Multi-currency international accounts for expats - experiences

occamsrazor

Hi,

Been a customer of Citibank UK as a Citigold customer for around 20 years. They've just doubled their minimum account balance for the second time in a few years, and I am now looking elsewhere.

My main criteria is I need multi-currency (GBP/EUR/USD) current and savings accounts, with multi-currency debit cards too, as well as good service, fees that aren't too exorbitant, and overrall lack of hassle for non-UK residents. At the same time I still do a lot of UK transactions (debit cards, Faster Payments transfers) so I need something with UK links.

Looking at HSBC, if I opened a Premier account at their UK branch, and also currency accounts at their Jersey branch, this seems like it would fit the bill. (I'd be happy to stay UK-only - I don't need to be offshore - but their UK branch doesn't offer USD/EUR debit cards).

So I was just wondering if there are any other expats out there banking with HSBC in the UK, or in Jersey, who could share their experiences? Or alternatively any other recommendations.....

Cheers....

grumbler

What's a problem with having a separate £ account in UK and a local currency account where you reside? Why does it have to be the same bank? Why do you need three currencies?

System

Citibank isn't UK based, it's Irish now.

eDicky

There's nothing wrong with 'offshore' for everything if they fulfil all your needs including UK cheques, FP, DD etc.

I used Santander Jersey (previously Cater Allen > Abbey Int'l) for 25 years with the same requirements as yours, but I think they have also raised their minimum balance for fee-free.

The HSBC UK option could work well if you have a UK address for them, then HSBC Premier with the USD / EUR accounts and cards in Jersey or any other branch convenient to where you are located. Singapore and Hong Kong HSBC are popular with expats of various nationalities.