CHECKLIST: What to expect from a good Student Account

Freebies to catch

Banks often offer very attractive freebies to increase their student customer base. Banks are keen to grab the young population at a crucial time in their life, as around two thirds of people who open bank accounts are students, and they hope they will become lifelong loyal customers.
Only choose a bank based on such criteria, after making sure its rates and long-term services fit you well. Freebies have evolved over the years, from blank cassettes in 1985, to MP3 players and five-year young person’s railcards today. Freebies which are available with some student accounts:
·        Five-year National Railcard
·        MP3 Player
·        CDs
·        BSM Driving Lesson
·        Discounts on Lonely Planet Guidebooks, clothes, books, DVDs and two-for-one offers on cinema vouchers.
Alternatives
This table shows some of the student account facilities different British banks offer. Almost all banks provide student services. Research a few more institutions before you make a choice.

Bank		Overdraft Limit (with interest rate)				Credit Card Limit	Incentives
	1st Year	2nd Year	3rd Year	4th Year

Abbey	£1,000	£1,250	£1,500	£1,800	£350	£20
Bank of Scotland	£1,750	£1,900	£2,100	£2,100	£500	10 per cent discount on travel insurance
Barclays	£1,000	£1,250	£1,500	£1,750	£600	Free mobile, three year national express coach card, other discounts.
Halifax	£1,750	£1,900	£2,100	£2,100	Negotiable	10 per cent discount on travel insurance
HSBC	£1,000	£1,500	£1,500	£1,750	£500	MP3 player
Lloyds TSB	£1,000	£1,250	£1,500	£2,000	Negotiable	None
Natwest	£1,250	£1,400	£1,600	£1,800	£500	Five year rail card
Northern Bank	Negotiable up to 2000 pounds				Negotiable	None

(http://www.studentmoney.org/ )