Keeping a UK bank account
May 9th 2010, 5:02 am
#31
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: London > Brisbane
Posts: 75
Re: Keeping a UK bank account
I kept a HSBC account open, but after about a year here I had some trouble accessing it online. I called the bank and was told the only way I could get access again would be togo into a branch. I explained that I was now in australia but after speaking to other mangers they still insisted that the only way would be to go into a branch.
I havent been able to access it since
I havent been able to access it since
HSBC Aust. (Bris.)... sorry sir, can't help you.. would you like to become a premium customer (so we can tell you nicely how we can't help you)
May 9th 2010, 7:03 am
#32
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2004
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,628
Re: Keeping a UK bank account
I have been phoning around and it seems that any account opened with a building society after 2004 has to be closed if you leave the country.
The banks, on the other hand, don't have a problem with you leaving the country and will send all statements etc to Australia.
Thanks for all the replies.
The banks, on the other hand, don't have a problem with you leaving the country and will send all statements etc to Australia.
Thanks for all the replies.
I only opened my account with Nationwide in late 2005 and they have had no problems with me having an Aussie address
May 9th 2010, 10:58 am
#33
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 283
Re: Keeping a UK bank account
It's Alliance & Leicester I am having the problems with.
May 9th 2010, 3:47 pm
#34
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,890
Re: Keeping a UK bank account
Their branch offshore is in Jersey and there is no sign of any form of depositors' compensation scheme.
May 9th 2010, 3:55 pm
#35
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,206
Re: Keeping a UK bank account
The UK building sociteies don´t allow non residents to have accounts.You can, if you want, have an account in say Nationwide Isle of Man. This kind of account doesn´t allow cheques or credit cards; it´s basically if you want to have your savings offshore with interest paid without deduction of tax. The normal high street banks in the Uk have no problem with your having an account when you are non resident. I have had one with Lloyds and have been non resident for over 40 years now, and manage everything via the internet with them.
If you want an account in the UK then open one before you leave.
May 10th 2010, 12:52 am
#36
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Keeping a UK bank account
I'm in a similar position. Left our HSBC accounts cashed up and open so we could transact easily from OS. HSBC decided we needed new cards, posted the PINS to Aust.(where they also send statements) but insist we turn up at the branch to collect the cards.. freakin annoying.
HSBC Aust. (Bris.)... sorry sir, can't help you.. would you like to become a premium customer (so we can tell you nicely how we can't help you)
HSBC Aust. (Bris.)... sorry sir, can't help you.. would you like to become a premium customer (so we can tell you nicely how we can't help you)
May 10th 2010, 1:01 am
#37
(It's not my real name)
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Ilukapool. WA
Posts: 12,467
May 10th 2010, 8:15 am
#38
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 283
Re: Keeping a UK bank account
Must be just the Alliance & Leicester who won't accept it then
May 10th 2010, 8:26 am
#39
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,206
Re: Keeping a UK bank account
A&L now Santander so are going through some changes. I have had some issues recently because of this.
Transferring an account from A&L to Abbey (both now Santander but offering dif. deals) was a nightmare because they were changing their systems - kept getting different information from different people!!!!
Transferring an account from A&L to Abbey (both now Santander but offering dif. deals) was a nightmare because they were changing their systems - kept getting different information from different people!!!!
May 10th 2010, 8:52 am
#40
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,890
Re: Keeping a UK bank account
A&L and the whole Santander lot are becoming mega strict about conditions for even opening an account offshore - I wouldn't touch 'em with a barge pole now. Getting bad press on MSE back home too.
