Bonus for a foreigner opening first bank account

quidsin_86

With all of the banks competing for us to switch bank accounts - I wondered if there was any good bonuses for someone opening a brand new bank account? My partner is moving here for work from Australia in a few months and I'm trying to find the best bank account/deal possible as a new customer.

All of the information seems to revolve around switching so I wondering if anyone knew anything about brand new accounts? Or is the best thing to open a new account and then switch straight away to one that will give a bonus? We're also thinking about also opening a joint account.

Any advice would be gratefully received! Thanks.

gt94sss2

Don't expect a bonus for opening a new account.

Also, as your partner is coming here from overseas I would not advice switching their account and then trying to switch straight away as you may find many banks will reject the application.

As someone 'new' to the UK banking system, it would be better for them to build up their credit history first before trying to change provider.

Candyapple

Barclays seems to be the bank of choice (source: friends who have come to UK from overseas)

http://www.barclays.co.uk/Helpsupport/ComingtoworkintheUK/P1242601780771

Your partner is best off getting an account opened and then being put on the electoral roll and waiting around 6 months then apply for a subprime card such as Capital One/Aqua to start to build up a credit history before messing around with account switching. Maybe in a year's time when she has some history built up she could apply for a new bank account elsewhere (don't close her original account) and then try and get some of the switching bonuses.