cpe111

Just got a letter from HSBC Bank international Ltd telling us that as from the 6th Jan 2006 they will be a 15 GBP charge deducted from any account with them that has less than 5000 standing balance. Has anyone else come across this?

We only maintain this account to pay off 2 standing orders, and I'm not really happy to pay nearly 200 a year just for 2 standing orders. I'd like to move my account, but I'm not sure if we can move to another UK bank now. Does anyone know if it is possible for someone to open a UK bank account when we dont have an address in the UK any longer ?

Thanks.

fatbrit

NEVER close all your UK bank accounts when you leave. Water under the bridge and all that, but it was a big mistake.

Bob

Not had that...but then my HSBC is still the local branch from old home in Oxford, do everything online and been a treat so far.

Minty

I still have my HSBC account with a local branch and also do all my banking via the internet. I have not had any letter!!

May be its just with HSBC International?

Minty

franc11s

In the UK, I have a Barclays checking account as well as a Barlcays dollar account. Both are free.

Big D

No it is not generally possible to open an account as a UK resident because of all the identity checks that need to be performed. Best bet would be to change to a different type of HSBC account, but that might be difficult if they know you are non resident.

Manc

yes everyone should work for free.

Celsius

Sounds like your bank is taking a tip from the US banks who quite frequently charge a fee for some accounts that don't keep up a minimum monthly balance...

Could setting up a Paypal account help any? Can you not pay off the debt (if it's a debt)?

rincewind

Nope. I kept my UK account open and gave them my USA address. No charges for this man.