Unlock Your Financial Future: 15 Best Student Bank Accounts for 2025!

Congrats, on starting your new educational journey in the country of your dreams. Well, among the first things you need to sort out, your finances are among the most important. As an international student, living and managing your expenses can be overwhelming. But, with the right bank, your experience of international student banking can be pretty pleasant. In this blog, we have brought you a list of carefully selected banks that are trusted, credible, fast, and convenient. So, if you are an international student looking for a great banking option, read along and find out the best student bank accounts of 2025! 

What is a Student Account?

A student account is specifically designed to meet the financial needs of students, offering unique features that cater to those in educational settings. These accounts often include benefits like zero monthly fees, lower minimum balance requirements, and free digital banking tools. As students search for the best student bank accounts, they should look for options that offer convenience and cost-efficiency. The best student bank accounts prioritize accessibility and ease, providing services like mobile banking, cardless transactions, and flexible overdraft facilities to support students in managing their finances effectively while they focus on their studies.

How to Choose a Top Student Bank Account?

When searching for the best student bank accounts, consider these key factors:
1. Maintenance fees: Opt for accounts without monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements.
2. Digital Banking: Ensure the bank offers comprehensive online and mobile banking solutions.
3. ATM Accessibility: Choose banks that offer free ATM withdrawals nationwide or internationally.
4. Student-Specific Benefits: Consider perks like overdraft protection, student discounts, and easy money transfers.
5. International Services: Ideal for international students, select banks that facilitate easy foreign transactions.

Balancing these factors will help you secure a student bank account that best supports your financial needs while studying.

Student Bank Accounts: Comparison Table

This table compares 15 top student bank accounts from the UK, Australia, and the US, highlighting key features, ATM fees, and benefits. Use it to find the perfect bank account for students that fits your financial needs and supports your studies.

15 Best Student Bank Accounts

Are you an international student looking for the best options to have an international student bank account? Here’s our curated list of the 15 best student bank accounts of 2024

1. The Unizest UK Money App 

Country: United Kingdom
Who Can Open: Specifically for international students; requires a university offer letter and VISA within six weeks.
Online Banking Features: Fully digital account setup, app-based management, secure transactions, and exclusive student discounts.
ATM Fees: 4 free UK withdrawals/month; £0.75 per additional withdrawal.
Rating: 4/5
Benefits: Early account setup before UK arrival, contactless Debit Mastercard, and in-app practical advice for new residents.

The Unizest UK Money App is a fantastic alt bank with all the regular bank facilities catering to international students. Unizest allows you to open your bank account only through your university offer letter, after which you get a 6-week period to supply a valid VISA. The Unizest money app makes your daily expenditure easier with its online payment feature. The ease and convenience that Unizest offers make it the first in our list of best student bank accounts in 2025! 

2. Go Study Australia 

Country: Australia
Who Can Open: International students with a valid student visa.
Online Banking Features: Open an account online before arrival, manage finances via the CommBank app, and use features like Spend Tracker and Cardless Cash.
ATM Fees: Free withdrawals at Commonwealth Bank ATMs; fees apply at others.
Rating: 4.9/5
Benefits: No monthly account fees, easy pre-arrival setup, and exclusive student banking perks.

It offers international students one of the most affordable and best student bank accounts that provide smooth banking experiences with its free account opening facility. Their international student bank accounts include exclusive student baking benefits and 0 monthly maintenance fees. Go Study Australia offers cardless transactions and ATM transactions. 

3. Lorien Finance 

Country: United States
Who Can Open: International students aged 18+ pursuing higher education in the U.S.; no collateral required for loans.
Online Banking Features: Access to international student credit and debit cards with features like online account management and spending trackers.
ATM Fees: Varies by card provider; some cards may offer fee-free withdrawals at select ATMs.
Rating: 4.9/5
Benefits: Education loans with interest rates starting at 3.49%, No processing fees or collateral required.

They are the one-stop solution for all your financial needs as an international student. Lorien Finance provides everything from no-collateral student loans at the lowest interest rates to general US banking. You can open and activate your account with a few documents before moving to the US and start using it. Lorien Finance also charges no fees on ATM withdrawals or foreign transactions, making it one of the best student bank accounts.  

4. Swadesh

Country: United States
Who Can Open: Indian students and immigrants with a valid U.S. visa; no SSN required.
Online Banking Features: Open FDIC-insured U.S. accounts online before arriving. Virtual debit card available immediately upon arrival; physical card delivered later, No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
ATM Fees: Free access to 37,000+ ATMs in the U.S.; fees apply at out-of-network ATMs.
Ratings: 4.4/5
Benefits: Save on international transfers with competitive rates, Build U.S. credit history without deposits or interest.

