petew

I may need to transfer a few thousand euros from my Santander UK account to my CAM account. I do online banking with Santander. and was under the (perhaps nieve) impression that I could set up a one - off transfer online. However I now discover that I either have to visit my branch in the UK, or send a fax (with copies of passport,etc etc etc) or post a letter (again with copies of passport etc). Is there an easier/quicker way that can be set up on line? I am not happy sending sensitive information in a fax or by post.

Rosemary

I also thought that you could send a one off payment. How did you discover that you need to deal with the branch etc?

Rosemary

petew

I sent them an e mail and that's the reply I got. I'm glad I'm not the only one who was under that mistaken impression.

walkthetalk

Having worked for Santander/Abbey, I can tell you now that their systems before I left were not integrated (unbelievable?) with Spain but, were modelled on them. That may have changed now but, in my experience as an international expat, despite them both pulling out of Russia where I currently live - HSBC and Barclays Offshore banking both had connectivity and reliability with their UK counterparts, offered £$€ accounts and a decent team behind it.

My advice is consider your options. If these branches are local and you know of them - go speak with them.

walkthetalk

Oh and they have an absolutely strict policy at Santander UK with the risk and control demanding to see the customer face to face with ID etc. (KYC documents).

Unfortunately it is just not so helpful.

and FYI - I use Standard Bank Offshore but, once again - you need to use a company that is suitable to your circumstances and Santander is great for UK customers but useless when you leave the shoreline.

Domino

I tried to make a payment to my LTSB current acct from Halifax savings - no chance, and they are in the same group. As I was in UK at the time had to go to branch, draw out cash and cross the street and pay cash into acct.

Grumpy old man had nothing on me that afternoon - all I got was platitudes and promises they were working on it.

:thumb down:

snikpoh

If you use a money broker then there should not be a problem - I do this quite frequently. (You may even get a better rate that way).

walkthetalk

Unfortunately though it's the poor monkeys in the branch who get the grief while the top cats steer clear and enjoy their money.

walkthetalk

Who do you use if I may ask here? My clients may benefit from this too. Can never pretend you know everything

Mitzyboy

The main ones are HIFX, ITT Moneycorp and Currencies Direct

walkthetalk

thank you - gonna look into them. Honestly never seen them before.

snikpoh

... World First are VERY good as are Foreign Currencies Direct

teuchterpete

Just signed up with HiFX.
Seems to be one of the best. I tried Santander and they told me that I could withdraw cash from their machines in Spain, provided that I deposited £1000 per month into a current account, or be charged £25 per transfer ( they would not state rate but it would NOT be BoE)
Pete.

EllisG

i use moneycorp...great service and much better rate than I used to get from a bank. Used to have to fax the bank each transaction, with moneycorp I just pick up the phone once the account is set up.

walkthetalk

So from the consensus here and my insider knowledge (although 2years old), don't use Santander - look at one of these companies.

Oh... the things I have seen behind the scenes....