Bank Account

It is recommended to have a UK bank account for purposes such as: daily purchases, instalments/direct-debit payments, etc. Using an Indonesian bank account will charge you extra fees on top of the exchange rate. Opening a bank account in the UK is slightly different from that in Indonesia. You have a choice between opening an online bank account & a commercial/conventional bank account.

Conventional Banks	Online Banks
HSBC	Revolut
Lloyds	Monzo
Natwest	Starling Bank
Barclays	Wise

Conventional versus online banks

Conventional Banks	Online Banks
Bank branch offices can be found throughout the city.	No physical locations for bank transfers. Everything done online.
Cash can be deposited at the bank branch.	Cash can be withdrawn at any supporting ATMs (VISA/Mastercard ATMs), cash deposits are not always possible (some deposits are allowed through paypoints & the post office).
Depending on the bank & the time of the year, making a bank account can take quite a while, can take up to a month for the opening or a month just to get an appointment.	Opening an account is simple & does not take much time. To open an account, simply download the app and follow the procedure given.
In-person, online & phone customer services.	Online & phone customer services.
Fees are present for some types of accounts. (Different for each bank)	Few to no fees for having an account.

Steps of creating bank account

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How do I open a conventional/conventional bank account? A: It depends on the bank, but the usual process is to start your application on their website, and then a physical appointment where you will hand over your documents.

• Q: Which documents are required to open a bank account? A: Typically, you would have to bring your passport, BRP & a bank letter. You can request a bank letter from the university and not all banks require your BRP for an application (i.e: HSBC)

• Q: Can I use online banks to pay direct-debit instalments? A: Yes you can, any UK bank account will do, online or conventional.

• Q: Do I really need a conventional bank account in the UK? A: Technically, you don’t really need one as an online bank could do most of the things a conventional bank could. However, it is recommended that you have both conventional and an online bank account. Having both allows you to store funds for different purposes separately. The conventional bank account can be used for large payments (tuition fees & rent) while the online bank account can be used for day to day purchases.

Welcoming our New Partner, Wise!

PPI Greater Manchester has officially partnered with Wise as our official multi-currency account partner for 2023!

Wise provides competitive market rates from IDR 🇮🇩 to GBP 🇬🇧 and is a universal account for sending, spending, and receiving money abroad. With Wise, sending tuition fees and money from 🇮🇩 is easier, cheaper and faster.

Our Wise referral program is open to the public! We invite you to share our link to friends and family in Indonesia so they can sign up as well!

Sign up with PPI-GM’s sign up link: https://wise.prf.hn/click/camref:1101luEGp