Best UK Bank Accounts for International Boarders Aged 11–18 | 2025 Guide

Introduction

When a child moves to the UK for boarding school or college, there’s a lot to think about uniforms, flights, guardianship, and of course, money. One of the most practical things parents can do is help their child open a suitable UK bank account. But not all accounts are made equal, especially for young international students aged 11 to 18.

Banks have strict rules for under-18s. Those under 16 generally need a parent or UK-based guardian to help open the account, while 16- and 17-year-olds may be able to open one independently. In this guide, we outline the best UK banking options for children studying in the UK, highlight what to look for, and explain how to get set up smoothly—without high foreign exchange fees or hidden charges.

What to Look for in a UK Bank Account for International Students

1. Age Eligibility and Parental Access
Children aged 11–15 will typically need a parent or guardian to open the account with them, especially if applying before arrival. For 16–17-year-olds, some app-based banks like Monzo and Starling allow independent sign-up, provided the child has a passport and proof of address in the UK.

2. Foreign Transaction Fees
Many traditional banks charge 2–3% on purchases made in currencies other than GBP. This can quickly add up if your child is using their card on holidays or during school trips. App-based banks such as Starling and Monzo offer fee-free spending abroad, making them ideal for international students.

3. Ease of Sending Money from Abroad
Parents should be able to send allowances or emergency funds quickly and affordably. Pairing a UK bank account with a Wise or Revolut <18 account allows transfers in local currency at near mid-market exchange rates, often arriving the same day.

4. Access to Cash
Even with most schools running cashless systems, many still use cash for weekend trips and excursions. Having access to a branch network or local cashpoints is useful. High-street banks like HSBC, NatWest, and Santander offer fee-free UK withdrawals.

5. Budgeting Tools and Parental Controls
Younger children may benefit from pre-paid cards like GoHenry or Revolut <18, which allow parents to set limits, monitor spending, and send money instantly. These are great tools for teaching money management in a safe environment.

Best Options for Different Age Groups

For Ages 11–15:

• NatWest Adapt is a strong choice for younger boarders. It allows parents to open an account on behalf of the child, offers a contactless debit card, and fee-free withdrawals in the UK. However, foreign card usage incurs a 2.75% fee, so pairing this with a Wise account for FX savings is recommended.

• HSBC MyMoney is another solid option for under-16s. It supports foreign passports, can be opened once the child arrives in the UK, and provides access to HSBC’s global network of ATMs. It doesn’t come with student perks, but it can be upgraded at age 18.

• Santander 123 Mini is available from age 13 and offers interest on balances, access to a wide branch network, and free UK cash withdrawals. It’s useful for families who already bank with Santander, especially if your child travels to Spain or Europe, where Santander ATMs waive withdrawal fees.

• GoHenry or Revolut <18 are pre-paid cards, not bank accounts, but work well alongside a traditional bank. They allow parents to top up instantly, set spending controls, and teach financial independence in a controlled way. GoHenry charges a small monthly fee, while Revolut <18 is free with mid-market FX rates.

For Ages 16–17:

• Monzo 16–17 Account can be opened with a selfie, passport, and UK address—no parent required. It’s a fully functioning digital account with a debit card, budgeting tools, and fee-free foreign transactions. Cash withdrawals abroad are free up to £200 per month, after which a 3% fee applies.

• Starling Teen Account is another excellent digital option. It charges no fees on card use or ATM withdrawals anywhere in the world and offers great budgeting tools. However, the applicant must hold UK residency or a valid visa, which is typically fine for boarding students with BRPs (Biometric Residence Permits).

Setting Up a UK Bank Account from Abroad: Checklist for Parents

1. Get Proof of Address
   Ask your child’s school to provide a boarding confirmation letter showing their name and the school’s UK address. Most banks accept this instead of a utility bill.

2. Choose a Main Account and a Backup
   For children under 16, combine a branch-based account like NatWest Adapt or HSBC MyMoney with a pre-paid solution like Revolut <18 or GoHenry to keep things flexible.

3. Send Money Smartly
   Avoid expensive international SWIFT transfers. Use Wise or Revolut to send GBP directly to your child’s account with better exchange rates and faster arrival times.

4. Teach Good Financial Habits
   Set up weekly pocket money, saving goals, or spending alerts. Tools like GoHenry and Starling “Spaces” are great for instilling these habits early.

5. Upgrade at 18
   Once your child turns 18 and moves into university or a sixth form with adult status, they’ll be eligible for full student bank accounts with interest-free overdrafts, student railcards, and other perks. Most high-street banks will offer a seamless upgrade from their youth products.

Conclusion

Getting the right UK bank setup for your child doesn’t just save money—it builds financial independence and makes life easier for everyone involved. Younger boarders will do best with a mix of a branch-access account and a fee-free spending card. As they get older, switching to digital-first banks like Monzo or Starling will give them greater flexibility, control, and cost savings. And by setting this up early, you’ll avoid surprises when it comes to FX fees, missed transfers, or spending issues—giving your child the tools to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.