Joint account holder - non-UK

Cazz_30

Hi there,

My question is about joint accounts and if it is possible to add someone as a joint holder of an account but who DOESN’T live in the UK (yet).

My bf is moving from NZ to the UK next year but we want to set up a savings account now to show evidence of our shared finances which will support his visa application. Ideally the joint account would be a deposit only/non-overdraft account as we just want to stash our savings somewhere.

Does anyone know if this is possible even though he doesn’t live in the UK yet? I have an excellent credit rating and could be the main account holder, but I want to add his name to an account so that we can start building up proof we have shared finances and where he and I can then deposit money throughout the year.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

innovate

Easiest if he can walk into your chosen bank with you. I know Barclays and Lloyds have added people living abroad to joint (current) accounts in the past, on presentation of the passport in person.

HSBC might be another bank that might play ball.

Cazz_30

Great I will investigate with those banks as I have accounts at both Barclays and Lloyds.

Do you know if the application to add a joint holder HAS to be in person? If he signed a letter/provided ID docs, - drivers licence/passport etc. could I still add him on? We're unfortunately doing the long distance thing as he won't be due another visit until later in the year.

innovate

They did it for me only on personal appearance. It's a matter of asking them whether they'd accept something just in writing - presumably it would have to be at least certified by an appropriate authority. Only one way to find out.