Best Student Bank Accounts 2025
The Best Student Bank Accounts for 2025#
As students get ready to start university this September, the search for the best student bank account is in full swing — one that offers more than just flashy extras. To support these choices, we’ve compiled our top-ten winners of 2025 based on student feedback from the past two years.
How the Rankings Were Compiled#
Unlike comparison sites that focus only on headline offers, our list is based on first-hand reviews from real students, collected over the past two years on StudentCrowd. To ensure the results are reliable, each bank needed at least 50 verified reviews to qualify for the top 10.
Students rated their banks across four key areas that matter most during university:
- Customer service – how well the bank supports students when things go wrong
- Overdrafts – whether the advertised overdraft is accessible and genuinely helpful
- Freebies & perks – railcards, cashback, vouchers, and sign-up rewards
- Online & mobile banking – how easy it is to manage money day-to-day
By combining student feedback with clear criteria, these rankings highlight the accounts that deliver both financial flexibility and dependable support — not just short-term gimmicks.
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Nationwide
“Nationwide offers a student current account that I would recommend to anyone starting university. Not only do you receive £100 when signing up to the account, which could be used on a railcard, bus pass or just groceries and some social events, but you also receive £10 vouchers for JustEat monthly… a dream for any student.”
To apply for the Nationwide FlexStudent account, a leading student bank account, you must be 18 or older and have been a UK resident for at least three years. This student bank account requires you to be starting or currently on a full-time UCAS course of at least two years, with either an unconditional offer or a confirmed place. To maintain this account, you'll need to pay in at least £500 each term. It is important that you do not have another student bank account, and you will need your UCAS code to finalise your application.
| Overdraft in 2025 |
Can apply for an interest-free arranged overdraft up to £3,000. Find out more here. Up to £1,000 from year 1 Up to £2,000 from year 2 Up to £3,000 from year 3 |
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Lloyds
“Lloyds is a trusted bank for me, I love the student benefits it has given to me and the security I feel from opening a student account with them.”
To apply for the Lloyds Student Account, a top-rated student bank account, you must be at least 17 years old and a UK resident for a minimum of three years. This student bank account is designed for those studying full-time on a course that is at least two years long, or a one-year access course that leads to a degree. You must have a confirmed university place and your 4-digit UCAS code. Even if you're already a student, you can still apply for this account.
| Overdraft in 2025 |
Years 1 to 3: You can apply for an interest-free arranged overdraft of up to £1,500. Years 4 to 6: You can apply for an interest-free arranged overdraft of up to £2,000. |
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Santander
“Very good bank for students. Extremely reliable, the app works very well and the overdraft limit is very nice.”
To apply for the Santander Edge Student Account, a popular student bank account, you must be a UK resident aged 18 or over. This student account is designed for those starting or on an undergraduate course or a level 4-7 apprenticeship that is at least two years long. You must also be able to pay in a minimum of £500 every four months. As a paper-free account, you may need to provide proof of ID or address during your application.
| Overdraft in 2025 |
Can apply for an interest-free arranged overdraft of up to £2000. Find out more here. Years 1-3: Interest-free arranged overdraft of up to £1,500. By Year 5: Interest-free arranged overdraft of up to £2,000. |
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Monzo
"It is an online bank and easy to use. Most importantly, you can use your card in other countries with very good rate and no charge. Also you can withdraw £300 without extra charge in other countries per month. Good for international student who will always travel in Europe during break!"
Although Monzo Bank doesn't offer a specific student bank account, its app is highly popular with students for its user-friendly features that make tracking spending simple.
| Overdraft in 2025 |
| There is no student overdraft. You may be able to apply for their standard overdraft, however there will be fees. You can find out more here. |
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HSBC
“HSBC is a great bank for students, it’s very easy to navigate and the customer service is quick and easy to navigate. I’ve been using HSBC UK for a year now and have had absolutely no issue at all! I have not yet had a look at their freebies but I have heard that they have great offers for different card holders which is quite a perk as well! Overall would recommend as a bank of choice when coming to the UK.”
