If you sign-up for a student bank account, you could receive some of the following benefits:
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Railcard
Some student accounts offer a free 16-25 Railcard, which can save you a third on eligible rail fares. Restrictions and minimum fares can apply, so check the Railcard terms before travelling.
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Cash
Some student bank accounts offer a cash incentive for signing up. You might also benefit from high interest rates up to a certain balance
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Cashback
Earn cashback paid directly into your student bank account, for example, 15% cashback paid on purchases with selected retailers
Can I switch my student bank account?
Yes, although whether you can switch to another student account will depend on the new bank's eligibility criteria. Some accounts are aimed mainly at students starting university, while others may accept students who are already part-way through their course.
Check whether you'll qualify for any advertised incentive too. Switching to a student account doesn't necessarily mean you'll receive the same perks offered to new first-year students.
Your existing overdraft limit won't automatically transfer to your new bank. If you rely on an overdraft, check how much the new provider may be willing to offer before switching. Arranged overdrafts are subject to eligibility and lending criteria.
If both banks participate in the Current Account Switch Service, you may be able to use it to complete a full switch. Your new bank will arrange for your balance and regular payments to move across, and your old account will then be closed.
Why should I switch my student bank account?
You’re not happy with the service you’ve received: If that’s the case, you might want to check Trustpilot reviews when you’re selecting an account to switch to
To get freebies: You might be attracted by vouchers, a cash incentive for switching or cashback offers at retailers you’re more likely to use. Just make sure you don’t let enticing sweeteners entice you into choosing an account with a worse rate or less flexible overdraft limit
More favourable overdraft limit: If another account provider is offering a more generous 0% overdraft facility, it can make a lot of sense to switch
Better interest on your balance: Some student accounts pay interest when you're in credit. If you usually keep money in your account rather than use the overdraft, compare the interest rates available as well as the incentives.
How do student bank accounts work?
A student bank account works in a similar way to a regular bank account, but with a few small differences.
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Providers want students as new customers so will often offer incentives, such as railcards, cashback or interest-free overdrafts
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You apply for the account in the same way as you would for a regular bank account. You’ll need to provide ID and prove you’re a student
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Once approved, you can transfer, withdraw and receive money into your account without having to give notice
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After your course ends, your bank may move you onto a graduate account or another current account, and your student benefits and overdraft terms may change
What are the advantages and disadvantages of student bank accounts?
There are plenty of positive reasons to sign up for a student bank account. But there are a few things to watch out for too:
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Advantages
Interest-free overdrafts can be helpful when managing your student finances, allowing you the flexibility to go into the red without penalty
Banks want to attract new customers when they are young so the perks may be better than those offered on standard accounts
Student bank accounts offer smart banking facilities and online access making it straightforward to handle your finances from anywhere
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Disadvantages
You may find it difficult to get a student bank account if you’ve a poor credit rating because of past debts. If declined, you may have to opt for a basic bank account instead
International students might not be eligible for a UK student bank account with an interest-free overdraft
Your current account terms are likely to change after you graduate. You could lose some of the extras, although not always, and you may be required to gradually reduce your overdraft
Can I get a bank account as an international student?
If you've moved to the UK to study, you may be able to open a student account or another type of current account, depending on the provider's eligibility requirements.
You can usually use a current account to receive money, make payments and manage your finances online or through a banking app.
However, some student-account benefits, including interest-free arranged overdrafts, may have additional residency or eligibility requirements.
If you plan to use your debit card outside the UK, check the account's foreign transaction and cash withdrawal charges before you travel, as these vary between providers.
How to choose the best student current account?
The best student account will depend on what features are most important to you.
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Check the overdraft
Many student accounts come with a 0% interest overdraft as a way to borrow money conveniently when you need it
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Look for the best incentives
From discount railcards and gadget insurance to cashback and retailer discounts, banks can offer different types of incentives
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Check the overdraft terms
Find out what happens if you go beyond your arranged overdraft limit, and whether any interest or other charges could apply. Your bank may also decline payments that would take you over your limit.
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Compare customer service ratings
Knowing that you’ll get great service from a bank is important and it’s worth finding out about others’ experience before making your decision
Our expert says…
Banks want student customers as there’s a good chance they’ll stick with the same bank long after they graduate. To lure students in, some banks offer cash, Railcards and free subscriptions to popular services. But if you’ll need to borrow money while at university, the most important thing to focus on is the size of the interest-free overdraft– the amount of borrowing you’ll be offered at 0% interest normally increases with each year of study.
Kara Gammell Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
How to open a student bank account
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can usually apply for a student bank account online, although some providers also let you apply in branch. You'll normally need:
Proof of identity: such as a passport or driving licence
Proof of student status: your bank will tell you which evidence it accepts, such as confirmation of your university place or student details
Proof of address: if required by the provider
Exact requirements vary, so check what your chosen bank asks for before applying.
If you receive Student Finance, remember to update your bank details with your student finance provider if you want future payments sent to the new account.
What are my alternatives to a student bank account?
