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LLOYDS BANK CURRENT ACCOUNTswitch guarantee logo

International Student

Once you’re living in the UK, you may be eligible for our Classic Account.

Always take care when banking

Always take care when banking don’t be targeted by criminals. Being away from home for the first time and in a new country can make you more vulnerable and attractive to criminals.

  • Money laundering unknowingly being used by criminals to move money
  • Money mules allowing your bank account to be used for illegal gain in exchange for money
  • Scams being tricked to give your own money away
  • Fraud obtaining money or services through deception

For how this might impact you please see the sections below;

Money Laundering

  • With a need to have money transferred from your home country criminals can target you by offering attractive currency exchange rates. This enables them to give you their criminal funds which you might use to pay for your study or living expenses. They may also deposit funds into your account themselves using cash or other people. In exchange you will provide them legitimate funds which enables them to launder the proceeds of crime and involves you in this illegal activity leading to the risk of you being convicted and or imprisoned.
  • Don’t deposit cash into your account to fund your study in the UK that has come via a third party and not direct from someone you know and trust. This could be illegal underground banking which can be funded from criminal activity. Such as the case of Xiaotong Huang who took cash from an individual linked to an organised crime gang to pay for her university fees.
  • Always ensure you know the source of cash paid into your accounts and that if required you can provide documentation to support this

Money Mules

  • You may be asked to transfer stolen money between bank accounts at the request of criminals for a financial reward. These may be people known to you, recently introduced to you or schemes advertised via social media.
  • Don’t allow money to be transferred to you from others who you don’t know and trust. They may ask you to pass it on by transfer or withdraw it as cash to give it to someone else. You could also be asked for your online banking details or an activation code from your banking app this lets them access your account to move funds.
  • You could be asked to sell your account on once you’ve finished your studies or be asked to use your identity documents to open an account to be used illegally in exchange for a cash reward.
  • By allowing yourself to be used as a money mule you are involved in money laundering and risk being convicted and or imprisoned.
Money mule video

Scams

  • When making transactions or sending money, always make sure you double check the details and that it’s not a scam.
  • If you ignore advice and warnings from us and proceed to send money, you may not be eligible for a refund.
  • Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams.
  • Stop and think it may protect you and your money.

Take Five to stop fraud

They are a national campaign group who offer free, straight-forward advice that helps stop all types of fraud. We recommend always learning as much as you can about them and following their advice. Find out more about them and the services they provide.

Be aware of the consequences of money laundering

Lloyds Bank are always on alert for money laundering and fraud, they work with other banks and law enforcement agencies to stop this happening.

Be aware of the consequences you might face

  • Your bank account may be closed
  • You may have issues opening new bank accounts
  • You may have problems applying for credit including mobile phone contracts, loans and mortgages
  • Your funds could be confiscated
  • You may be removed from your course of study
  • You could get a criminal record
  • You could go to prison for up to 14 years

Protect yourself from fraud

Find out how to spot and avoid scams.

Fraud prevention

What you get with a Classic Account

Free everyday banking

Just stay in credit (so your balance doesn't go below £0.00) and you won't be charged any fees. If you use your Visa debit card outside the UK, fees apply.

Also you don't need to pay a set amount of money in or have any Direct Debits coming out of this account each month.

Our highly-rated app

  • Bank on the go - pay bills, check your balance and see your latest spending
  • Secure money - we make sure your money is in safe hands with the very latest secure technology
  • Stress-free access - logging on is quick, secure and, if you have a compatible mobile iPhone or Android model, you can use Face ID.

Earn up to 15% cashback

Get up to 15% cashback when using your Visa Debit Card at selected retailers. Merchant offers and cashback amounts vary. Terms and conditions apply.

Sign up to Everyday Offers and you can view and use offers through our Internet Banking or Mobile Banking App.

  • Account services

    Payments

    Our Payments are quick and secure, and we keep things simple. You can also pay a cheque of up to £5,000 into your account by simply taking a photo of your cheque and uploading to the Mobile Banking app. There is a maximum daily limit of £5,000 per day.
    Send International Payments in over 30 currencies, with fee free euro payments.

     

    Debit Card

    You can use your Visa Debit Card in over 500,000 locations in the UK and 27 million worldwide.
    Tap and pay with a Visa Debit Card up to £100. You can now use our mobile banking app to choose a contactless payment limit between £30 & £95. You can also add your card to Apple Pay and Google Pay.
    You can withdraw up to £800 a day from a Lloyds Bank Cashpoint or other cash machines.

     

    Save the change

    Save the Change® makes saving easy. When you buy something with your Lloyds Bank debit card (and your account is in credit), we’ll round up the amount to the nearest pound and transfer the difference into an eligible Lloyds Bank savings account.

