Smudge51

Hi, for any expats that no longer have a UK address, did you find any problems with UK bank accounts and or investement shares acounts etc when you let go your UK address?

uk_grenada

Yes definitely. This is one reason why many maintain a UK 'presence.' There are other reasons too.

Many banks do a regular check and when you fall foul they will simply write once and close your account. Many offer 'expat oriented' or 'global' accounts which are simply a way to fleece you. First Direct is the solution. In addition the absolutely cheapest way to move money is to pay or use bank cash machines in some places abroad via one of the travel oriented credit cards, that charge no fee and use a perfect exchange rate, not a loaded one. Examples are halifax clarity and barclaycard do one also. Check the martins money watch website for these tips and other travel related info. Without a UK checkable address, you cant get a credit card, or obtain a replacement card, and again, some will not allow it if you are an expat.

Of course if you maintain a uk address where post is sent, its different.

You can maintain but not pay into an ISA, but of course this can still have tax implications locally depending on where you are.

tdrinker

Some people report being able to maintain UK bank accounts with overseas addresses, but others have their accounts closed by the bank. I suppose it depends on the bank, the country you move to and whether the bank is diligent in checking. But there is a risk the bank will close your account if you are non-resident and / or don't have a UK address, and if it doesn't it may do so in the future.

uk_grenada

Most have policies that limit account holders to uk residents, its that simple. Its more about how they check, if you fall off the voters register for example. The credit checking agencies also have ways and means to put an address in doubt too, then many financial things wont be possible.

Think of it like this, everyone lives somewhere, if you vacate a house and new people move in, thats a short term financial red flag for them until they establish bills and do the normal things you do when you move. For you - well you by default have no address an more, unless you maintain bills.

Happyowner

First Direct is the last one to go to------------They are at present hounding my friend who does still have a UK address trying to prove she lives abroad and cancel her account.