The fourth bank that makes it to the list of best student bank accounts in 2024 is Swadesh. If you are looking for the fastest option to open good student accounts, Swadesh can be perfect. With their most rapid opening facility, you can open a bank account in under 3 minutes. Swadesh also requires only your passport and US VISA to open an account. With a fully digital service, there is no need for in-person visits to the bank as the setup, activation, and verification of the account happen online. Swadesh also keeps your data encrypted and money protected by bank-grade security. 

5. US HSBC 

Country: United States
Who Can Open: International students enrolled in U.S. educational institutions.
Online Banking Features: Manage accounts and bills via mobile and online banking, Global View and Transfers for managing HSBC accounts worldwide.
ATM Fees: No fees at HSBC ATMs; fees apply for non-HSBC ATMs.
Rating: 3.9/5
Benefits: Open accounts before arriving in the U.S. Access to credit cards to build U.S. credit history.

HSBC  has been one of the most trusted banks in the US banking sector. With many benefits for international students, US HSBC offers a wide range of services that supports students through their educational journey in the US. With their checking account, you can make your online transactions easier and build a credit score in the US. HSBC international student account allows you to move foreign currency between accounts, making international transactions faster and easier. 

6. Santander Edge Student

Country: United Kingdom
Who Can Open: Undergraduate students in their first year of study; those in subsequent years must switch from an existing account using the Current Account Switch Service.
Online Banking Features: Manage accounts via mobile and online banking platforms, including "My Money Manager" for spending insights.
ATM Fees: Free withdrawals at Santander ATMs; withdrawals at non-Santander ATMs in the UK may incur a fee of £1.99 per transaction.
Rating: 4.5/5
Benefits: Free 4-year Santander 16-25 Railcard, offering 1/3 off rail travel in Great Britain. No monthly account fees. Access to digital banking tools for efficient money management.

The Santander Edge Student Account is among the best student bank accounts in the UK, designed to simplify student finances. This bank account for students offers free UK ATM withdrawals and a fee-free 16-25 Railcard, saving students on travel expenses. With easy-to-use online banking tools and no monthly fees, managing money becomes hassle-free. Students also benefit from tailored features like real-time spending insights. Santander Edge ensures convenience, making it a top choice for today’s students.

7. Nationwide FlexStudent

Country: United Kingdom
Who Can Open: Students aged 18 or over, accepted onto a full-time UCAS course at a UK institution for at least two years.
Online Banking Features: Manage accounts via mobile and online banking platforms, including tools for budgeting and spending insights.
ATM Fees: No fees for using your debit card to make purchases or withdraw money abroad.
Rating: 4.5/5
Benefits: Interest-free arranged overdraft up to £1,000 in the first year, increasing to £2,000 in the second year, and up to £3,000 in the third year. No monthly account fees.

The Nationwide FlexStudent Account is a top choice among the best student bank accounts in the UK. Designed as a reliable bank account for students, it offers free UK ATM withdrawals and no monthly fees, making it budget-friendly. Students benefit from an interest-free overdraft up to £3,000 by the third year, along with online banking tools for efficient money management. With competitive features and widespread accessibility, Nationwide FlexStudent ensures students can focus on their studies without financial stress.

8. NatWest Student

Country: United Kingdom
Who Can Open: Full-time undergraduate students pursuing a degree or equivalent course lasting at least two years, or full-time postgraduate students.
Online Banking Features: Manage accounts via NatWest's mobile app and online banking platforms. Features include spending categorization, budgeting tools, and instant payment notifications.
ATM Fees: Free withdrawals at NatWest and RBS ATMs and International ATM withdrawals incur a 2.75% foreign currency transaction fee.
Rating: 4.5/5 
Benefits: Up to £500 in the first term of the first year. No monthly account fees.

The NatWest Student Account stands out as one of the best student bank accounts, offering exceptional benefits for students. This bank account for students includes free UK ATM withdrawals and access to an interest-free overdraft of up to £2,000, helping students manage finances efficiently. NatWest provides a £100 cash bonus for new accounts and a free four-year tastecard for dining and entertainment discounts. With user-friendly online banking tools, NatWest ensures seamless money management throughout your academic journey.

