UK Bank for an Expat

nanisaolitob

I'm a British expat wanting to open a bank account in England...but there's a catch, I was wondering if there is anyway of opening one without having to travel to the UK. Is this possible? Is there anyway of opening a bank account online or via telephone? Thanks!

mgdavid

don't know what they check but if you have a UK address you can use, and a good history in UK then see no reason why you couldn't do it online. I recently opened Santander and 1st Direct accounts online but I'm not an ex-pat and already have an a/c with a different bank.

chambta

I don't see how you would pass the electronic checks most banks make online when supplying a foreign address.

Who was your last UK account with and when was it closed? If within a handful of years they may still treat you as a 'known' customer.

CKhalvashi

chambta wrote: »

I don't see how you would pass the electronic checks most banks make online when supplying a foreign address.

Who was your last UK account with and when was it closed? If within a handful of years they may still treat you as a 'known' customer.

The address checks are going to be the biggest issue, I think.

I'm with HSBC Private, and have had no issue walking into any branch, whether inside the UK or abroad, to withdraw cash/make payments. Premier offers the same thing, but you need £50k.

Otherwise, it'll possibly be offshore banking.

CK

henm2

CKhalvashi wrote: »

The address checks are going to be the biggest issue, I think.

CK

plus with the likes of HSBC you have to pass a new enhanced anti money laundering questioning process which is in place for all new account applications.

As previously mentioned by CK an offshore account might be the best bet e.g. http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/current-accounts/expat