MadRad

Hi,

Just wondering if it's possible to keep a UK credit card (specifically Nationwide) whilst living overseas. Just thinking it would be really handy to still have it for trips back to Blighty and the like.

I'm wondering if I give my US address if they'll just shut down the account. I do have a UK address I can use for mailing purposes but don't know if that's allowed.

Thoughts, anyone?

jackattack

I don't think it is a problem. I've had a UK Amex card for years with a US address; it is tied for payment to my UK bank account so I don't have to deal with exchanging currencies.
Every year after they charge me an annual fee, I call up to cancel it (since I never use it), and then they waive the fee for another year.
Actually come to think of it, I don't actually think that I have a valid card anymore, I just seem to get the statements. But I don't see any problems with you having a UK card and a US address.

sir_eccles

It varies bank to bank. Some get upset when you have an overseas address. It might be worth a quick read through of the T&C which should be on their website somewhere. With online banking it is relatively easy to leave a UK address on the account and switch to e-statements.

avanutria

I don't have a Nationwide CC but I do have Nationwide accounts and they've had no problem with putting my US address on the file and removing the UK one. I just received a new debit card from them recently.

It's a little easier if you can sort it out initially in person at a branch, though, rather than trying to do it by phone or email We were fortunate enough to be able to arrange everything before we left. Since moving I have updated my US address with a new US address online and there was no problem.

Weeze

We have kept our UK cards and have no problems so far. We did mention that we were moving abroad for a few years but I'm not sure they were paying that much attention and we didn't feel the need to stress it. They get paid off every month so I can't imagine they would be overly bothered.

Rougesvp

I also have multiple UK credit cards, never had any issues. When the FX rate is in our favour I sometimes use them for buying things here and pay online thru my UK bank account.

sir_eccles

Watch out for sneaky foreign purchase fees and exchange rates. I know Tesco now uses its own less favorable exchange rate.

Also some banks get upset if you don't use your card for a long time and may not issue a replacement unless you ask for one.

Mummy in the foothills

I still have my Barclaycard. I can't use it over here anymore unless I call them often and let them know I'm here they must think I'm on holiday a lot., the bill goes to my mothers house we used to use it for presents for the kids from her, save on posting.
I had to call and get a new pin when I was over I forgot it's been so long since I used it.

FionaC

I still have a Nationwide credit card - it's fine. They send me the monthly statement to my US address. Really not a problem.

Volt61

I found that some US websites are funny on non-USA issued cards, but there are plenty that don't care (e.g. Amazon can hold all your cards & addresses with no problem).
This is because the billing address must match the shipping address and vice-versa, to combat fraud I think.

Also, if you opt for paperless statements, there's nothing to send to you each month so you don't have to worry about that element.

if you can keep a UK address, even if its a mailing address (like I use), it can prove handy.

I kept all my UK accounts/cards & other UK stuff (including a house) in case things didn't work out here and if I had to return, I wouldn't have a whole palava to go through changing my life back, all over again.
I have Co-op & RBS cards.

My bank didn't seem to care where my address is and I get statements sent here OK.

Bonestable

I had a Barclaycard with a US address for almost 10 years. Then last year they wrote and said non residents could no longer have Barclaycards, so unless I gave them a UK address they would cancel my card.

Rougesvp

I've never had a Barclaycard so can't assist there.
To avoid foreign transaction charges you need to apply for the freedom card from Abbey National; it's issued by Banco Santander who own them now!

Good luck!

MsElui

also bear in mind that some banks are starting to get funny about foreign dealings. ie they have to do a lot more reporting on sums of money coming from abroad. so a UK bank might have to comply with the requirements if you have a US address on the account. so uk banks might blanket decline to operate like that regardless of how you actually use the account.

For example - JPMorgan has recently announced that it will be closing all its diplomatic accounts - as the reporting requirements are going to be too onerous and thus reducing any profit to be made on the accounts.

I am not saying what will happen - just be aware that it may become a lot more difficult for someone resident in the US to have accounts open in other countries. I hope it doesnt change as i use my accounts back home a lot. (and the family has 4 nationwide savings accounts and 2 child trust funds all with nationwide - as well as various other uk banks and accounts.

gatsbygirl8

We too have kept our UK credit cards active and provided our new US address with no problems. Just wondering how all of you manage to pay your bills though? Obviously, through your UK bank account but how are you transferring the money into that account, assuming you are now earning dollars? We're using XE trade right now, but I'm open to better options if there's anything else out there.

blamington

I still have my UK bank account and credit card. I did not inform the bank I was going overseas, and I still use my UK address. I have an MBE box and get my post forwarded to my US address. I also have online access to my bank account. I did not tell the bank, as I did not know how they would react, and I do need a UK account.

Hope this helps.