nigel_horne

I've been told by my bank (Sandy Spring) that they won't do an international wire of funds to my UK account via their on-line banking system or telephone system, but I have to go to a branch an do it there. Is that (deficiency IMHO) common with banks over here?

-Nigel

ian-mstm

It's certainly more common with small, localized banks such as Sandy Spring. It's not true of the larger, national banks.

Ian

rpjs

Can you not do it through somebody like XE? We just used them, admittedly UK -> US, and it was easy and super-quick, and they'd probably give you a much better rate than your bank.

We've also used Paypal by having two accounts, one linked to our UK account, one to our US, but that was much much slower and more expensive than using XE.

nigel_horne

XE and Paypal are excellent suggestions - thanks. Mind you I'm off to England for a week next week so I may just write a cheque and pop into a branch while I'm there.

-Nigel

Bob

xoom.com ain't to bad for small amounts either.

But yeah, some banks are a hassle, but larger banks are more likely to do it, but still not have great rates, or have a fee.

NatashaB

Bank of America let you do international transfers online and their rates are not too bad - but hifx rates are better.

meauxna

How interesting. That is the exact answer we were given in the (advanced?) UK bank.

Bob

some banks are just shit regardless of the system though

MsElui

my bank (lloyds) in England would generally do whatever I told them over the phone. My husbands branch (natwest)wanted it in triplicate, original signature, inside leg measurement and an R in the month before they would do anything. Both of those examples are in the big 5 of the British Banks - so it really does depend on the bank.

lansbury

My bank in the UK, NatWest, would always take a transfer request over the phone. The transfers department would always call back to confirm the request on day of transfer.

Usually about 11am UK time, 3am Pacific time.

meauxna

Aren't you old folk usually up all night anyway?

lansbury

You have to be, it is the only way to speak to people in the UK during business hours