Sunday, September 2, 2012

Banking in UK

BANKING IN UK (INFORMATION FOR SHEFFIELD SUMMER PROGRAM STUDENTS)


There are few major banks in the UK :
  • Barclays ( I'm using )
  • Natwest
  • Santander
  • HSBC
  • Lloyds TSB
  • and many more ......
We will received a bank letter from the university after the induction.
Then, we have to use the bank letter together with the bank draft we brought here to open an account in the bank of your choice :)
We were lucky that Barclays' person in charge came to university and helped us make appointment.
As for the other bank, you will need to get your accommodation senior resident to make an appointment with the bank for you !

We need to wait for 1-2 weeks in order to get our bank account ready and debit card activated. Debit card and card reader will be sent to your accommodation.
Hence, it is very important for you to exchange some UK sterling pounds in cash before you arrive here, let say £200-£300.

For your information, Barclays and Natwest are located nearest to the uni. However, Santander and Lloyds TSB also located in the city centre :)
You can withdraw your money from any free cash withdrawal ATM here.
There are few in Owen Building and also one ATM opposite Stoddart Building. 

Not forget to mention the CARD READER provided FREE OF CHARGE by the bank for extra security !
How wonderful is that ! :)
Its function is similar to the TAC code in Malaysia. When we need to transfer money, we need to key in TAC code which is sent to our phone.
In UK, we just need to follow the steps shown in the card reader and bank website to get the code :) 
This is an extra security steps provided by the bank !



Card reader


You will also receive a saving card and debit card
Furthermore, debit card is important too when it comes to buying things in UK.
You can purchase anything by using debit card here...grocery shopping, online shopping and many more...
It is safer as there is no need to carry so much cash !


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