The best student bank accounts in 2025 offer features like no hidden fees, easy online setup, good overdraft limits, budgeting tools, and perks such as discounts or interest on balances. Among popular options:
- bunq is highly rated for its free bunq Pro account for students, zero foreign exchange fees, weekly interest payments, and fully online setup with multilingual support. It fits well for local and international students seeking digital-first banking without hidden costs.
- In the UK, top student accounts include Santander with a guaranteed £1,500 0% overdraft and free railcard, Nationwide with up to £3,000 0% overdraft plus cash rewards, and NatWest/RBS with £500 to £3,250 overdraft and perks like free tastecards. These accounts usually turn into graduate accounts with reduced benefits post-studies.
- In the Netherlands, main student bank options include Rabobank, ABN AMRO, ING, and bunq. Rabobank offers a free student package with a debit card but is less accessible for international students due to language and appointment requirements. bunq stands out for international use with no currency exchange fees, quick digital onboarding, and high interest.
Overall, the ideal student bank account depends on location and personal preferences for features like overdraft size, app usability, and international flexibility. For international students in Europe, bunq is a top choice in 2025 due to its online convenience and cost benefits. For UK students, Santander, Nationwide, and NatWest/RBS are recommended for strong overdraft offers and perks.
