Opening a bank account in UK

New students are arriving like mushrooms after rain in the UK now. I can tell you maybe hundreds or maybe thousands of Malaysian students are entering here to begin their studies. After all those financial crisis that the world is facing, Malaysia can still afford to sponsor their students. Let us give an applause to Malaysia!

I have been going up and down almost twice a week (or maybe more) from Central London to Heathrow Terminal 3 airport to pick up those students. I've picked up a few friends and my cousin along the way. One of the most raised question would be, ''How Do I open my Bank Account here and what is the easiest and most convenience bank?''. So here are some information and guidelines on the types of banks that are available in the Uk.

1. NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC (NATWEST)

Natwest is one of the most famous banks here in the UK. I am currently using this bank account and I think they have one of the best services in the UK. The reason is simply because the have hundreds of branches here. They do not charge you for your savings account and they have a great online banking platform. If you are a student, they even this students account which I found to be very damn convenient to us students. You can apply for a railway card, a credit card and even make large huge overdrafts(not a solution yeah). Unfortunately, It is getting harder to open an account with them or even to apply for a credit card for students missuse them quite frequent.

2. HSBC BANK

Ok, I know most of my friends have opened HSBC as their main bank. I would say that HSBC has a great online platform and you can actually get connected easily worldwide. Your father can easily send you money right from Malaysia through online banking if he has a HSBC account too. Unfortunately, I recently heard that they are charging people who opened an account with them with at least 6 pounds per month. Are the serious??? How can you charge people when people put their money in your pocket. Crazy

3. Barclays Bank

Owh, I heard you need to have a large amount of deposit to this bank in order to open an account. Yup, if you are rich, why not try. I have never tried since I do have the money. hehe

4. Llyods TSB bank

Yeah, I heard they are coming together with HALIFAX. They are facing a tough time during this financial crisis.

5. MAYBANK LONDON (Malayan Banking)

Yes, they do have a branch here in the UK but somehow rather they are not related to the bank back home.. How pathetic.

6. CIMB BANK (ANother Malaysian Bank)

Known to have setted up in Mayfair but I know know nothing about it.

7. ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND(RBS)

No Idea.....Not suitable for students I guess..

8. Standard Chartered

Erm...Same here with RBS

Click on those links advert by Google down there to know more and maybe to open YOUR OWN bank Account.