Student Bank Account

[Fruitcake]

Do any of you have any recommendations for a good student bank account?

DS is still using the savings account he's had since he was tiny, but now needs to be able to access his money a little easier.

He needs to have a card so he can draw money out of a cash dispenser, but I don't want him being able to go overdrawn!

Any recommendations would be really helpful, as it seems a bit of a minefield out there at the moment.

[sapphire]

DD has just opened a student account with the Co-operative Bank. This can all be done on-line. This account has a staggered agreed interest-free overdraft facility which increases each year of the course. Most guides to student banking I have seen seem to say that an interest-free overdraft is the most important thing to look for so they don't run up any charges when they invariably do get overdrawn! DD was more interested in the Co-op's ethical principles than any freebies offered by other high street banks ... I think Santander is giving all new students £50 and Lloyds TSB is offering free YHA membership. NatWest used to offer a free railcard but don't think it does this anymore.

[Fruitcake]

Many thanks for all that info, Sapphire.

Will get DS to have a look.

[emypeach]

DD has an under 19s account with Lloyds TSB.

http://www.lloydstsb.com/current_accoun ... counts.asp

We have found it great so far. Her pocket money goes in automatically every month and she has a debit card so she can take it out whenever she likes. I don't think she can go overdrawn.

E x

[sapphire]

We found this guide the most helpful: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/studen ... nk-account

[shortguy]

My DD has a student account with HSBC. They were very helpful when we went in for a chat.

She also has a rather large interest free overdraft which she has had to use and they also gave her a £500 credit card which she left at home when she went to university!

[Welsh Mum]

The money saving expert guide is very good as it is updated all the time. One thing i would say is dont be seduced by "offers" - look at overdraft limits etc particularly how long the terms continue after graduationg

[Fruitcake]

Thank you all so much for all the info.

We shall be having a good look over the next few days and hopefully getting something sorted very soon!