Finder rating: ★★★★★
Find out more about Santander’s student bank account option in our review, including how to apply for an account, what features and benefits it comes with, and what interest-free overdraft is available.
Santander has one current account available for students – the Santander 123 Student Current Account.
| Product Name | 123 Student Current Account |
|---|---|
| Card type | Cash / Debit |
| Debit network | Mastercard |
| Min. opening balance | £0.01 |
| Account fees | £0 |
| Interest (AER) | 0% AER |
| Funding requirement | Min. £500 per term |
| Daily cash machine limit | £300 |
| At end of term | Account transferred automatically to graduate account |
| Maximum overdraft in year 1 | £1,500 |
| Maximum overdraft in year 2 | £1,500 |
| Maximum overdraft in year 3 | £1,500 |
| Maximum overdraft in year 4 | £1,800 |
| Maximum overdraft in year 5 | £2,000 |
| Overseas card transactions | 2.95% |
| Overseas cash withdrawals | 2.95% |
| Key benefits | Free 16-25 Railcard for new customers. Valid for four years, with students saving up to one third on most rail fares. Eligible for Retailer Offers, customers must use online or mobile banking to qualify. Earn up to 15% cashback from selected retailers when using a Santander debit card or credit card. Eligible for welcome benefits through Retailer Offers. Earn up to 20% cashback at participating retailers. Students have 30 days to activate and redeem their offer once account opened. Free access to preferential rates, exclusive offers and discounts at 123 World. |
To be eligible for a Santander 123 Student Current Account, you’ll need to be studying for an undergraduate course (for at least two years) or an apprenticeship (level 4 to 7).
You’ll also need to:
You can apply for an account once you’ve received an unconditional or a “confirmed conditional” offer.
You can open an account online or in-branch.
When registering an account, you’ll need to provide a few personal details, financial details and proof of your course, including your UCAS number.
No, however the funding requirements of the account are min. £500 per term. See how that compares in our comparison of student accounts.
When you use your card overseas, you'll pay a non-sterling charge of 2.95%. For, example, if you spend the local equivalent of £250, you'll be charged £7.38.
Because it's a Mastercard, you'll find it's accepted pretty much anywhere that takes card payments.
Compare options for keeping costs down when spending abroad.
You'll pay a currency conversion fee of 2.95%. For, example, if you take out the equivalent of £150, you'll be charged £4.43. Withdraw 250 euros (that's around £211.58) at an ATM in Paris and it'll cost you £6.24. Don't forget that the local cash machine provider may charge its own fee too.
Yes. While the opening interest-free overdraft limit is capped at £1,500, this increases to a maximum of £2,000 in year five (£1,500 in year three). 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.
The Santander 123 Student Account is a great all-round choice for students. It offers an interest-free overdraft, cashback with retailers and a free 16-25 railcard for signing up. Get started by visiting Santander's website and open an account. If you have read this review and decided that this account is not for you, you can also compare other student bank accounts here.
