FlexStudent bank account
The student bank account for while you’re at uni. Apply for an interest-free overdraft starting from your first year. Which? Recommended Provider for current accounts.
Why open a Nationwide student bank account?
Heading to uni? You'll need a student bank account. Ours comes with some nice extras to help you through your studies.
- Interest-free arranged overdraft
Apply to borrow up to £1,000 in your first year, £2,000 in your second year and £3,000 in your third year. - Over 600 branches across the UK
We're here when you want to talk to someone face to face. Wherever you study, we're likely to have a branch nearby. - Save while you study
Our student bank account gives you access to our exclusive regular savings account. - No Nationwide fees for spending abroad
We won't charge you for using your debit card while on holiday. - You could get a Fairer Share Payment
Save and bank with us and you could enjoy a Fairer Share Payment. For 3 years, we've given £100 to eligible members. Terms apply.
Dip into an interest-free student arranged overdraft
Our student bank account comes with an optional overdraft that's interest-free. Bit short on cash? Dip in without worrying about paying extra.
Which? Recommended for current accounts
We’re proud to be a Which? Recommended Provider for current accounts.
Join us and find out why we’re a good way to bank. We share our profits with our members, are first in high street banking satisfaction and keep our branches open.*
Ready to apply?
To apply for a new FlexStudent, you must:
- be 18 or older and have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
- be on, or about to start, a full-time UCAS course of at least 2 years
- have an unconditional offer or a confirmed place for a course starting in the next 5 months OR have at least 6 months left on your course
- be able to pay in at least £500 each term
- not have another student bank account (if you do, you could switch it to Nationwide)
You'll need your 4-digit UCAS code to complete your application.
If you haven't already got an unconditional offer or a confirmed place, please come back when you have. Your UCAS code won't work before then.
Banking made easier with our app
Rated 4.8 stars in App Store and 4.8 stars in Google Play (mobile only). Ratings for the phone app as of 2 February 2026.
Manage your money
Send money to friends and family and pay bills. Set up, cancel and change standing orders.
Control your card
Freeze your debit card if it gets lost or stolen. Unfreeze it if it turns up or order a replacement if it doesn't.
Bank and buy securely
Log in with your fingerprint or face. Quickly confirm it's you when you make a big purchase.
Our top student money management tips
Starting university is an exciting time. But it's normal to feel worried about managing your money by yourself.
Before you head off, read our top tips so you can feel more prepared. We've got a guide on how to get ready and how to budget while at uni.
Our £100, Just Eat and refer a friend offer
This offer closed for new applications on 29 October 2025. If you took up the offer, log in to the voucher portal to get your next Just Eat voucher or check our offer FAQs if you need help.
Open one of the best student bank accounts
FlexStudent is Five-Star Rated by Moneyfacts as a student account that stands out from the rest. And whether you’re opening a new account or switching, we’ve got another Five-Star Rating for making it as easy as possible.
Student bank account FAQs
Need help with your account?
Our current account help section has the answers to our most commonly asked questions.
We also have a quick guide to using your current account covering your everyday banking.
Are you an international student?
You need to have been a UK resident for 3 years or more to apply for a FlexStudent account.
If you live in the UK, we have other current accounts that might be right for you.
Your money is protected
Your money is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to £120,000 per person, or £240,000 for joint accounts, per provider.
Bringing Nationwide and Virgin Money together
Virgin Money’s business will become part of Nationwide on 2 April 2026, subject to Court approval. Once the transfer completes, your total combined deposits with Nationwide and Virgin Money will be covered up to £120,000 per person, or £240,000 for joint accounts.
Current Account Switch Service
Switching your current account to Nationwide takes just 7 working days. It's a free service, all you need to do is pick the date.
*‘Share our profits with our members’ refers to our Fairer Share Payment. If you bank as well as save or have a mortgage with us, you could benefit from our Fairer Share Payments. Some members have received £300 in Fairer Share Payments since 2023. It's our intention to make a payment every year, but this will depend on how we perform financially. We may change the amount and the eligibility criteria based on that performance. See the eligibility criteria for the 2025 Fairer Share Payment.
‘First in high street banking satisfaction’ refers to ‘Best high street banking provider for customer satisfaction’ in the building society and banking sector, as reported by The UK Customer Satisfaction Index (January 2026) published by The Institute of Customer Service. Of the 18 banking providers included, our high street banking peer group consists of banking brands with their own branches (excluding hubs and the Post Office).
‘Keep our branches open’ refers to our promise to keep every one of our branches open until at least the start of 2030. Excludes circumstances beyond our control. Branch opening times may vary. Learn more about our Branch Promise.