uk bank ac for Canadians

mummytofour

Hi,
I have three Canaidians staying here and they are going to work due to haveing work permits.
BUT they need uk bank accounts.
Anybody advise which bank is best/easiest/quickest to get the account set up with?
TIA
Vxx

Rafter

I think Barclays are pretty good at opening accounts for Expats, alternatively the Canadians own bank back in Canada may have a relationship with a UK bank already and can facilitate all the identity and credit checks. Might we worth calling their london branch to see.

The other option might be a 'basic bank account' for a few months, although no debit card or cheque book makes these hard work.

grumbler

The better documents they have to support application, the higher chances to get good account:
-letter from the employer stating terms of contract and the salary
-proof of ID (passport)
-proof of address: utility bill, rentinig contract - this could be the main problem.

If you (or somebody else) personally introduce them to your (their) bank this could also help.

The_Biff

Dont the TD operate in London?

Fatboy_NSS

Tell the council they're staying there and then ask for an amended council tax bill. They then have the necessary name id (passport) & address ID to get an account. Even a basic account is pushing it due to lack of address history, but they wouldn't have any problems getting a savings account with cashcard which wages can be paid through.