    Mobile features

    Mobile Banking App

    Our Mobile Banking app is quick and easy to install and more secure than ever – it's the easy way to stay on top of your money. You can; get app notifications, view your card and PIN, freeze your card, manage subscriptions, and check your Credit Score - with no impact on your credit file. Personal UK Internet Banking customers only. Terms and Conditions apply.

     

    Banking your way

    Bank your way with us. There are quick, easy ways other than in branch to manage your money 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, online or on the phone with Internet Banking, PhoneBank® and Mobile Banking.

     

    Mobile Alerts

    Our mobile alerts service offers a simple way to stay on top of your finances without even having to think about it. So, if we have a mobile number for you, we’ll help you keep an eye on your balance.

     

    Money Manager

    Keep track of your spending with our Money Manager and see at a glance where your money goes with our free Internet Banking service.

  • Q - How do I open an account if I am going to be studying in the UK?

    A - You can easily apply for an account through our website or by downloading the Lloyds Bank mobile app on either iOS or Android. There is a step-by-step guide to setting up the app plus information on the features available at the following page:  Mobile Banking app | Mobile Banking | Lloyds Bank
     

    Q - How quickly can I start using my account?

    A - In most cases it will be the same day. However, sometimes due to needing further information from you or during periods of high demand, it may take a little longer. We’ll contact you when the account is open and active.
     

    Q - What documents do I need to open an account in the App?

    A - A valid biometric British residents permit card and a mobile number registered in the UK.  Be aware that without a UK telephone number we won’t be able to send you important information.
     

    Q - Do I need a permanent address?

    A - Yes, if you are using your student accommodation it may have to be entered manually.  You may be required to provide evidence of this address upon account opening.
     

    Q - My previous address does not fit in the information box provided?

    A - Provide the first line of your address followed by town and country.
     

    Q - I’ve completed my application and I have been told to wait, what is happening?

    A - We are checking your application and there will be no need to do anything further. We’ll be in touch with you if we need you to do anything.  Please do not enter a branch as our branch colleagues can’t expedite the process.
     

    Q - I can’t open my account digitally can I visit a branch?

    A - It’s usually easier and quicker to apply online, but sometimes we understand customers need additional support.  Please visit one of our branches and we’ll be happy to help you with your application. 
     

    Please bring your smartphone with you or a similar digital capable device (i.e. a tablet) if you have one.


    Guidance for providing your proof of identity online

    • Your name, address and date of birth must match your application
    • Your document must be in date
    • Use a device with a good camera, such as a mobile phone
    • Make sure there is no glare, and the document is well lit


    For this page in the following languages please see the documents below:

    Traditional Cantonese and Simplified Mandarin (PDF, 225KB)

    Hindi (PDF, 124KB)

    Urdu (PDF, 96KB)


Open a Classic Account today

To apply, you need to be aged 18 or older and live in the UK. If you are not an existing Lloyds Bank customer you may need to provide proof of identity.

 

Apply with our app

Scan the QR code and join the millions of users on the Mobile Banking app.

Rather apply online?

Continue on the website

Lloyds mobile app image with QR code

Existing customer

Open a new or change your existing account through Internet Banking.
 

 

Log in to apply

Joint account

Joint bank accounts are an easy way to help two people manage money.
 

 

See joint accounts

Lloyds mobile app image

Apply with our app

Join the millions of users on the Mobile Banking app.

Get started on the app

Rather apply online?

Continue on the website

Existing customer

Open a new or change your existing account through Internet Banking.

Log in to apply

Joint account

Joint bank accounts are an easy way to help two people manage money.

See joint accounts

You can also apply for this account by booking an appointment at your nearest branch

Current account FAQs

  • Switch your current account to us in just 7 working days, using our stress-free process

    Whether you want to move to Lloyds Bank or you already bank with us and want to open a new Lloyds current account, switching is easy. Our team will do everything to ensure your switch runs smoothly, including transferring all your Direct Debits and standing orders to your new account for you.

    You'll be able to switch your account to us at the end of your online application.

    Here's how the process works

    • Working day 1
      The switching begins
      We make contact with your old bank to arrange the switch.
    • Working day 2
      We’ll let you know your old bank has received your request. We then start transferring your payments to your new Lloyds Bank account.
    • Working day 3-5
      It’ll take a couple of days to switch over your payment arrangements, and make sure your Lloyds Bank account is ready to go for the switch date.
    • Working day 6
      If you’re clearing a debit balance at your old account, you’ll need to make sure there are enough funds in your Lloyds Bank account to cover the transfer.
    • Working day 7
      Congratulations, your switch is complete. Your balance is transferred and your old account is closed.
    • After you switch
      We will arrange for payments accidentally made to your old account to be automatically redirected to your new account. We will also contact the sender and give them your new account details.

    switch guarantee

    Current Account Switch Guarantee

    We have designed the Current Account Switch Service to let you switch your current account from one bank or building society to another in a simple, reliable and stress-free way. It will only take seven working days. As your new current-account provider we offer the following guarantee.

