How to open a bank account with a BFPO address ???

Michael_Corleone

I am currently living in Germany working with the forces (I am a civilian) at a BFPO address and although I have a UK HSBC account (who happily send me my correspondence to my German civilian address), I cannot open a new UK bank account with someone else. When I get to the stage where I need to input the postcode, it will not accept BFPO as a valid response. If I try to use the UK BFPO postcode (HA4 6DQ), it fails also.

I spoke to Lloyds TSB (I was trying to open a few vantage accounts), who stated I would need to ‘pop in’ to a branch with various pieces of ID – which is obviously difficult for me. They tried to be helpful but just seemed unable to help in anyway. Lloyds also stated that it may be difficult for them to approve an application as I don’t have a permanent UK address and it may be difficult for them to credit check me. I don’t wish to use a relative’s address for an application as it may throw confusion regarding residency and credit scoring. It’s a pickle.

I have applied to register to vote using the UK BFPO address (HA4 6DQ) as my ‘residence’ in the hope of at least getting me on the map, as I have no idea what my credit score would look like. My HSBC account is healthy and I have maintained good banking for a decade, but I don’t know how that would relate to my credit score as I do not have a UK address.

I guess I am throwing out concerns to the board, rather than questions – but I would appreciate some advice.

StrawberryYogurt

Hiya

I live at a BFPO to, we use Barclays they are really BFPO friendly. We have been with them now for over 20 years though as hubby joined them before he joined the army..lol But we have had no problems with them needing to understand the BFPO system. It is best if you can use a permanent UK address for certain things though, we use his mums, it has never caused us any problems regarding credit scoring and stuff, but I guess a lot of trust needs to be involved there..lol! But there has been many times we have had to use it, which whilst annoyingm is handy!

Barclays have also taken over the SSVC credit accounts, which again points to them knowing a bit more about the BFPO /BFG way of life..lol I know some people have a beef with Barclays, but they have always been good to us.

Good luck! I know its annoying!

stclair

You could try :

http://www.rbs.co.uk/holts/about.ashx

Michael_Corleone

Hmm ... They don't really cut it in terms of what I'm looking for, but thanks for your responses.

Michael_Corleone

Right, just applied for a Nationwide account in order to deposit into a 3 year bond at 4.7%. Their online application form had separate fields for putting in a BFPO address! Just gotta sit and wait now ...