A UK bank account in Euros. Possible?

JamesSE22

Firstly, may I thank everyone in advance who replies to my post, and for taking the time to read it.

At the grand old age of 42 I have inherited a 50% share in my only relative's house in France who died 18 months ago.
I have never been able to afford to own a property so this has come as a lifeline, for which I am hugely grateful to her for giving me.

She has also left me some cash, approx 30,000 Euros (after tax).
Her solicitor gave me a cheque last week.
I bank at the Natwest, and know from bitter experience that their foreign currency exchange rates are dire.

I was going to use one of the currency brokerage houses to convert the Euros into Sterling.

Problem:

Not being either a French national, nor having residency in France, nor a mailing address there, nor being employed there, I was therefore unable to open a French bank account.

I have some expenses associated with the property, back taxes and unpaid utilities at her death which need to be to paid ASAP in Euros.

Added to which, when the property is sold, it's just gone onto the market, the funds from the sale will need to be paid in (in Euros).

I would also like to use the remainder of the cash to fund the degree course I am now finally able to afford to take in the UK.

Can anyone recommend a UK bank where I could at least pay the cheque in in Euros and draw on it in Euros?
That way, I can put aside some of it in Euros to pay my French bills and send the remainder off to the currency brokers to convert into Sterling and then transfer into my current account.

This is the largest sum of money I have ever had and I'm frankly very worried about wasting too much of it in fees and unnecessary expenses.

knightfox

citi bank have a euro account

http://www.citibank.co.uk/personal/banking/international/eurocurrent.htm?merchant=citi

knightfox

You say that you bank with Natwest, do you have any accounts with HSBC. If so call them they might be able to help you.

knightfox

http://www.caterallen.co.uk/PrivateBanking/AccountDetails.aspx?pid=210

[Deleted User]

barclays also have a euro account

anselld

So do First Direct

AnonymousForObviousReason

Problem:
Not being either a French national, nor having residency in France, nor a mailing address there, nor being employed there, I was therefore unable to open a French bank account.

Could you use house you inherited as a mailing list and have the letters redirected to your UK address? Would work until house sold any way.

powerone

anselld wrote: »

So do First Direct

knightfox wrote: »

You say that you bank with Natwest, do you have any accounts with HSBC. If so call them they might be able to help you.

These both offer HSBC International Euro account.

http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/personal/current-accounts/more/international-current-account