Why Barclays works for newcomers

Barclays is widely recognised and often recommended for students and workers who want strong in‑person support.

Why migrants choose Barclays

• Strong branch presence
• Good mobile app
• Student‑friendly accounts
• Reliable for rent + salary

Fees

• No monthly fee
• FX card fee: ~3%
• International transfers: higher cost
• Cash deposits: free in branch

Real example: Student arriving in the UK

Universities often partner with Barclays, making it easy to open an account with:

• Passport
• BRP
• University letter

Pros

• Good for students
• Strong branch network
• Reliable banking

Cons

• Higher transfer fees
• FX fees abroad
• Some accounts require strong address proof

Who should choose Barclays

• Students
• Workers
• People wanting in‑person help

Who should avoid it

• Frequent international senders

How to open a Barclays account

• Visit branch or apply online
• Provide ID + address proof

Alternatives

• Lloyds
• HSBC
• Monzo