    The service is free to use and you can choose and agree your switch date with us.

    We will take care of moving all your payments going out (for example, your Direct Debits and standing orders) and those coming in (for example, your salary).

    If you have money in your old account, we will transfer it to your new account on your switch date.

    We will arrange for payments accidentally made to your old account to be automatically redirected to your new account. We will also contact the sender and give them your new account details.

    If there are any issues in making the switch, we will contact you before your switch date.

    If anything goes wrong with the switch, as soon as we are told, we will refund any interest (paid or lost) and charges made on either your old or new current accounts as a result of this failure.

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  • It is less likely that you will be approved for an overdraft if you have not been a resident in the UK.

    Arranged overdraft information

     

    An arranged overdraft can act as a short term safety net. You can use it to borrow money up to an agreed limit through your bank account.

    • You can apply to add an arranged overdraft to your account and you’ll only pay daily arranged overdraft interest if you use it.
    • If you use your arranged overdraft but pay it back before the end of the day, then you won’t pay any arranged overdraft interest for that day.

    Helpful tools - You can use our eligibility checker and cost calculator to check your eligibility and calculate the cost of an arranged overdraft.

    Applying for an arranged overdraft - When you have applied for this account, at the end of the application you can apply for an arranged overdraft which you can add right away. You can also apply for one later.

    Amending an arranged overdraft - You can reduce or remove your arranged overdraft at any time through Mobile Banking, Internet Banking or Telephone Banking or by visiting your branch. But you must repay anything you owe if you want to remove an arranged overdraft or anything over the new reduced limit you want. You can also apply to increase it. Using an arranged overdraft increases your overall borrowing and may affect your credit score.

    If you don't have enough money in your account or available arranged overdraft to make a payment, we may either let you borrow through an unarranged overdraft or refuse to make the payment. Missing payments and using an unarranged overdraft can damage your credit score, please get in touch with us as we may be able to help you.

    All overdrafts are subject to application and repayable on demand. You must be 18 or over to apply.

    Arranged overdraft details

    • £0 interest free amount
    • 39.9% EAR (variable) representative
    • Your interest rate will be based on how you manage any accounts you have with us and on the credit information we hold about you
    • No unarranged overdraft interest, fees or charges

    Representative Example

    A variable representative rate of 39.9% APR

    A variable interest rate of 39.9% EAREAR is the Equivalent Annual Rate. This is the annual interest rate of an overdraft. This means you are charged over the year based on how often and how much you are overdrawn by, and the effect of compounding it – charging interest on interest already charged. This interest rate does not include any other fees and charges.

    Based on borrowing £1,200

    How much does my overdraft cost in pounds and pence?

    As an example, the interest cost of borrowing £500 is:

    £3.22 for 7 days

    £13.86 for 30 days

    £28.09 for 60 days

    How does our overdraft compare?

    You can use the representative APR to compare with other products or credit providers, this can help you make sure that you choose the right type of borrowing for you.

    Useful tools

    You can use our calculator to work out how much your anticipated arranged overdraft borrowing would cost over different periods of time.

    Cost Calculator

     

    You can use our eligibility tool to find out if you are eligible for an arranged overdraft.

    Eligibility Tool

     

    Do you already have a current account with us and need an arranged overdraft?

    If you already have a current account with us, you can apply for an arranged overdraft through Internet Banking or Mobile Banking. You can also apply to increase your existing arranged overdraft limit too.

    Log on to apply for an arranged overdraft

     

  • If you have a Basic Account with us and would like to change it to a Classic Account. Or if you already have a Classic Account with us, you may be interested in upgrading to Club Lloyds or one of our Packaged Bank Accounts. Log on to Internet Banking to see upgrade options available to you.

    Log on to upgrade

Protecting your money



The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protects up to £85,000 of the eligible money you hold with us.

More about the FSCS

Compare current accounts

We have a range of current accounts to suit your needs.

Browse current accounts

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Compare current accounts

We have a range of current accounts to suit your needs.

Browse current accounts

Important legal information

Lloyds and Lloyds Bank are trading names of Lloyds Bank plc. Registered office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales No. 2065. Lloyds Bank plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 119278.

Eligible deposits with us are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). We are covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).

We may monitor or record telephone calls to check out your instructions correctly and to help us improve the quality of our service. Calls from abroad are charged according to the telephone service provider’s published tariff. Not all Telephone Banking services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please speak to an adviser for more information.

Account opening is subject to our assessment of your circumstances. You must be over 18 to apply.

Overdrafts are repayable in full on demand.

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