What paperwork to take, what to bin?

[LKC]

Just sorting through bank statements and credit card bills etc. I usually keep three years worth of statements, and every so often I go through and shread anything which is over three years old.

What, if any, should we take to Oz? Will we need old bank account/credit card statements when the accounts in question are closed? Will Aussie banks need these for things like mortgage applications etc?

Thank you.

[Darwin's coming too]

Hi LKC

We opened a bank account with westpac in July whilst on a reccie trip to Oz. I mentioned to the manager that we would bring statements/credit reports etc with us when we finallly emigrate but she said not to bother because we'd have to build up a credit rating in Oz.
Westpac were pretty good and have dedicated "immigration" officer in several branches who help with loans/mortgages/credit cards etc.

We'll still take copies of our closing mortgage & credit card statements when we go as I don't think it'll hurt to have evidence that we paid off our debts. I'm not sure what policies other banks have.

We decided to set up a fixed savings account and left some money with family to pay in each month for us this way we'll have some financial history for when we arrive.

Most UK banks have tie-ins with othe banks I know Westpac are linked to Barclays, try your own UK bank first to see who they recommend and ask customer services.

Lisa