The HSBC Student Bank Account is specifically designed for students to manage their finances throughout their academic journey. To apply for this student account, you must be 18 or over and have a confirmed place on an eligible course at a UK university or college. Additional terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria may also apply.
| Overdraft in 2025 |
Can apply for an interest-free limit of up to £3,000. Find out more here. Guaranteed interest-free limit: up to £1,000 when you apply. By Year 3: this could rise to £3,000. |
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RBS
“RBS student account is a perfect account for students. The... overdraft is handy if you know you are stuck in a rut. And customer service and the mobile banking is always great...”
The Royal Bank of Scotland Student Account is designed to simplify money management for students during their university years. To apply for this student bank account, you must be at least 17 years old and a UK resident for a minimum of three years. You need to be a full-time undergraduate on a course of at least two years or on a nursing course lasting a year or more.
| Overdraft in 2025 |
Year 1: Get an interest-free overdraft of up to £2,000, limited to £500 in term one. From Year 3 onwards: Apply for an interest-free overdraft of up to £3,250. |
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Natwest
“Great! Free £100 and 4 year taste card when opening account, can easily extend or change overdraft, easy to contact”
The Natwest Student Current Account offers a 4-year tastecard as a freebie for joining. To apply for this student bank account, you must be at least 17 years old and a UK resident for a minimum of three years. You need to be a full-time undergraduate on a course of at least two years, or on a nursing course lasting a year or more.
| Overdraft in 2025 |
Year 1: Get an interest-free overdraft of up to £2,000, which is limited to £500 in the first term. From Year 3 onwards: You can apply for an interest-free overdraft of up to £3,250. |
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Halifax
“I have been with Halifax for years before starting university and they have always been a reliable bank. I had no idea about Student overdrafts until I started studying, but they guided me through it smoothly.”
To open a Halifax Student Current Account, a highly rated student bank account, you must be 18 or older and a UK resident for at least three years. This account requires a confirmed university place and a 4-digit UCAS code for a full-time course that is at least two years long, or for a one-year access course that leads to a degree. You can still apply for this student bank account even if you are already a student.
| Overdraft in 2025 |
Years 1-3: You can apply for an interest-free arranged overdraft of up to £1,500. Years 4-6: You can apply for an interest-free arranged overdraft of up to £2,000. After Graduation: The overdraft is up to £2,000 in your first year, £1,500 in your second, and £1,000 in your third. |
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Barclays
“Great bank to choose and always reliable. Really east and user friendly app and easy to set up Apple Pay.”
To apply for a Barclays Student Additions Account, a reliable student bank account, you must be 18 or older and have lived in the UK for more than three years. This student bank account requires you to be a full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, or higher apprentice in the UK and to use the account as your primary one for your student loan and/or other income.
| Overdraft in 2025 |
Can apply for an interest-free overdraft of up to £1,500. Find out more here. From account opening and during your first term: up to £500 Year 1: up to £1,000 Year 2 and beyond: up to £1,500 |
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TSB
“I have been with TSB for years now and have never had a problem, when you go directly into the banks the advisors are always so friendly as well.”
To apply for the TSB Student Account, a straightforward student bank account, you must be at least 17 years old and have been a UK resident for a minimum of three years. This student bank account is for those on a full-time course of at least two years or a one-year course that leads to a full-time degree.
| Overdraft in 2025 |
Can apply for an interest-free overdraft up to £1,500. Find out more here. First 6 months: You can apply for a maximum limit of £500. Months 7-9: You can apply to increase this to £1,000. From month 10 onwards: You can apply for up to £1,500. |
Starting university this year? Check out what other students have said about your university or accommodation. At StudentCrowd, every review is written by a verified student, making us one of the UK’s most trusted platforms for student reviews.
