Credit: PA
STUDENTS collecting their A-level results this week may be starting to think ahead to university – and choosing the right bank account could reap serious rewards.
However, many student bank accounts have deadlines you need to meet if you want to cash in on the perks.
Many banks have requirements in order to qualify for their cash bonuses or other sweeteners, such as depositing a certain amount or making payments.
Nationwide – 11 December 2026
To make the most of £100 free cash bonus from Nationwide‘s FlexStudent account, you need to pay in at least £500 and make five debit card payments by 11 December 2026.
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If you meet these requirements, you will also be able to claim £120 in Just Eat Vouchers. these will be paid as £10 vouchers over 12 months.
You can also get an interest-free overdraft with the account of up to £1,000 in year one, climbing to £3,000 in year three.
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Santander – 16 October 2026
Santander is offering students at least £20 free cash, but they will be entered into a prize draw to win up to £100,000 – as long as you open an account by 16 October.
To qualify, you’ll also need to make a debit card purchase by 31 December this year.
Students can also bag a free four-year 16-25 railcard by opening the account, saving them £115 and allowing them to save a third on rail travel.
Eligible students can also get an interest-free overdraft of £1,500 in years one to three of study.
Santader’s Edge Student current account also offers access to a savings account paying 8% interest – considerably above market rate. You can save up to £200 a month.
Lloyds – 30 October 2026
Lloyds Bank is offering £100 and up to £120 in Deliveroo vouchers to eligible students who open a Student Account and pay in at least £500 by 30 October.
Those who do will receive £100 cash in November, and they will then get a £20 Deliveroo voucher for each month they make 20 or more debit card transactions between November and April.
Five students will also win a year’s worth of tuition fees paid for by Lloyds, if they activate the prize draw offer in the Rewards Hub section of its app by 30 October.
Lloyds customers can also access an interest-free overdraft of up to £1,500 over three years.
NatWest
NatWest is currently offering students £100 free cash and a four-year Tastecard if they open a new account, but there is no time frame to complete any actions by in order to qualify.
Students will receive the cash into their account within 10 days of opening it.
Tastecard’s are typically worth £79.99 a year, although there are often discounts or deals that reduce the price.
NatWest’s account also offers n interest-free overdraft starting from £500 when you open the account, reaching up to £3,250 in year three.
HSBC
HSBC also offers a student account, but there are currently no cash incentives or deals attached.
Like other accounts, you can get up to £1,000 in year one, up to £2,000 in year two, and up to £3,000 in year three.
You typically need to be 17 to open a student account at any bank, but the details can vary, so it’s worth checking before applying.
Monzo
Monzo also has its own student account, but it operates largely like a typical Monzo account and doesn’t have any time-sensitive perks to claim.
Reasons to use it include fee-free spending abroad and the ability to get early student loan payments.
