Cashing UK checks in USA?
Jun 22nd 2004, 1:49 pm
#1
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Cashing UK checks in USA?
Hi everyone,
About 3 weeks ago I went into my Inland Revenue with my P45 and notified them I would be leaving the UK indefinately. They then told me I was entitled to a tax refund, which was a bonus.
The lady told me they could issue a check in U.S. dollars that could be cashed over here. Well turns out this is not the case, I recieved the check today in Sterling/Pounds not in Dollars. From the Inland Revenue.
What i'm wondering is has anyone here ever cashed a UK check in the U.S.A? If so who offers this service?
I'm hoping this will be possible.... but the more I think about it the more I think this is going to be another drama to deal with!
James
About 3 weeks ago I went into my Inland Revenue with my P45 and notified them I would be leaving the UK indefinately. They then told me I was entitled to a tax refund, which was a bonus.
The lady told me they could issue a check in U.S. dollars that could be cashed over here. Well turns out this is not the case, I recieved the check today in Sterling/Pounds not in Dollars. From the Inland Revenue.
What i'm wondering is has anyone here ever cashed a UK check in the U.S.A? If so who offers this service?
I'm hoping this will be possible.... but the more I think about it the more I think this is going to be another drama to deal with!
James
Jun 22nd 2004, 2:50 pm
#2
C.G.D.S
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Ireland--->London--->Spain--->Rockport, MA
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I've cashed one. Most banks will but be prepared for a very long wait before it clears, and no favours on the exchange rate.
Jun 22nd 2004, 3:01 pm
#3
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,082
Re: Cashing UK checks in USA?
Originally posted by mcjimbo
Hi everyone,
About 3 weeks ago I went into my Inland Revenue with my P45 and notified them I would be leaving the UK indefinately. They then told me I was entitled to a tax refund, which was a bonus.
The lady told me they could issue a check in U.S. dollars that could be cashed over here. Well turns out this is not the case, I recieved the check today in Sterling/Pounds not in Dollars. From the Inland Revenue.
What i'm wondering is has anyone here ever cashed a UK check in the U.S.A? If so who offers this service?
I'm hoping this will be possible.... but the more I think about it the more I think this is going to be another drama to deal with!
James
Hi everyone,
About 3 weeks ago I went into my Inland Revenue with my P45 and notified them I would be leaving the UK indefinately. They then told me I was entitled to a tax refund, which was a bonus.
The lady told me they could issue a check in U.S. dollars that could be cashed over here. Well turns out this is not the case, I recieved the check today in Sterling/Pounds not in Dollars. From the Inland Revenue.
What i'm wondering is has anyone here ever cashed a UK check in the U.S.A? If so who offers this service?
I'm hoping this will be possible.... but the more I think about it the more I think this is going to be another drama to deal with!
James
I don't know how this will help at all... sorry!
Jun 22nd 2004, 3:04 pm
#4
Living in Milwaukee, USA!
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Joined: Jul 2003
Location: Milwaukee, WI (formally England/Australia)
Posts: 899
Originally posted by sibsie
I've cashed one. Most banks will but be prepared for a very long wait before it clears, and no favours on the exchange rate.
I've cashed one. Most banks will but be prepared for a very long wait before it clears, and no favours on the exchange rate.
Thanks a lot, which U.S. bank was it? A chain? or a community bank? Figure I should just go to the same branch that cashed yours.
Cheers
James
Jun 22nd 2004, 3:17 pm
#5
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: Cashing UK checks in USA?
Just sign it over to a family member back in the UK and send it to them...or even better have you not got a bank or building account still open over there..
Jun 22nd 2004, 4:42 pm
#6
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Any bank over here will do it but it will cost you an awful lot. You are much better off dong what others have suggested - your own bank/building society then transferring the money over or using your debit card to spend it for a while, or asking a family member to cash it for you. Don't know how easy the second one will be without you there if the cheque is crossed?
Jun 22nd 2004, 4:49 pm
#7
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Honestly don't bother unless you need the money to eat or someything of equal importance. I would tuck it away somewhere safe and cash when you next go back, or FedEx it home and get someone to put it your account. (Although I don't think FedEx really approve of this) All depends on how much it is.
Welcome to America though, I have read a few of your posts now!
