It seems from what Ive read so far that I cannot open a UK (Northern Ireland) bank account from the US without having a CURRENT "proof of address" (utility bill)...?!? How can you provide that ahead of a move? (you can't)...

HELP.... there obviously must be ways to get around this, but how, and are they both affordable (to ordinary (not rich) ex-Pats looking to move home), and SECURE....??

Any advice gratefully received. Thanks.

You are right, it is a "Catch 22".
One solution is to use the Wise (previously Transferwise) multi-currency account (previously known as the Borderless Account) until you are able to open a UK bank account.

I just posted about this under the “International Banking” thread.
Can highly recommend the Wise multi currency account.

very useful info.

International Banking

Hello stranger... Long time, no see..

Have you looked at opening a HSBC account in the US and seeing if you'd be able to transfer it to the UK as soon as you have a UK address?

Dave, I think we'd prefer to open an account with the likes of Wise, who are specifically set up to be "international" (online). As soon as I get back home, one of the first things I will do when I can "prove address" is open a conventional bank account with a UK bank, and use Wise as a back-up or for moving money internationally.

Thanks to everyone else who has made comment on this thread since I posted a few days ago! (MidAtlantic, Helen and Durhamlad)

And that's fair enough. Good luck.

i formerly used The isalamic Bank of Britain now renamed but still in business

https://www.alrayanbank.co.uk/produc...urrent-account