How do I open a bank account in the UK?
TSB is a local bank based in Chichester (66 East Street).
TSB’s friendly team will join us in our Careers centre on our Chichester campus from 10am to 2.30pm, allowing you to gather the information you need to open a bank account in the UK and book an appointment in the branch.
We encourage all our students to choose the bank that’s right for them, but know opening an account is often a priority for anyone in the UK for the first time.
TSB allows international students to open a bank account without a national insurance number and without a British phone number. (You will need a British phone number to start using online banking).
(1) You are welcome to drop in to meet TSB on the day no matter your student status. If you decide to book an in-branch appointment, make sure before you attend it that you have completed your in-person ID check with us for your registration. This will activate your full access to the student portals.
(2) The main documents you will need are:
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your passport
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your e-visa share code (make sure you choose ‘for anything else’ when asked by the webpage for your reason for creating the share code).
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a ‘bank letter’ from the University confirming your status as a student. You can download it by heading to your ChiView portal > click on the ‘my printable documents‘ tile > click on the ‘bank letter‘ option showing both your University address as well as your Home country address. Before downloading the letter, you will be asked to write the bank’s address. If you choose to open an account with TSB, the address is: TSB / 66 East Street / Chichester PO19 1HL.
Step 1
Register onto your course online. After arriving, complete your identity check on campus (come see us with your passport/e-visa share code/travel ticket).
You can only open a bank account once you are fully registered.
Step 2
Apply for your national insurance number online using this website. You will then receive your national insurance number by post, as a letter, so make sure you indicate the correct address!
If opening your account with TSB, you do not need to wait for your national insurance number: go directly to step 3.
Step 3
Download your ‘bank letter’
(1) Log in to your Chiview account
(2) Check that both your UK address and overseas address appear on the portal.
(3) Find the tile called ‘printable documents’ > choose ‘bank letter’ > Add the bank’s address.
(4) Print the document (contact us if you need help)
TSB requires both addresses to be on the letter. If opening an account with another bank, you may need to request a letter showing your UK address only depending on their requirements.
Step 4
Visit the local branch of the bank. You might be able to open an account directly, or the bank might ask you to book an appointment.
You should bring:
– your passport
– your e-visa share code
– your University of Chichester printed bank letter
– some banks may ask for your national insurance number.
Using a bank account is the safest and most effective way of managing your money and making or receiving payments, so you should open a bank account once you arrive in the UK.
Opening your account may take up to three weeks, so make sure you have access to money (payment card) you will need during this time.
Please note that on our University campus, shops only accept card payments.
We are here to help! Email international@chi.ac.uk