9. Monzo Student Account

Country: United Kingdom
Who Can Open: UK residents aged 16 and over.
Online Banking Features: Instant spending notifications, Bill splitting and easy money transfers
ATM Fees: Free UK ATM withdrawals up to £250 every 30 days; a 3% fee applies beyond this limit.
Rating: 4.5/5 
Benefits: No monthly account fees. Fee-free card payments abroad using Mastercard's exchange rate.

The Monzo Student Account is a great option among the best student bank accounts in the UK. While not specifically student-focused, this bank account for students offers features ideal for managing student finances. With free UK ATM withdrawals (up to £250 monthly) and fee-free spending abroad, it's perfect for travel-savvy students. Monzo’s app provides real-time spending notifications, budgeting tools, and savings points to stay on top of finances. Monzo ensures simplicity and control for students managing their money.

10. Starling Bank Student Account

Country: United Kingdom
Who Can Open: UK residents aged 16 and over.
Online Banking Features: Budgeting tools, including spending categorization and monthly summaries. Savings Spaces to separate funds for specific goals.
ATM Fees: Free UK ATM withdrawals up to £300 per day. Cash withdrawals outside the UK are subject to the same daily limit of £300.
Rating: 4.7/5 
Benefits: No monthly account fees. Fee-free card payments abroad using Mastercard's exchange rate.

The Starling Bank Student Account is a top contender among the best student bank accounts in the UK. While not exclusively for students, it provides excellent features for managing finances. This bank account for students offers free UK ATM withdrawals and fee-free card payments abroad, making it ideal for travel. The Starling app includes real-time spending notifications, budgeting tools, and savings spaces, empowering students to track and manage their money effortlessly. With no monthly fees, it's a smart choice for students.

11. Bank of Scotland Student Account

Country: United Kingdom
Who Can Open: Full-time students aged 17+ enrolled in a degree or equivalent course lasting at least two years.
Online Banking Features: Manage accounts via Internet Banking and Mobile Banking app, including the "Save the Change" feature to round up purchases and build savings.
ATM Fees: Free withdrawals at Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Bank ATMs in the UK. International withdrawals: 2.99% foreign transaction fee + £1.50 cash fee.
Rating: 4.3/5
Benefits: Interest-free overdraft up to £1,500 (years 1-3) and £2,000 (years 4-6). No monthly account fees. Access to "Everyday Offers" for cashback with select retailers.

The Bank of Scotland Student Account is a standout option among the best student bank accounts in the UK. Tailored for students, this bank account for students offers free UK ATM withdrawals and an interest-free overdraft of up to £2,000 by the fourth year. With no monthly fees and features like the "Save the Change" tool for easy saving, it simplifies money management. Students also enjoy cashback rewards through "Everyday Offers," making it a practical choice for financial control.

12. Virgin Money Student Bank Account

Country: United Kingdom
Who Can Open: UK residents aged 18 and over. Individuals aged 16 and over can open an account in-store.
Online Banking Features: Manage accounts via the Virgin Money mobile app and online banking platforms.
ATM Fees: Free withdrawals at UK ATMs. No fees for spending on your card or withdrawing cash when abroad.
Rating: 4.2/5
Benefits: No monthly account fees.

The Virgin Money Student Bank Account isn’t exclusively labelled as a student account but offers features that make it one of the best student bank accounts for flexible money management. This bank account for students provides free UK ATM withdrawals and fee-free spending abroad, ideal for travel-savvy students. Virgin Money’s app includes budgeting tools, real-time notifications, and savings features to help students manage their finances efficiently. With no monthly fees, it’s a great option for students seeking financial simplicity.

13. Metro Bank Student Account

Country: United Kingdom
Who Can Open: UK residents aged 18 and over.
Online Banking Features: Manage accounts via Metro Bank's mobile app and online banking platforms.
ATM Fees: Free withdrawals at Metro Bank ATMs and other UK ATM and no fees for using your debit card to make purchases or withdraw money abroad.
Rating: 4.2/5 
Benefits: Fee-free spending and withdrawals abroad, best bank for International students.

The Metro Bank Student Account is a solid choice among the best student bank accounts in the UK. While not student-specific, this bank account for students offers free UK ATM withdrawals and fee-free spending abroad, making it ideal for opening a bank account as an international student, who travel frequently. Metro Bank provides extended in-store banking hours and user-friendly online tools for budgeting and real-time transaction tracking. With no monthly fees, it’s a reliable and convenient option for managing student finances.

