Opening UK Savings account while living in OZ??

[edspurs]

Hi all,

I live in Sydney and will do so for another year or 2 and dont need to move my savings over from the UK. My current savings account is receinvg under 1%pa in interest so need to find something else but it appears you need to be a UK resident. Has anyone tried opening a savings account in the UK whilst living in Oz??? or even a sterling savings account here?? I'm slightly apprehensive of opening an offshore account.

thanks

[3FatCats]

We opened an account in the UK whilst living in Italy. However, it was down to the goodwill of the bank manager. We had secured a lease in the UK and therefore had a UK address, but weren't living there yet and that was the problem. The bank manager in the end agreed to open the account for us but I had to give my mother's address in the UK as a temporary measure, and then changed it 2 months later when we moved over. We also had to be there in person to do the interview and open the account. I have no idea if other UK banks are different, we use a high street bank that begins with B!

[Guest31881]

Have you tried HSBC bank,

They seem to be more willing than most to open accounts for you. I have a Canadian friend who opened a HSBC account whilst still in Canada. It could be worth asking them here if they can sort out an HSBC account in UK for you.

[edspurs]

thanks, ill have a look into HSBC. All my correspondence does go to my parents address in the UK so i can use that, i have tried opening other investment accounts but have been knocked back so was hoping someon else may have found a break through!!

cheers

[Alan Collett]

Practically, it is very difficult - if your existing UK bank doesn't have a suitable offering you should be aware that most (all?) banks and building societies in the UK will want to do ID checks in person before they will open an account for a new customer.

Best regards.

[brightonbee]

I've had no problems opening or maintaining Uk bank accounts - everyone wants your money these days !!!!!! who wants t ransomer funds with the current exchanger rates??????????

[The Pom Queen]

I've had no problems opening or maintaining Uk bank accounts - everyone wants your money these days !!!!!! who wants t ransomer funds with the current exchanger rates??????????

Please can you let us know which UK bank will allow someone resident in OZ to open an account from here it would be interesting for people.