Overview

• NatWest and RBS lead with up to £3,250 interest-free overdrafts, which grow through university and extend into the first postgraduate year before tapering.
• HSBC and Nationwide offer up to £3,000 interest-free overdrafts by the third year, while Barclays and TSB cap borrowing at £1,500 with minimal extras.
• Halifax and Lloyds promise £100 cash for a £500 deposit by 31 October plus up to £90 in Deliveroo vouchers; Santander Edge ties perks like a four-year railcard and prize-draw entry to regular deposits and main-account status.
• Banks advise customers to monitor overdraft changes and plan repayments as post-graduation limits shrink—NatWest’s allowance falls from £3,250 to £1,250 over three years.
• Consumer advisers recommend choosing accounts based on likely borrowing needs, tracking deposit deadlines and using budgeting tools to build credit rather than chasing freebies alone.