14. Post Office Student Account

Country: United Kingdom
Who Can Open: Students with accounts at participating UK banks (e.g., Bank of Scotland, Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest).
Online Banking Features: Not directly available through the Post Office but supports everyday banking like deposits, withdrawals, and balance inquiries for existing accounts.
ATM Fees: No additional fees for cash withdrawals, deposits, or balance inquiries made at Post Office branches.
Rating: 4.2/5
Benefits: 11,500 branches across the UK, offering extensive coverage

The Post Office Student Account isn’t a traditional student account but offers essential banking services, making it a helpful option for students managing their money. As a facilitator for multiple banks, it provides access to features like cash withdrawals, deposits, and balance inquiries at over 11,500 branches across the UK. With no extra fees for these services, it’s a practical choice among bank accounts for students. The Post Office ensures accessibility and convenience, ranking as a supportive option for students.

15. First Direct Student Account

Country: United Kingdom
Who Can Open: UK residents aged 18 or over and currently enrolled in a full-time university course.
‍Online Banking Features: Manage accounts through First Direct’s mobile app and online banking platforms, including tools for budgeting and spending notifications.
ATM Fees: Free withdrawals at UK ATMs; no fees for purchases or withdrawals abroad using the debit card.
Rating: 4.5/5
Benefits: £250 interest-free overdraft (subject to approval). Access to a Regular Saver account with competitive interest rates.

The First Direct Student Account is not a dedicated student account but offers features that make it one of the best student bank accounts for managing finances. This bank account for students includes an interest-free overdraft of up to £250, perfect for short-term financial support. First Direct’s user-friendly app provides real-time notifications, budgeting tools, and seamless money transfers. With no monthly fees and 24/7 UK-based customer support, it’s a reliable and convenient choice for students managing their finances.

3 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bank Account 

If you are an international student looking for the best student bank accounts to have your checking and savings account in, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. Understanding these factors can help you find the bank that suits your needs, while also helping you be prepared and know what to expect ahead. In short, keeping these factors in mind will help you find some of the best student bank accounts of all time! Here are the three crucial factors to remember while looking for the best student bank accounts:

1. Online Banking Facility

Bank visitations can be a hassle when you live in a new country, all on your own. But how else can you make sure that your banking experience is smooth? With the advancement of technology, going to the bank has become avoidable as some of the best student bank accounts provide online banking facilities. While looking for a bank for your student bank account, ensure your bank has online banking facilities. This will ensure you have fewer things to worry about while also having access to your account 24/7. 

2. ATM Charges

International ATM withdrawals can be tricky since they come with ATM charges, a small fee for the transaction. However, some of the best student bank accounts eradicate ATM charges completely. Similarly, student bank accounts also come with the benefit of 0 monthly fees, given that students potentially have very low balances in their accounts. 

3. Opening Documents 

As an international student, it is essential to know that many banks let you open an account with very few documents. Some of the bank accounts for students usually only require a passport, offer letter, and visa. So, while looking for your ideal bank account, ensure that your bank only requires the documents you have. 

Exploring Diverse Options: Types of Student Bank Accounts  

The primary function of the best student bank accounts is to help you save up, manage, and spend money the right way. For different purposes, there are different types of bank accounts. Here are the types of international student bank accounts and their uses: 

1. Checking Account 

Checking accounts is recommended when the account's purpose is to maintain your cash flow. A checking account is excellent for daily expenses, debit and credit card transactions, and online transactions. You can still store your money in a checking account, but since you are spending from the same account, keeping track of your spending can get tricky. 

2. Savings Account

Savings accounts are what international students use for storing their money and building up their savings. Savings accounts also give you interest for the money you keep in your account. The more money you have in the account, the more interest you can get. 

Optimise Your Finances with a Student Bank Account

Having a lot of cash and storing it in your cupboard is undoubtedly not an option anymore when managing your finances. Especially if you are an international student, the easiest and safest way to manage your money is to have an international student bank account. Now, with the digitisation of the world, handling a bank account is even easier. With the availability of digital transfers and online banking services in some of the best student bank accounts, banking can become relatively more accessible when you are away from home, on your own. With an international student bank account, you won’t just be able to manage your loan funds better but also use them for your daily expenses. With bank statements and digital tracking facilities, international student bank accounts are also crucial for expense management. 

International student bank accounts are crucial when you are moving away for higher studies. Choosing the right bank for yourself is essential to ensure your banking experience is smooth and you have to face no additional hassles. With our list of best student bank accounts of 2024, you can compare all your options and ensure that the bank you choose meets your needs!