UK Bank Account

[Loirette]

Hi

Does anyone know if there are any banks in the UK which will allow you to open an account with them whilst living in France?  Basically, I am looking for a sterling account with cheque book and online banking facilities for direct debits etc and with no minimum deposit or monthly bank charges.  I know most say no because of the money laundering aspect, but wondered if there were any banks who were prepared to accept you as a customer. 

[FairyNuff]

You may be able to open a new account with a bank where you already are a customer, but most will direct you to open an off-shore account (at least that what MOH says, after he's discussed it with our banks).

FairyNuff

[AnOther]

Norwich and Peterborough building society have recently introduced an A/C available to non UK residents but you have to present yourself in person at a branch and provide a reference from your current overseas bank.

EDIT: http://www.nandp.co.uk/mortgages/proving-your-identity

[Loirette]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I'll have a look at their sites for info.

[woolybanana]

Try Nat West, Jersey

[Mikep]

I use Bank of Scotland, Jersey and have found them very efficient. We were previously with HSBC Jersey who threatened to charge us heavily if we didn't keep a large amount in our current account. We told them to get s*****d and haven't regretted it.

[andyh4]

Be aware that accounts held off-shore - Channel Islands or Isle of Man - will not have the same guarantees as those held in France or the UK - should the banking world go bust again.

[woolybanana]

Most do these days

[Loirette]

Thanks to all for the suggestions.  I've had a look but unfortunately either I don't meet their elegibility criteria, or there is a monthly charge which I don't wish to pay.

[cooperlola]

How about this?:

http://www.abbeyinternational.com/call_accounts.asp

[himanshudpfoc]

Hi all i am new here and i want to say that i think that the monthly charge is just a bit too much so i just cant afford i

[audio]

I would like to bin my UK bank ASAP but finding another is not easy. Offshore accounts look expensive.

Has anyone further suggestions/successes with this recently?

[Mikep]

I would recommend keeping your UK Bank account  - I've had one with HSBC since the 1980's which costs nothing to maintain (apart from filling in form 3916 every year) and is useful for standing orders and pretending to Sky that I'm still UK resident. Once you've left the UK you will find it difficult to open any other accounts, and the regular demands from offshore banks for certified passport copies, utility bills etc are tedious. Many offshore banks also demand a minimum balance (e.g.£5,000 for Lloyds TSB).

[audio]

Thank for the info Mikep