tebo53

Hi all, When I eventually leave the UK to live in Spain (and not have a UK address) will I have to close my UK bank account or do they allow an account held in UK with a Spanish home address?
My UK bank is Barclays.
Thanks.

Fred James

Yes you can keep it open but you will not be able to open another account.

missile

You will find it very useful to keep you UK bank account open and you may want to open another before you leave - just in case you fall out with Barclays.

What bike do you ride? Away from the tourist traps, the roads in Spain are great for bikers.

spainrico

I am so glad I kept my UK bank account and I would advise all Expats to very carefully consider this issue before they decide to close UK account(s).

I now have a private pension paid into it and it is also useful to have easy access to sterling for UK visits.

LizFox

I agree. My bank knows my Spanish address and, up to now, is happy to keep my account open with this address. But I couldn't open a new account with a Spanish address. Same with my UK visa card.

IamStu

Good luck with ever trying to close an account with Barclays! We still have a joint account with them as they were making it very difficult for us to close.
I have my own personal account with Lloyds who are happy to send me my statements to Spain. It proves quite useful at times if purchasing from the UK or when visiting.

tebo53

Hi all, Thanks to everybody for the replies and advise. I was hoping it would be the case of being able to keep the account, so useful.

Missile: I have a Yamaha XVS 1100A. but thinking of selling it before I come over there to live, then buying the same over there which will be already registered etc. I had a brilliant time touring over there a couple of years ago on said bike.

Mitzyboy

I'd check the prices in Spain before you do that, you might find a price differential

scampicat

As well as keeping a Bank Account, I found that I could open another account with the same Bank whilst living in Spain. If you have an ISA you can keep it open and get the interest but not add to it.

andyrich666

Id never close an account, the worst that happens is your letters get returned to the bank as 'unknown at this address' they wont close them btu there are ways round getting an address for small charges

teuchterpete

Could you not keep it open but just use an accommodation address say that of a trusted relative? It keeps the UK contact "alive" in case of any emergencies.

Mitzyboy

Its a misconception that a bank wont let you keep an account if you are non resident

I had Cahoot (Lloyds) HSBC and Santander accounts with the full knowledge that I wasnt in the UK any more. Credit / debit cards with them and also an amex card. All were aware.

Apart from anything else, if one day you decide to come back permanently to the UK you still will have had a financial interest there and quite possibly have used the credit cards from time to time. Getting recognised for credit etc can be a bit of a challenge when you have been away for quite a time

Lynn R

There's no need to use someone else's address. I have kept my current account and savings account open with First Direct, plus my UK Visa card from Tesco, and both send all statements and other correspondence to my Spanish address.

Mitzyboy

You dont need an address of course if you just go paperless and download your statements

Lynn R

My OH says the same, but I have found it useful to have paper statements as they can be used as proof of address if required for other purposes.