Adding non-EU citizen/resident to UK Acc.

neco101

Hello MSE

It is my first post but I have been using the site for a while!

I have a basic cash account with Santander and I am intersted in adding my friend as a joint holder on this account.

I know that there are issues with UK banks giving non-residents bank accounts in general due to fears of fraud, money laundering etc. hence why I would like to add my friend onto mine.

My friend is a resident and citizen of Russia and is looking to deposit upwards of £6000 into the UK bank account in GBP.

Does anybody know if this is possible on my Santander account?
Is it better if my friend opens a bank account in the UK and is the sole holder (if so which bank!????)?
Is it better if I switch banks and open another bank account and add my friend onto that - if Santander won't do it?

Archi_Bald

Afraid, no UK bank will accept non-residents on bank account applications, whether joint or sole.

Your friend could try one of the offshore banks if he wants an account in GBP.

jonesMUFCforever

No; and if £6000 suddenly appeared in a basic cash account from abroad expect Santander to freeze the account and give you the third degree about its origin.

neco101

Do you know this from experience?
I was in contact with Barclays and they said they would open a new bank account providing that the owner to be could invest £250k. so it is possible. But probably not with the more well known banks. I have been looking into some of the more well known offshore banks and they look like a safer bet.

@ jonesMUFCforever the sum of £6000 would appear as a cash deposit (the funds are currently in cash). But as this opetion doesnt look feasible maybe a bank transfer would be better.
Also, Santander wouldn't freeze the account if £6000 appeared in it from Russia. (I have a family member working in there International department).

jonesMUFCforever

neco101 wrote: »

Do you know this from experience?
I was in contact with Barclays and they said they would open a new bank account providing that the owner to be could invest £250k. so it is possible. But probably not with the more well known banks. I have been looking into some of the more well known offshore banks and they look like a safer bet.

@ jonesMUFCforever the sum of £6000 would appear as a cash deposit (the funds are currently in cash). But as this opetion doesnt look feasible maybe a bank transfer would be better.
Also, Santander wouldn't freeze the account if £6000 appeared in it from Russia. (I have a family member working in there International department).

If you say so :cool: