bobbyleo

My USA spouse will be joining me on a settlement visa next month.

She wants to transfer a sum of money from her local US bank to a UK account but will not be in a position to open the UK account until she arrives.

The issue is that her US bank has no facility for online international wire transfers and can only make a wire transfer if she visits the bank in person (not possible in her circumstances).

Any ideas or options how she can wire the money over or should she open up a new US bank account that specializes in online or telephone banking? If the latter, any suggestions of a good online bank?

Bob

Just like everyone else in the US is recommended to do, use a currency exchange service.

Xe.com or the numerous others that are licensed to operate in which ever state she happens to be in. Set that up for her US account before she leaves and then when she's in the UK and has an account, use that to transfer the money.

Get a better rate too.

bobbyleo

Ok, never used them before.

Editha

Also, have a look at Transferwise. They've been getting good reviews.

whistlestop01

Also Currency Broker, International Money Transfers – TorFX is a good exchange

petitefrancaise

We've used worldfirst for many years.
Please be aware that you will be required to open an account with these money transfer companies and their security procedures for making sure you are a real person can take several weeks. Whichever one you choose, sign up well in advance so that all is ready for when you need to make the transfer.

Also, make sure that they are able to do business in whichever state you live in - not all companies operate in all states.

Editha

I opened up an account with Transferwise today, and made a transfer today, from Canada to the UK, which will be in my bank on Friday.

My account with Xe.com was opened a few years ago, but I don't remember it taking more than a couple of days to set up.

bobbyleo

Thanks. Setting up the process now.

petitefrancaise

I was referring specifically to companies having to do business in the US. I would hate for the OP to wait " a couple of days" before needing the money transferred only to find out that they had a company that 1) couldn't do business in their state (I meant USA of course) and 2) that account verification takes at least a week. Which was my experience.

Editha

OK. The USA always seems to be more complicated.