I have an approved work visa but no job yet. Also, I hear that it is tough to get a bank account without a job, tough to get residency without a bank account etc... Any suggestions to circumvent this would be greatly appreciated!
2007-01-08 08:18:50 · 6 answers · asked by Ryan 2 in Local Businesses ➔ United Kingdom ➔ London
My wife moved from the US to London 4 years ago...
At first, she couldn't get a bank account so we had everything paid into mine. This is because most banks will only let you open an account if you can provide a photo ID (passport is fine), a copy of your valid visa and a "proof of address" for your UK address... It has to be an official letter from either an electricity/gas company, a bank statement or a phone bill.
If you know it already, you could try giving your UK address to your current Bank and use thier services for the time being, then when you receive your statement from them with your UK address, take it all to a UK bank and open a "CURRENT ACCOUNT"... That's the equivalent of a Checking account in the US.
We use a Bank called NatWest and they've been great so far and always helpped us out with the paperwork, despite the wife being a US citizen... I'd definately recommend them.
2007-01-08 08:31:16 · answer #1 · answered by supernicebloke2000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd give Natwest a miss, I recently opened a bank account for my daughter and deposited £130, apparently they lost it and made no attempt to correct it. Only when I pointed it out did they notice it. After well over a month it has appeared minus £10. Try Lloyds, HSBC or Barclays
2007-01-08 08:33:19 · answer #2 · answered by suckaslug 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many banks that have branches here in the US also have branches overseas...Citibank, HSBC, Wells Fargo. At the very least you could have a US based account at one of those and use the atms and banking services there until you get settled in the UK.
Also, check with your current bank, they may have branches there already or have a partnership with a bank in London.
2007-01-08 08:23:48 · answer #3 · answered by Chanteuse_ar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can open a savings account no problems even of you don't have a job as long as you have a visa to stay in the country for work or long periods. you could also have some add you his account, i can do that for you if you pay 1 million GBP in cash :)
2007-01-08 15:28:54 · answer #4 · answered by wolfyman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yorkshire bank is the best, why are u moving here, i wud love to live in the usa,i'll do u a swap.
2007-01-08 08:25:30 · answer #5 · answered by blank 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lloyds TSB
2007-01-08 08:28:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