Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

I am a British citizen, living in the US.

I would love to setup a UK bank account from here, is that do-able?

I could use my parent's address, but I suspect I may fail a verification check, as I haven't lived in the UK since 2010.

On a related note, which is the best banking brand these days?

Re: Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

It should be possible to set up an offshore account with a UK bank, if you meet the criteria. The minimum deposit in such a case is usually quite hefty. As a non UK resident opening a normal account with a high street bank is a non starter.

Re: Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

Lloyds Bank IoM often gets recommended. It operates as a "British" bank, but speciailizes in accounts for non-residents, yet you get a cheque book and debit card with a recognizable bank name on it. IIRC it costs £7/mth. Once you arrive in the UK you can soon switch over to an on-shore account.

Re: Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

Nationwide also have non resident accounts from Nationwide IoM. It's almost impossible to get a "standard" UK bank account as an expat.

Re: Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

You can try HSBC -

International Banking: Opening an Account | HSBC

Re: Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

I have to ask, didn't you have a bank account in the UK before you left?

I had a nationwide account and when i went back after 13 yrs, the account had been technically closed, but was able to be reactivated. I just gave them my parents address and it was reopened.

Re: Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

That's correct, I had a Barclays account that I closed before I left. I will try re-activating it.

Re: Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

My better half reactivated her Barclays account after returning to the UK after several years' absence. You don't need proof of address unlike opening a new account. They'll just send your new account details and card to the address you give them.

Re: Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

Thanks for all your help today, VERY much appreciated.

Re: Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

HSBC works very well for us, they have many locations all over.

We send money back and forth from US to UK and never any issues at all.

Re: Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

HSBC and Citi are my two best picks

Re: Setting up a UK bank account from the US
 

Either you're seriously loaded and moving six-figure sums, or don't mine the diabolical exchange rates you're getting!