I have searched the forum for an answer to this, im probably not the first person who has asked ...

I have my UK account with Halifax and use online banking can I access this when in Canada? or do i need to set up either a international banking account with them or transfer all my funds over via HSBC etc.

cheers
Gaz

i'm not sure what you are asking but you can access your halifax account online whilst in canada

Thanx thats what i meant ... so i can still check balance/pay bills etc?

Cheers
Gaz

yep, you will still have full access to your english accounts whilst in canada.

although i would advise paying canadian bills with a canadian account and english bills with your english account

Hi
Yes coz you go onto the world wide web and your account details will be the same as you use here. We have a Virgin One account and I was maintaining it well whilst on our trips to Canada.
lol
Stef

Cheers guys :0

Just like everyone else wanna leave funds in our normal account with the exchange rate being poops and use as and when required!!

I remember when i was using my card to get money out of cash machines last year we were getting a better rate than when we exchanged some currency before flying to BC.

Have you any advice on using a Uk credit card in Canada

Cheers
Gaz

No, not really, we used our Canadian Credit card and then transferred funds straight back into it via our TD account, which we again have online facilities with. What I will say is, that if you use your UK credit card once you have moved, you will have to keep topping up you UK account, which once any lump sum is used, would be expensive for you.

Far better to get a Canadian credit card and start building up a credit history in Canada. TD asked for a $500 GIC to be set up so that if we did not pay the credit card, they could take that. The limit on our Credit card was $500
lol
Stef

Im really thinking of the first few weeks we will be there, we will not be PR , i opened a CIBC savings account last april so i will start pumping some funds into a current account there.

They had the same thing with a $1000 Credit Card :0

Gaz

If you are going to use UK credit card abroad, you may want to let the credit card company know. Sometimes (not always), they may not approve a credit transaction abroad, it they think someone has stolen your card and using it. If they know you are travelling, they would be ok to approve transactions.

Ray

Cheers Ray, i know we had problems with my wifes CC last year, mine was fine but we did not use it lots of times. I will make sure we do inform them.


Gaz

I would also notify the Halifax that you will be using your online facilities while over in Canada as i've had mine frozen while trying to access it through a Canadian IP Address.

Thanx Richo .. will do

Gaz

It's always a good idea to tell your card issuers that you will be using the card somewhere othere than normal. Barclays consider me to be firmly implanted in Canada. If I go somewhere else, including the UK, I have to warn them or my card won't work. You can do that on their website.

I also warn the UK visa people. I do that by phone. Amex can also be stroppy, particularly if you haven't used the card for a while.

I would check the terms and conditions on Halifax Internet banking. I used to bank with Intelligent Finance (owned by Halifax) - their terms and conditions expressly forbid access from outside the UK. It's one of the reason we moved from them to HSBC. Halifax may have a similar rule.

abaddon

Thanks for that. You're allowed access to Halifax online outside of the UK but it's a good point for other banks.

Having re-read the OP's comment further down the page, it looks like the OP is looking to use Halifax online while residing in Canada (unless i read incorrectly). If that's the case, i don't think they will be able to move money around or use the facility correctly through a Non UK IP address.

Here's the wording from Halifax online

"Important Message
This site is intended for use by UK residents only. All products or other financial services accessible through this website are offered in the UK only.

If you are currently outside the UK (for example, when you are on holiday) and wish to use the service to view information about your accounts, you may do so. However, before using this site, you must ensure that you would not be breaking any laws or regulations within the jurisdiction by doing so.

You must not make any transactions or open any accounts using this site if you are outside the UK.

You may be interested in the services offered by Halifax International Ltd a subsidiary of Our Group, which offers accounts specifically designed for British nationals living overseas. Again, you must ensure you are not in breach of any local laws and regulations.

This site contains information which is only intended for use by or distribution to any person, company or other body in any jurisdiction or country where such use or distribution would not contravene local laws or regulations."