Barclays student account review

Read more about the perks of the Barclays Student Additions Account.

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Matthew Boyle

Edited by

Kate Steere

Updated

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Barclays

Barclays has one current account available for students – the Student Additions Account. We review this account and take you through if you’re eligible, how to apply, and its pros and cons.

Student Additions Account eligibility

To be eligible for a Barclays student current account, you’ll need to be studying full-time in the UK on an undergraduate course (for 2+ years), a postgraduate course (for 1+ year) or as a higher apprentice (Level 4+).

You’ll also need to:

  • be aged 18 or over;
  • be studying full-time in the UK;
  • use the account as your primary bank account.

How to open a Student Additions Account

You can apply for an account in the Barclays app if you have a UK mobile number.

When you first download and open the app, Barclays will ask you to create a passcode to access the app safely. You then take a picture of your identity document (such as a passport, driving licence or biometric residence permit) and record a short video of yourself, which Barclays will use to check your ID.

You’ll also have to provide some details about your course and your UCAS status code, and consent to a credit check.

If you can’t complete the application in-app (for example, if you don’t have the details Barclays asks for), you may need to use an alternative application route, such as applying with support from Barclays directly.

Student Additions Account benefits

  • Interest-free overdraft.The Barclays Student Additions account offers you a £500 interest-free overdraft during your first term. After this term, and during your first year, this increases to £1,000. It increases again to £1,500 in your second year and remains at £1,500 for future years of study.
  • Open and manage your account via the app. Making it quick and easy to bank on the go.
  • Track your spending with the Barclays app. The Barclays mobile app has features that allow you to track your spending, categorise it, set limits or even temporarily freeze your debit card. Great for students who haven’t mastered the art of budgeting.

Student Additions Account pros and cons

Pros

  • Apply in-app
  • Plenty of budgeting features in the banking app.
  • Overdraft which increases to £1,500 by year 2

Cons

  • There are many other students accounts with bigger overdrafts.

Customer service information for Barclays

Email support
Telephone support
In-app or live chat
Contact form
Branch support

Our verdict

Although this student account doesn’t have the most substantial interest-free overdraft, Barclays’ money management services will sell itself to students. You can apply for the account from your phone and the banking app’s budgeting features will help you navigate your finances during your time at uni.

If you have read this review and decided that this account is not for you, you can also compare other student bank accounts here.

Frequently asked questions about the Student Additions Account

Do I have to get my student loan paid into this Barclays account?

No. This account comes with no regular funding requirements.

How much does it cost to use the Barclays student debit card overseas?

When you use your card overseas, you'll pay a non-sterling charge of 2.99%. For, example, if you spend the local equivalent of £250, you'll be charged £7.48.

Because it's a Visa, you'll find it's accepted pretty much anywhere that takes card payments.

Compare options for keeping costs down when spending abroad.

How much does it cost to withdraw cash overseas using the Barclays student debit card?

You'll pay a currency conversion fee of 2.99%. For, example, if you take out the equivalent of £150, you'll be charged £4.49. Withdraw 250 euros (that's around £208.45) at an ATM in Paris and it'll cost you £6.23. Don't forget that the local cash machine provider may charge its own fee too.

Does Barclays' interest-free student overdraft limit increase over time?

Yes. While the opening interest-free overdraft limit is capped at £1,000, this increases to a maximum of £1,500 in year two. Check out our full comparison of student accounts to see the interest-free overdrafts available to UK students with a breakdown of each account's limit in each year of your course.

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Kate Steere as part of our fact-checking process.
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Matthew Boyle is a banking and mortgages publisher at Finder. He has a 7-year history of publishing helpful guides to assist consumers in making better decisions. In his spare time, you will find him walking in the Norfolk countryside admiring the local wildlife. See full bio

Matthew's expertise
Matthew has written 210 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Helping first-time buyers apply for a mortgage
  • Comparing bank accounts and highlighting useful features
  • Publishing easy-to-understand guides
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