ameliapond

Basically I have some money left on my UK Barclays account, I never bothered to open the online version or whatever is called on this account, never asked login credentials or downloaded any app for that matter. Now I would like to retrieve some money if possible as I need it, or at least check the balance, and I was wondering what's the best way to go about it, take into account I live abroad, I never told them I left the UK, and my corresponde has always been received by a friend (they consider this address to be my current residence), who's currently not in a great situation so I would like to avoid burdening her further with my banking issues, I can get a UK phone number if needed for verification purposes through other friends. Any idea on how their login process works? It would be ideal if I could access the account without going to the UK, especially with all these test and quarantine hassle.
Thanks.

Johnboyuk

Easy, just follow the instructions in the link I have provided. Make sure you use the UK address you have provided as you should be resident in the UK, otherwise you are not eligible to hold a UK account. You will need a mobile number as this is required for verification when logging into all UK accounts. They are keen for clients to move online so it should not be an issue. If it is a savings account without a card then you may need to phone them.

How do I register for Online Banking? | Barclays

Helen1964

I’d be interested to know if Barclays accept a foreign mobile number for verification purposes. Seem to remember someone on this forum had difficulty accessing their UK bank account because the bank would only call a UK mobile for verification.
Don’t know if this is an option with Barclays but the Nationwide for example lets you log in using a card reader. So no mobiles involved.

ameliapond

Hi, I saw that link but amongst the requirements it says you need a banking card, which I don't think I have anymore

For the UK number I can ask a relative or friend in the UK so that won't be an issue.

spouse of scouse

The relative or friend would have to pretend to be you, which could be more than a little risky.

ameliapond

Ouch, I would have thought verification was via text/code not phone call

Johnboyuk

I would phone them and ask them to send a new card to the UK address. Your friend in the UK does not have to pretend to be you as you can quite legally have a UK bank account if you live overseas as long as you can provide a UK address especially as you opened the account when you where in the UK so the bank could verify your identity. This issue was recently highlighted over the pending closure of accounts for Brits abroad after Brexit. This was one of many articles written at the time.

Can I Keep My British Bank Account Open When I Move Abroad? (algarvedailynews.com)

Johnboyuk

No, foreign numbers are not possible as you need to enter a UK international access code. Probably the best thing to do is buy one of these cheap £10 PAYG UK phones specifically for the purpose (such as with Tesco Mobile).

robin1234

Unfortunately Barclays have found yet another way to limit use of a Barclays Bank account by a US person. I’m currently in Britain, and I successfully opened a Barclays account. I’m able to login to my account, to see the balance, transactions etc., but I cannot use the areas where you initiate & manage payees & payments, and where you see your list of direct debits. The reason, apparently, is that my mobile devices (iPad and iPhone) are registered in the US. That’s where I bought them and set them up.

Further, Barclays state that you cannot login to your account at all from the US.

The above problems are related to accessing the account via the internet browser. So, I attempted to download the Barclays app, as Barclays seem to be pushing that as the best way to manage the account. I simply got the message “Sorry, the Barclays app is not available in your area.” Again, I’m in Britain, but I think it must have detected that my iPad was American so rejected on that basis.

As for the further level of security, sending you a code to enter via mobile phone. Barclays have the option of a pinsentry machine. This is a little handheld device in which you insert your debit card, authenticate with pin, and it generates a code which you use to login online.

durham_lad

When we arrived in England with our US iPads and iPhones we had to switch from the US Apple store to the UK Apple store to get apps such as UK banking apps. Even when they are free, UK only apps can’t be accessed if the Apple device is still registered to the Apple US store.

robin1234

OK, that’s very useful, thanks. If that is all I have to do, I could try that.

Johnboyuk

Barclays more than likely want you to open their international bank account for which they charge a monthly fee. It would be interesting to see if you could access this site on your iPad and iPhone.

Here when you're there | International Banking | Barclays

robin1234

I made the change you suggested, and then I was able to download the app. And, having established my credentials, the app is fully functional & works. So, thanks again. So a lot of what I said in my earlier post may not be quite right, but the general point stands - banking is difficult & full of pitfalls, unlike what their glib marketing would have you believe. And if you’re a US Person, there are even more pitfalls.

durham_lad

Excellent, thanks for the feedback.

I have similar issues with US apps but I still maintain a US credit card and on the few occasions I need to update a US store app then I will switch to the US store, update the app and then switch back. It is a bit of a pain but it works.

robin1234

My thing is that, even though I’ve been an iPad user for many years (almost since they were first introduced,) I simply don’t use apps unless there’s no alternative. All banking, financial stuff and related things, I use the browser site if at all possible. I realise more and more institutions (Fidelity being an example) are always prompting customers to use the app, and no doubt will eventually stop supporting certain functions in the browser.

Kindle app is pretty much the only app I use on a regular basis.