Wessa

Hello All,

Is it best to set up a bank account while im here in the uk or wait till i get there? Which is easier?

Im going to rent a place as soon as i get there so i want the funds,at least somewhere to be able to get them from/transfer to when i arrive so as not to slow me getting into a rental place.

Your suggestions please

Looks like il be asking more questions....

Thanks as usuall

Gary.

simonsi

Hi Gary,
AFAIK all the main banks allow you to open an account online from the UK, it will accept a small number of credits (by bank transfer) before you arrive. On arrival you'll need to validate your account by presenting your passports, they should then have an eftpos card for you and the account can be operated normally. No withdrawls are allowed until it is validated.

We used Westpac but from looking at websites most of the main banks, if not all, offer similar facilities....

Wessa

Thanks very much.

Anyone have any reccomendations for Westpac?

Persephone

I use ANZ, had no problems with them

sirplug

I use Westpac for savings and ASB for everyday banking

Charismatic

Ditto pet .

scrubbedexpat094

We've been with Westpac since 2005. We have a couple of accounts with them plus our mortgage, Home & contents insurance, life insurance & 2 x car insurance. So get a few discounts.

So far, we've never had any problems with them. They have always been very efficient

AndyRuth

Double ditto ! Like probably many people we set up our account from the UK to make deposits into then activated the account when we arrived. ANZ been fine for us so far , yet to apply for a mortgage yet though

kenpom

We use kiwibank and are very happy with it, the online bamking system is very easy to use

Charismatic

“Ach so Mrs. AndyRuth I notice you failed to pay your electric bill before ze discount period hat ended auf October 1994. Vould you care to enlighten us on your careless und extravagant behaviour?”

Banks are like wives really. They always know and never forget the details of when and how you have been naughty .

LukeandJo

Having had a look at the banks I think we are going to go with KiwiBank.

cookie2b

We use ANZ, set up in the UK (you can do this 12 months prior to arrival) We sent cash over ready fo when we arrived.

Iv heard KIWI Bank are great and there mortgage deals are very good however like most they wil only offer a mortgage once you have returning residency, BNZ will as far as im aware offer mortgages to you as long as you have PR. (This is what i am lead to believe any way).

Wessa

Thanks all..

Gary.

simonsi

BNZ will lend on a mortgage before you get PR or RRV, but they load the rate by 0.5% - but remove the loading as soon as the PR application is approved.

I know because that is us at the moment and we have a mortgage with them...

rick78

Interesting thread... will be looking at all the replies... this has been on my mind for a bit

As far as I know Kiwibank is the only Kiwi owned bank... the rest are Oz owned.