I'm beginning to get the bank accounts sorted in prep for the move. We're hoping to retain our credit and current account cards. The thing is all of the UK banks seem to require account holders to be UK resident. This surely means that card renewals, etc can only be sent to a UK address? Has anyone managed to change their residential/postal address to Australia and get the cards, etc sent to them there? And if so, which banks allow this?

SWMBO has an account with Barclays with an Australian address. They've sent replacement cards as well as the PIN sentry thing over here.

Cheers

Steve

Thanks Steve, I'll take a look at Barclays then.

I kept my UK banks throughout the time I was in Bermuda. I had no problem with getting statements and new cards sent to the overseas address. That was with First Direct, also had an Amex. I know it is hard / impossible to open a new account once non resident, but not aware that it is generally problematic to keep one.

I've never had a problem getting UK bank accounts or credit cards associated with an Australian address - sometimes it isn't possible via online banking though and there is some paperwork to fill in.

Hi
We're with RBS and haven't had any problems with being here other than not even being able to open a new savings account last year.

Cash cards come here with no problem, just had a new one as an ATM in Singapore ate my card last week. Actually I was quite impressed because within half an hour of loosing the card they left an automated message on my Aussie mobile to call them and a week later I have a new card!

The only thing I would say to you is to get certain permissions in place before you go such as agreements for large transfers etc (do you remember the hassle we had trying to do 70k in one hit!) and they said had you set this up beforehand it wouldn't have been a problem.

Plus open any new accounts - savings etc whilst you are still tax resident although ask them hypothetically what would happen if you went overseas! It's easier than trying to open off-shore accounts on-line when you've gone!

I'll let you know if I think of anything else!

KK

Been with the Co-op bank for over 30 years and never had any problem with them sending me cards, statements and even the little keyboard gizmo for internet banking. Their call centre is UK based and is excellent.

I'm with Natwest and haven't had any issues with an address in Australia. Just got my yearly bank statement.

I'm with LloydsTSB. No problems whatsoever. Internet banking helps of course. I have been here for 4 years and have had cards, statements, letters and tax advice all with no problem. My UK income is paid into the Lloyds account and I get some over here as and when. All very convenient.

HSBC UK, has no restrictions. I even opened one account the day before I left, specifically for my daughter who was already in Australia.

All my renewals and statements, credit card and bank accounts, are sent to my Australian address.

I haven't done this yet but my card doesn't expire til September 2012, I hope to be going back for a holiday before that, so would it be acceptable to pop into the Halifax and do it when I'm back then? At the moment I've just changed it to my parent's address....

I looks like my original supposition was wrong then. One less think to worry about . Thanks everyone

On my last visit to Uk last year wanted to get a debit card with Halifax Building Society to make transactions easier for my holiday. They flatly refused as I didn't have a UK adddress only one in Oz. I have an old passbook account, which my UK pension is paid into, and a good balance and was able to registered with internet banking but apart from that they wouldn't budge on the card something to do with money laundering. I am very surprised at all the other responses to your question as I thought all the banks had to comply with this Govt. regulation.

Nowadays when one informs a bank back home of a change of address is there a special form (supported by documentary evidence of new address?) that needs to be filled in?

One bank told me that if one moves house in the same country even the R105 form (tax exemption) has to be re-done.

Thanks.

Building Societies have different rules on this to the banks.

I am not sure if any Building Societies will allow it.