Cheep way to manage transfers to and from UK for a student

munkifisht

I want to setup a account that will allow me to function as a student in the UK and will allow for cheep money transfers to and from Ireland. I know citygroup has a SEPA funds transfer product that will allow for free money exchange, but I dont see anything about student accounts on their site and do not know if that can be added to a student account. Does anyone have any advice on banks that offer student accounts that will allow me to do this or something similar?

Victor

Consider an account with a retail bank that operates in both jurisdictions - AIB, BOI, Ulster Bank.

GSF

use transfermate to make cheap transfers between accounts in both countries. I use them and its very straight forward, not employed by them.

Widget

I tried setting up an account in UK or Northern Ireland to transfer money to my AIB account, doesn't work they charge £25 per transfer - HSBC ONLY charge me £17

Elvis_Presley

The foreign exchange fees and rates in the UK are terrible. Bringing a pile of cash is one way. Opening an AIB student account and withdrawing in the UK is another, you don't pay charges and the rate is reasonable. A Kalixa prepaid mastercard is also good for withdrawing money if you're taking out a large amount. £1.75 withdrawal fee and the best exchange rate you'll get anywhere. If you're bringing cash, changing it to sterling in ireland will save you a lot of money. Whichever option you pick, you're going to get somewhat screwed - just have to find the least painful option, or get some good lube.

skippy2

Use Currencyfair, very efficient and great rates

dobsdave

Any chance of making this question a sticky?
It seems to come up every week.