colonel

I have done a bit of research but would like to ask the BE membership if they could provide some information based on actual experience !

When we arrive, our main priority is that we want to be able to transfer money from our UK bank using online banking so transfer fees should be as low as possible or even better, free !

Thanks

steve`o

for moving money speak to
http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=129

colonel

Thanks however, this thread is to seek members advice regarding preference of bank rather than currency exchange.

Who do you bank with ? How have you found them ?

Buzzy--Bee

Citibank. No fees, can use any Westpac ATM for free, internet banking experience is very good. Can also withdraw and pay in money at any post office without charge.

BB

Centurion

www.NAB.com.au

Free banking with no minimum amount malarky, branches everywhere, huge ATM network and migrant banking lets you open your account in the UK ready for arrival and also deposit funds free of charge. In the first days of arriving chances are you will need a branch to transact in for things like bank cheques and so on.

Don't bother with any bank that will actually levy charges against you for banking with them.

steve`o

yet you asked

"our main priority is that we want to be able to transfer money from our UK bank using online banking so transfer fees should be as low as possible or even better, free"

and i replied with the best solution

you can usea bank but be prepared to get nailed for the luxury

regards steve

Scotty1

HSBC provides me with free online currency transfers at mid market rates through their Premier service. They also set up the account for free including giving me a credit card with a large limit and I get free ATM withdrawals at Westpac. There are no fees on the account.

The big downside is you need to qualify for the account through having a large amount of money (eg from a house sale) that you keep with them.

The call centre is not so brilliant either - but if you do most of your banking online, want a fee free account, and need to transfer money regularly and want to see it instantly in your account, this is a good one to look at.

We will probably transfer to a local bank once we no longer qualify for this service and use one of the currency transfer lot for regular trasfers

Scotty

Steve2009

I use CommBank but if I was starting again I'd use Bank West.

iamthecreaturefromuranus

For every bank that somebody says is rubbish, somebody else will say its excellent. At the end of the day a bank, is a bank, is a bank.

dazmurray

I'm with NAB at the moment but looking to transfer to Bankwest as the are open 7 days a week and offer completely free banking.

colonel

Thanks all...I think NAB will be our choice.

iamthecreaturefromuranus

Based on what? Just asking, given that their recent track record is probably the poorest of any of the banks.

http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2010/s3078891.htm

Pollyana

Have to admit they are the last bank I'd choose at present.

ABCDiamond

Don't panic about the NAB too much, the person that caused the meltdown has gone.

I did hear that he is now applying for a job at the other banks though

Steve2009

Any truth to the assertion that NAB offers better support to Aussie businesses? i.e. they lend more to businesses. That would be a very good reason to support them. The others invest most of their money in property.