Banks - keeping UK bank account

[Jaylen Brit 0]

I use the Halifax but they've bascially told me that altho they do have an account i can use after I leave the UK, its not available to use with online banking, only telephone banking, and the account is subject to tax, even tho I'm a non-tax payer.

They say I'll have to claim the tax back again from the IR.

So..my question is..who uses what? Are they good? Do they take tax even if you are a non-taxpayer? Or whats the deal?

Give me ALL the skinny on how you are doing it!

I also have an account with NatWest (part of RBS) and I note they have an international banking arm which DOES appear to use online banking - so I havent checkd that out yet with them in person.

I hate to leave either bank as Ive been with them both for years but I;m willing to shift accounts to wherever in order to get what I want

Visa/barclaycard have no issues at all with me moving countries - in fact its part of the reason I want to keep a UK account - so I can settle the bill via online banking thru that rather than my US checking account (taking advantage of exchange rates as well); so the Halifax seeming to mess me around, with accounts that don't fit my 'want list' is rather annoying.

Edit to add:

Obviously I want to use my UK accounts(s) as a form of saving and to also transfer amounts to my US checking if I get low - havent go the US one yet tho as I cant get one til after I arrive.

Edited May 26, 2006 by Jaylen Brit

[JAYKE 0]

I use the Halifax but they've bascially told me that altho they do have an account i can use after I leave the UK, its not available to use with online banking, only telephone banking, and the account is subject to tax, even tho I'm a non-tax payer.

They say I'll have to claim the tax back again from the IR.

So..my question is..who uses what? Are they good? Do they take tax even if you are a non-taxpayer? Or whats the deal?

Give me ALL the skinny on how you are doing it!

I also have an account with NatWest (part of RBS) and I note they have an international banking arm which DOES appear to use online banking - so I havent checkd that out yet with them in person.

I hate to leave either bank as Ive been with them both for years but I;m willing to shift accounts to wherever in order to get what I want

Visa/barclaycard have no issues at all with me moving countries - in fact its part of the reason I want to keep a UK account - so I can settle the bill via online banking thru that rather than my US checking account (taking advantage of exchange rates as well); so the Halifax seeming to mess me around, with accounts that don't fit my 'want list' is rather annoying.

Edit to add:

Obviously I want to use my UK accounts(s) as a form of saving and to also transfer amounts to my US checking if I get low - havent go the US one yet tho as I cant get one til after I arrive.

My husband had a very difficult time with this. He couldn't find any decent solution, really. He did have one account with a visa "debit" cashpoint card, but with no online banking, and even worse, only allowed him to make cashpoint withdrawals - he would get denied if trying to make a store purchase with it. Became very frustrating, and he eventually gave up and just uses our joint US account.

[cheeky^Wolf 0]

I've kept my UK accounts open and transfer money over every month to our joint account. If I'm buying stuff for me, I usually pay on my UK visa card, then pay for it online from my NatWest UK account, that way I get a good exchange rate and a few weeks grace in paying for it.

Also, we went to the back to add me to Dave's account the other day. They didn't even want a marriage certificate, just my UK driving licence and SS card. Added me there and then and we got new check books and my debit card today in my married name. Couldn't have been easier.

Hope you're doing well Jaylen

Helen

[Jaylen Brit 0]

hey Helen

Im doing great - if a little stressed, lol

CONGRATS on your wedding We did do a thread in OT for you - if u saw it

So..Nat West eh? Good..I have an account with them...maybe I'll use them then and not the Halifax..glad to hear the online banking thing and transfers etc works well..thats helpful.. .do they extract tax from you do you know?

[meauxna 15]

We used a UK addy with a family member. It really helps to keep a UK account (I miss it now!).

Be sure to set up the online banking before you leave the UK---most I saw had to be set up in person.

[mrswooten4ever 0]

I'm with the Halifax and had no problems accessing my online account whilst in the US. You could also opt for the paperless banking route that way there's be no need for you to change your adress. As you wont be a permanent resident for a few years you can still keep your account open I'd consider using HSBC offshore or Moneycorp for any large transactions though

Adele

[Jaylen Brit 0]

Really? dammit on the phone today they told me I would have to switch from my instant saver acc to the premium saver one but maybe thats cos I have a savings account and not a checking account with the Halifax..hmm..

