I need a UK bank account but live abroad.

jam1705

I have UK income but live abroad and need a bank account that does not require UK residency. Ideally providing a debit-card that offers worldwide free ATM withdrawal at mid-market exchange rates. Starling Bank is ideal but does not support foreign addresses. Are there any similar debit-cards on offer from any banks that accept a foreign address? 

username

HSBC UK? https://www.hsbc.co.uk/international/apply-for-a-uk-account/
(It won't allow you fee-free withdrawals, but does provide a UK account)

lon_don

If you are in Europe, your local Revolut (a licenced bank in Europe) should provide you with UK style sort code+account no   to receive incoming GBP transfer free of charge. Then exchange with limited fx fee inside Revolut & use its DC worldwide with limited fee depending on the plan etc..

WastedWords

HSBC Current account paired with HSBC global money account. 

400ixl

HSBC would be the most logical, although may be other options depending on what country you domicile in. Revolut I wouldn't touch unless you like to gamble.

Do you need a bank that does ATM though? Transferring the money to your local account in local currency where you can then use the ATM may work out just as efficient taking into account fees etc.

wmb194

Although not a bank Wise might be another option but it'll depend on where you're domiciled.

DullGreyGuy

jam1705 said:

I have UK income but live abroad and need a bank account that does not require UK residency. Ideally providing a debit-card that offers worldwide free ATM withdrawal at mid-market exchange rates. Starling Bank is ideal but does not support foreign addresses. Are there any similar debit-cards on offer from any banks that accept a foreign address? 

Where do you live?

Most UK banks dont have licences to sell services to people in other countries hence you are having problems. Some banks target "ex pats" with an "offshore" options where the accounts are held in the Channel Islands or Isle of Mann etc so outside the UK but sharing the UK banking networks but typically they are aimed at higher earning/wealthy customers. 

Does it have to be a bank? If you'd be comfortable with a digital wallet then Wise comes into play, they can give you UK bank account details to receive funds into and hold them in GBP or convert to your preferred currency at a reasonable rate but they are not a bank in the UK so no failure protection. 

Hoenir

jam1705 said:

 Starling Bank is ideal but does not support foreign addresses. 

Starling Bank got severe slap yesterday from the FSA with a £29 million pound fine. UK banks are under intense scrutiny to adhere to AML regulations. 

jam1705

WastedWords said:

HSBC Current account paired with HSBC global money account. 

This suggestion seems to be most like what I'm looking for.

Thank you for your replies. To answer some questions
1. I live in Germany
2. I need ATM card for easy access. I travel a lot and like to use the funds for this purpose.
3. The funds accumulate so I need the standard protection of 85K.