The Smith Clan Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 but do we need to pay all outstanding bills before we emigrate such as any loans credit cards. We will be renting our house and will receive an income in UK from this (am I right in thinking we can still keep uk account open?), to pay these. Thanks in advance, we appreciate any advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Yes, definitely keep your UK account open - you will find it useful for all kinds of things. At one time, it was possible to maintain a British account forever, but nowadays some banks are taking a different view and may eventually send you a letter saying you must close it - however, you may as well keep it going as long as you can. You don't need to pay every outstanding bill before you go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 It is possible that there is clause that enables the credit company to request payment in full at any time (this is usually the case on overdrafts for example) and when you advise them of your change of address they could invoke it but we continued paying a number of debts in Australia - an interest free loan for a sofa and credit cards. So long as you keep paying they are likely to be happy! Hire purchase may be different but that's quite rare these days (cars is about all you still see that on) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newjez Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 but do we need to pay all outstanding bills before we emigrate such as any loans credit cards. We will be renting our house and will receive an income in UK from this (am I right in thinking we can still keep uk account open?), to pay these. Thanks in advance, we appreciate any advice. If you get your mail redirected would they even know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooba Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 I opened an account with HSBC several years ago while I was on holiday purely for the convenience of being able to access cash when I was in the UK. No problem at all. They gave me a credit card too and I had zero credit history there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 I opened an account with HSBC several years ago while I was on holiday purely for the convenience of being able to access cash when I was in the UK. No problem at all. They gave me a credit card too and I had zero credit history there. But that was several years ago. A year ago you could open an account with Citibank too - you can't now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 I opened an account with HSBC several years ago while I was on holiday purely for the convenience of being able to access cash when I was in the UK. No problem at all. They gave me a credit card too and I had zero credit history there. I don't think you can open a UK account now if you are not a UK resident. Did you give them an overseas address ? I'm surprised you were allowed to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortlepuss Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 My account in UK stayed open with intent of servicing mortgage/receiving rental for UK property - bank were happy about this. Always best to say you're just heading to Oz temporarily Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooba Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 I don't think you can open a UK account now if you are not a UK resident. Did you give them an overseas address ? I'm surprised you were allowed to do it. Yes, I gave them my address in Canada. This was in 2004 so perhaps the rules were different then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Smith Clan Posted January 22, 2016 Author Share Posted January 22, 2016 Yes, definitely keep your UK account open - you will find it useful for all kinds of things. At one time, it was possible to maintain a British account forever, but nowadays some banks are taking a different view and may eventually send you a letter saying you must close it - however, you may as well keep it going as long as you can. You don't need to pay every outstanding bill before you go. Many thanks that helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 Yes, I gave them my address in Canada. This was in 2004 so perhaps the rules were different then. Definitely not allowed now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Smith Clan Posted January 22, 2016 Author Share Posted January 22, 2016 It is possible that there is clause that enables the credit company to request payment in full at any time (this is usually the case on overdrafts for example) and when you advise them of your change of address they could invoke it but we continued paying a number of debts in Australia - an interest free loan for a sofa and credit cards. So long as you keep paying they are likely to be happy! Hire purchase may be different but that's quite rare these days (cars is about all you still see that on) Many thanks for your response Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Smith Clan Posted January 22, 2016 Author Share Posted January 22, 2016 My account in UK stayed open with intent of servicing mortgage/receiving rental for UK property - bank were happy about this. Always best to say you're just heading to Oz temporarily Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramot Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 We have lived away from UK for 23 years, still have our UK bank accounts. I think Barclays? were intending stopping accounts of expats who were living in Cyprus?, but I don't know what happened? The other thing I have heard mention is that accounts must remain active, otherwise might be closed if not used over a certain length of time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 We have lived away from UK for 23 years, still have our UK bank accounts.I think Barclays? were intending stopping accounts of expats who were living in Cyprus?, but I don't know what happened? The other thing I have heard mention is that accounts must remain active, otherwise might be closed if not used over a certain length of time. I know of people who've kept their UK accounts too - but I have also heard recently of people getting letters from Barclays saying their accounts would be closed, since they were no longer resident in the UK. I haven't heard reports of any other bank doing that though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramot Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 I know of people who've kept their UK accounts too - but I have also heard recently of people getting letters from Barclays saying their accounts would be closed, since they were no longer resident in the UK. I haven't heard reports of any other bank doing that though. Have you heard of anyone in Australia affected? The news last year only mentioned Cyprus and Malta. My brother lives in Cyprus and knew people affected potentionally but never heard much more about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parley Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 Australia for one country complained. Because Australians are dodging tax, keeping money in offshore accounts and not declaring the income or assets when they are supposed to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooba Posted January 23, 2016 Share Posted January 23, 2016 Australia for one country complained.Because Australians are dodging tax, keeping money in offshore accounts and not declaring the income or assets when they are supposed to. It was my understanding that most countries are now sharing data about their customers. This was something the United States was demanding, but others were benefiting from. This is why the secret Swiss bank account is now a thing of the past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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