Damn banks - confusing the heck out of me..grrr

[cheeky^Wolf 0]

Oooh thanks Jaylen, I've posted a message there and a pic.

As for tax, not a clue. I haven't told the UK i'm here yet but will be in the next few weeks.

Helen

[Tim and Bethanie 1]

Tim uses Halifax, it is a cheking account so maybe that is the problem you are having. I have had his debit card here in the states for a year and a half, access his online account etc, no problems. Of course he told them it would be in use in the states, and I can obviously only use it at an atm machine. I always try to take out the maximum amount to avoid lots of extra fees. During his 3 month visit last year his card was due to expire, so he set up his mail to be delivered to a friend, who then forwarded the card in the post. We were able to do a larger transaction over the phone with them to a U.S account as well. Hope that helps.

[arwensun1965 0]

I have a woolwich open plan account, I rang them up yesterday and changed my address to my sisters and they said that was fine, I am with Washington Mutual here in the USA and they do free transfers anywhere in the world so when I do start work I will start to transfer money to my account in England. I can access both accounts online and it is very good.

Janice

[HuffyTheSlayer 22]

I'm with the Halifax and had no problems accessing my online account whilst in the US. You could also opt for the paperless banking route that way there's be no need for you to change your adress. As you wont be a permanent resident for a few years you can still keep your account open I'd consider using HSBC offshore or Moneycorp for any large transactions though

Adele

I used to work for Moneycorp, in their retail sector. So I would definately recommend them, the people are really cool and fantastic to deal with. Especially so after I transferred funds through them when I got here. Fantastic exchange rate at the time (wish I was changing money now though! The rate was almost 1.9 the other day), but still great to do buisness with.

I have a Lloyds TSB account that I don't really do anything with. I have a little money in there still though. But Mark and I are thinking of moving back to the UK at some point, so it'll be useful to have a bank account ready.

[Daisy 0]

I am with First Direct in UK and intend to keep the acc open. Fantastic bank --- not a penny in charges in the 30 years I have been banking with them, and no not because I have money!!!

We have a joint account in the US with BOA and I got a big shock to see we are charged for even a cheque book.

One other thing -- for anyone considering transferring funds from UK to US, the dollar has been at an annual low recently. We transferred money two weeks ago at one cent under market trading, using HIFX. It was easy and super smooth. Can thoroughly recommend them.

Good Luck, daisy

[Jaylen Brit 0]

Ive looked into using HiFX before as someone else recommended them for large transfers (in the thousands) - were they easy to use?

As for the UK end I may have to use my mom's addy for my Halifax savings and my NatWest checking account for bill paying - and then send money from Halifax to NatWest to keep it topped up

When I visit the UK I want to make sure I have funds readily available to me - another reason for keeping my money here

[Lou Lou 1]

Another vote for First Direct - they are fantastic. I've been with so many banks in my time (and got plenty of nasty letters to prove it!) but FD are a breeze. Really fantastic customer service too. Get some one to recommend you and I think you get some free cash for opening too! Not a lot but it all helps.

I use my US credit cards in the UK all the time - the UK ones will never match my US 0% interest charges!

[Daisy 0]

HIFX were excellent. This is the first time I used them. We set up an account, mailed off copy of a utility bill and driving licence witnessed by a work colleague. The account was opened in 2 days.

The dollar took a further dive the week before last so I called them up and bought. The minimum is 5000k sterling. They gave me just under one cent to the pound less than general market rate. I shopped around UK banks through friends as well as our own and that rate could not be matched. No wire charges either, they pick up any charge. They email you your login to your transaction status and you have three days to wire the funds to them along with the mandate giving routing and account details of US bank. Three days later -- voila the $$$ were in our American bank a/c.

The toughest part was getting the routing number from BOA!!

We will be using them again. Keep an eye on dollar exchange rate. When you are transferring large amounts it makes so much difference.

with best wishes, daisy