iceflow

Folks,
Is there a way for non UK residents to get a UK GBP credit card? I did have a Barclaycard but it was withdrawn several years ago as I was non resident. This is my conundrum. Next year I will start getting a UK pension, so.....are the financial options best to:

1. Get it paid into my UK bank account - Must say when I've done transfers to the US, the exchange rate is lousy and bank charges are also applied.

2. Use my UK bank cash point card in US ATM's. Not too keen on this approach as it is a debit card not a credit card.

3. Get monies paid directly in US funds into US account. Would be very interested in hearing from people who do this and if they can share typical exchange rates given vs. the international exchange rate for that transfer date.

4. Use a UK credit card if one can be obtained and send them a GBP cheque each month.

rpjs

If it's the state OAP, I believe you can get that paid directly to your US bank account. Obviously the amounts will fluctuate according the exchange rate.

If you do get it paid into your UK account, lots of people use online FX services like XE. I use them and don't pay any bank charges in either direction. XE make their money on the exchange rate they offer, but it isn't too far off the headline rate to be onerous.

sir_eccles

#3

BritInParis

Nationwide offer fee-free overseas withdrawals at near-market rates using a Visa debit card if you have their FlexPlus current account at £10 a month. I know you're not resident in the UK any more but you may be able to switch accounts online without too much difficulty.

FlexPlus Premium Current Account Details & Offers | Nationwide

Fees and charges | Nationwide

Nutmegger

No. 3. You will find many threads on this topic if you do a search. The UK pension service will pay your pension directly into your U.S. Bank account with no wire fees and a decent exchange rate.

iceflow

OK Folks, thanks for the updates. Direct into US seems to be the way to go at this point.

Thanks