Welcome to America though, I have read a few of your posts now!
Jun 22nd 2004, 5:20 pm
#8
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britchicknyc, have you checked your PMs?
Jun 23rd 2004, 8:01 pm
#9
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Originally posted by britchicknyc
... I would tuck it away somewhere safe and cash when you next go back, ....
... I would tuck it away somewhere safe and cash when you next go back, ....
(I think if it does "expire", you can always go back to the payer and request a replacement check, but that's extra hassle you don't need).
Jun 23rd 2004, 8:08 pm
#10
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Originally posted by dunroving
Don't checks have a shelf life, after which they become null and void? When I used to work in Midland Bank back in the 70's it was 12 months, but I don't know what the time limit is these days.
(I think if it does "expire", you can always go back to the payer and request a replacement check, but that's extra hassle you don't need).
Don't checks have a shelf life, after which they become null and void? When I used to work in Midland Bank back in the 70's it was 12 months, but I don't know what the time limit is these days.
(I think if it does "expire", you can always go back to the payer and request a replacement check, but that's extra hassle you don't need).
Jun 24th 2004, 12:15 am
#11
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This is why I never closed my UK account with Barclays. I've had a few Brit checks come this way, mainly for the wedding. I just shipped them back to the UK for someone in my family to pay it in and then I could either draw on it through BofA because they don't charge any fee's on a barclays account or I just use my debit card as a credit card. Pretty sure I could just transfer the money via xe.com also if I wanted.
Jun 24th 2004, 12:59 am
#12
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Originally posted by Pimpbot
This is why I never closed my UK account with Barclays. I've had a few Brit checks come this way, mainly for the wedding. I just shipped them back to the UK for someone in my family to pay it in and then I could either draw on it through BofA because they don't charge any fee's on a barclays account or I just use my debit card as a credit card. Pretty sure I could just transfer the money via xe.com also if I wanted.
This is why I never closed my UK account with Barclays. I've had a few Brit checks come this way, mainly for the wedding. I just shipped them back to the UK for someone in my family to pay it in and then I could either draw on it through BofA because they don't charge any fee's on a barclays account or I just use my debit card as a credit card. Pretty sure I could just transfer the money via xe.com also if I wanted.
Me too....It is a great idea to have a little bit of money in a UK account to use when you go back for trips. Especially given the exchange rate.
Cheques do have a shelf life, but I probably get back to Britain at least 4 times a year....I guess most don't go that often!
That raises an interesting question - how often does everyone go back?
Jun 24th 2004, 12:59 am
#13
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Originally posted by Pimpbot
This is why I never closed my UK account with Barclays. I've had a few Brit checks come this way, mainly for the wedding. I just shipped them back to the UK for someone in my family to pay it in and then I could either draw on it through BofA because they don't charge any fee's on a barclays account or I just use my debit card as a credit card. Pretty sure I could just transfer the money via xe.com also if I wanted.
This is why I never closed my UK account with Barclays. I've had a few Brit checks come this way, mainly for the wedding. I just shipped them back to the UK for someone in my family to pay it in and then I could either draw on it through BofA because they don't charge any fee's on a barclays account or I just use my debit card as a credit card. Pretty sure I could just transfer the money via xe.com also if I wanted.
Me too....It is a great idea to have a little bit of money in a UK account to use when you go back for trips. Especially given the exchange rate.
Cheques do have a shelf life, but I probably get back to Britain at least 4 times a year....I guess most don't go that often!
That raises an interesting question - how often does everyone go back?
Jun 24th 2004, 2:45 am
#14
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Originally posted by britchicknyc
.......That raises an interesting question - how often does everyone go back?
.......That raises an interesting question - how often does everyone go back?
Me, about every 18 months, though since 1983 there have been tmes I didn't go back for 3 years or more. Very hard sometimes.
Having said that, I'm off to the UK on July 5 for 4 weeks - including a 1-week holiday to old haunts in North Wales, and 1 week at the Tour de France. Can't wait!
Jun 24th 2004, 11:11 am
#15
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Location: Ireland--->London--->Spain--->Rockport, MA
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Originally posted by britchicknyc
That raises an interesting question - how often does everyone go back?
That raises an interesting question - how often does everyone go back?
