Santander UK has launched a new Student Smart Card which combines a University undergraduate ID with Visa debit functionality.
The new card, launched at the University of Roehampton to over 2000 first year students, will be rolled out to other UK Universities early next year.
The card combines Visa debit functionality with University ID attributes, including access to buildings and library services.
Cards incorporating debit payments need to be linked to an existing or a new Santander Student Current Account or a Santander International Student Current Account.
Registration for the card is available through a dedicated portal which forms part of the University sign-up process. Students can select their card choice, upload a photo and apply for a Santander Student Account if they do not currently have one. Additionally, for the first time in the UK, students will receive their PIN number via SMS.
Already in use by 6.3 million students at 262 universities worldwide, the Roehampton roll-out marks the card's debut in the UK.
Simon Bray, deputy director, Santander Universities UK, said: "The card has proven a great success in many countries where Santander has a presence worldwide and we look forward to introducing this to many more Universities in the UK."