Don't think a student bank account is right for you? Other options include:
Standard current account: A regular current account may suit you if you don't need a large interest-free overdraft or student-specific incentives
High interest bank account: Some accounts pay interest on money held in your account, although you may need to meet conditions to qualify for the advertised rate
Rewards and cashback current accounts: These can offer cashback or other rewards, but check any monthly fees and eligibility requirements to make sure the benefits are worthwhile
If you're regularly reaching or exceeding your overdraft limit, borrowing more may not be the best solution. Review your budget and speak to your bank if you're struggling to manage your overdraft or repay what you owe.
Compare student bank accounts with MoneySuperMarket
Let us take the hard work out of finding a student current account by comparing a range of accounts in one place.
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Browse accounts
View our range of the best student bank accounts and compare options on interest-free overdrafts, customer service feedback and incentives you might receive
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Filter and sort
You can choose to filter the results in different ways, such as by the size of a potential overdraft and any switching incentives you might get for signing up
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Click through to provider
Once you’ve made your choice, click through and complete your application. You’ll need to supply a few details, including proof that you’re a student
Learn more about student finance
What happens to my student account when I graduate?
What happens next depends on your bank. Many providers move student customers onto a graduate account, which may continue to offer an interest-free arranged overdraft for a period while gradually reducing the amount available.
Check your bank's terms before you graduate so you know when your student benefits will end, what will happen to your overdraft and whether you'll be moved to a different account automatically.
Can I get a student account with bad credit?
When you apply for a student account the bank will conduct a credit check to see how well you’ve managed credit in the past. If you have missed any debt repayments you may find it difficult to be approved for a student account.
If your student account application hasn’t been approved, a basic bank account may be an option. You'll still be able to withdraw and deposit money, but you won’t be offered an overdraft or cheque book.
How do I open a student bank account?
Opening a student bank account is straightforward, as follows:
Search to compare accounts taking note of features such as interest-free overdrafts or incentives to sign up
Once you’ve chosen your account, click through to apply online
You’ll need to provide ID, including proving that you’re a student, or you’re about to become a student
Once approved, you’ll be sent your account details and a debit card to get started
When is the best time to open a student account?
There isn’t a specific time you should set up your student account, but you may want it ready to go for when you start your course. That way, you’ll have access to all the features of a student account when you begin your studies and know where you’re at with your finances – particularly if you’ll need access to an overdraft. You’ll need to provide proof of your student status when you apply, so it may be worthwhile to set up your student account as soon as you’ve confirmed your place at university.
What documents do I need to open a student bank account?
To open a student bank account, you’ll need the following information to hand:
Proof of ID: Typically photo ID such as your driver’s licence or passport
Proof of address: Bank statement or recent utility bill
Proof of student status: Your UCAS offer letter or letter of acceptance from university
Most banks will allow you to apply online. But don’t forget to send off your supporting documents. When your new student current account is open, remember to update your Student Finance account with your new bank details. Your Student Finance Account is the hub where you can see your statements and letters about your maintenance loan or grant from Student Finance England.
Can I increase the overdraft on my student bank account?
Depending on the student account you have and when you’re due to graduate, you may be able to increase your authorised 0% overdraft limit. Whether you can increase your overdraft limit will depend on your bank’s terms and lending criteria, as well as your borrowing history and financial situation. If you’re looking to increase your overdraft limit, contact your bank for more information.
How does an unarranged overdraft work with a student account?
An unarranged overdraft happens when you spend more than the money in your account and any arranged overdraft your bank has agreed with you.
Your bank may decline payments that would take you beyond your agreed limit. Depending on the account, interest may also apply, so check your bank's overdraft terms.
If you're regularly relying on your overdraft, review your spending and speak to your bank if you're struggling to bring the balance down.
Check your bank statements
It’s a good idea to check your account statements regularly, because this could stop you going into your overdraft without knowing. It can also be a good way to double check whether there are any transactions you don’t recognise.
Customer service
Look for a provider with good customer service, because you never know when you’ll need to call them up or go into a branch to fix an issue.
How to keep your PIN safe
Remember to be careful with your PIN and account details; you should keep this information safe and protected. Remember, your bank will never ask you to reveal details like your PIN, either on the phone, in person or through an email.
Mobile banking apps
Your bank will almost certainly have an app that lets you manage your account online, and some may even be based on their app. This is excellent for quick and easy money management.
How to transfer money
Each bank has different ways of transferring money. Some require you to use a card reader when transferring any sum of money, while others only use it for transactions over a set amount.
Other banks do not use card readers at all, so if money transfers are something you might be doing a lot of, it’s worth checking the policy details to see how easy it is to make payments on the go.
Do you really need paid benefits?
If your current account comes with benefits such as air miles, you might want to check whether you really need them. For example, if you’re not a frequent flyer, is an air miles bonus worth the extra cost of the monthly fee? The same goes for any other attached benefits such as travel insurance.
Reviewed on 27 Aug 2026 by
Selected providers. SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
Selected providers. SuperSaveClub restrictions and T&Cs apply. Click here for details.
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
