The best student bank accounts 2021/22

Getting a decent student bank account should be a top priority, no matter what stage of study you’re at.

Here we explain what you should look out for when comparing bank accounts and round up some of the best deals on offer right now.

What to look for in a student bank account

As many students will spend at least part of their time at university ‘in the red’, a vital thing to look for in a student bank account is a decent interest-free overdraft.

The best accounts currently offer fee-free and interest-free overdrafts of up to £3,000.

But this upper limit usually only applies to those in their third year (or year four and above if your degree is longer), so it starts off lower and rises with each academic year.

Also, you may not get the maximum overdraft advertised, as your individual limit will be based on your credit score.

Some banks do guarantee to give you this upper limit, so always check whether the overdraft limit on offer with the student bank account is ‘guaranteed’ or only ‘up to.’

Don't be tempted to exceed your overdraft limit without permission. And to state the obvious, it's a limit, not a target, as you must pay back all this borrowed money one day.

Last year, the FCA said banks had to charge a simple annual rate with no extra charges for an unarranged overdraft (compared to an arranged overdraft).

Most banks hiked their overdraft rates in response, so you’ll still get charged if you go overdrawn without permission for some student bank accounts, while others won’t charge you anything at all.

After 0% overdrafts, the next feature to consider is credit interest rates (how much you'll be paid when your balance is above zero), as well as freebies, gifts and other incentives.

Convenience also plays a part. Many students may sign up to banks that have branches or cash points on campus, but with internet and mobile banking now so prevalent, this is arguably less important.

Top student bank account picks

At the time of writing, HSBC offers one of the highest 0% overdraft limits (alongside Nationwide and Barclays) and £80 cash, plus either a £20 Uber Eats voucher or ASOS Premier for a year.

Other bank accounts pay a little interest like TSB and Halifax’s student current accounts, but these accounts also have a lower interest-free overdraft limit.

The table below reveals what's on offer to students today. We've included any credit interest rate, free overdraft limit and incentives, but please bear in mind that these may not be the most important factors for you.

Consider your personal needs – specifically your spending and savings habits – before applying.

It’s vital to make sure you’re not swayed by incentives alone, as these accounts may include less attractive overdrafts.

Here’s a roundup of what the major banks offer (ordered alphabetically).

Account	Credit interest	0% overdraft	Overdraft interest rate (over fee-free limit)	Incentives
Bank of Scotland Student Account	None	Years 1-3 – up to £1,500 Years 4-6 – up to £2,000	39.9%-49.9% EAR (over fee-free overdraft limit)	Up to 15% cashback via scheme Everyday Offers.
Barclays Student Additions Account	None	First term – up to £500, rest of first year – up to £1,000 Year 2 – up to £2,000 Year 3 and beyond – up to £3,000	N/A	Free 12-month subscription to online library Perlego
Halifax Student Current Account	0.10%	Up to £1,500	39.9%-49.9% EAR on overdrafts of over £1,500	Earn up to 15% cashback (you need to register for online banking and activate Cashback Extras). Access to Save the Change
HSBC Student Bank Account	None	Year 1 – at least £1,000 (guaranteed)* Year 2 – up to £2,000 Year 3 – up to £3,000	N/A	£80 cash and a £20 Uber Eats voucher or ASOS Premier for a year (when you make five debit card transactions in first month of account opening).
Lloyds Bank Student Current Account	None	Tiered – up to £1,500 in years 1-3 (lower limit in first 10 months) Years 4-6 - up to £2,000	39.90%-49.9% EAR (over fee-free overdraft limit)	Up to 15% cashback via scheme Everyday Offers. Access to Save the Change
Nationwide FlexStudent Account	None	Year 1 – £1,000 (guaranteed)** Year 2 – £2,000 Year 3 – £3,000	N/A	None
NatWest/Royal Bank of Scotland Student Account	None	Up to £2,000 after first term (£500 in the first term)	N/A	£50 cash plus a free Tastecard for four years
Santander 123 Student Current Account	None	Years 1-3 - £1,500** Year 4 - £1,800 Year 5 - £2,000	N/A	Free 16-25 railcard offering a third off UK rail travel (you must register for online banking). Access to Retailer Offers
TSB Student Bank Account	5% on balances of up to £500	Over 10 months on university course - up to £1,500 (up to £500/£1,000 before this)	39.90% EAR on overdrafts of over £1,500	None

*You must make regular credits into your account to keep any arranged overdraft.

**You need to pay in at least £500 per term, keep a good credit record and may have to register for online banking.

Bear in mind that these deals could be altered at short notice

Where are the challenger banks?

You may be wondering why Monzo, Starling or Revolut haven't been included in our roundup. 

Although these banks have great mobile apps, and advantages for frequent travellers, they don't currently offer interest-free overdrafts or any of the perks mentioned above.

There is, however, nothing stopping you from having two bank accounts and transferring money between them if you want the perks of different accounts.

Feel free to move

Finally, remember that signing up for one bank's student account does not mean that you have to stick with it for life.

You can switch student accounts from one year to the next, as well as move to a top graduate account once you've got your degree.

Need a graduate current account instead? Take a look at our roundup of the best graduate current accounts. Or, if you're looking for unusual ways to make cash, get some ideas at Students: 10 quirky ways to make money and boost your CV.