Open a bank account in England?

I've read on loads of different sites about how hard it is to open a bank account in England as a foreigner

1: Why?
2: "Best" bank?
3: How long do you reckon that it will take?
4: Any good links about this? (Not forums)
5: Any other good suggestions about something in general?

 

I thought you needed to be a UK resident for a UK bank account, but could be wrong with the EU and all.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts

Excellent website there Febby, the guy who runs it is impartial, honest and appears on daytime tv a lot. Its not like the normal sort of portal webby you'd expect, its facts and advice, pure and simple.

 

ive got experience in this febbos as my girlfriend is dutch and moved to england a few years ago.

to open a bank account in england you need several things.

1. EU passport
2. UK address
3. Proof you live at the address (letter from something official)
4. Job in the UK
5. National Security Number

the difficult part for my girlfriend was the proof of address as they were very picky over what was 'official' or not.. we tried TSB, NatWest & a few others. in the end she got an official letter from the Government once she got herself on the Voters Role and this was allowed.

good luck with it, im sure you'll get it sorted in no time

 

Thanks, I'll check it out!

1: Check
2: Check (soon)
3: Hmm, guess I'll have to work that out in some way
4: Check
5: Not sure what that is. Will have to check that out as well.

 

The number you get given by the govt. (Social Security) which means when you work, they (authorities) take deductions for sickness/unemployment cover (and retirement pension too!)

 

National Insurance Card (NSI) i think you mean? you need to give this to any employer to prove you can work in the UK and it stays with you for aslong as you live in the UK

the best bank id say is Lloyds TSB

 

Hi Febbos,

I used to work for HSBC in the UK, the best thing to use for proof of Address is rental agreement, landline bill, utility bill, letter from employer, letter from the goverment (HMRC) and ermm...bank statement!
Do not take a mobile phone bill or visa card bill, they just wont be accepted.

If you are moving to Hull, I have a few contacts at HSBC still in the area, I will be happy to put you in contact with them to help you out. Just PM me

 

Just send me all your money Febbos I will look after if for you!

 

5. Get them to pay you in Swiss Francs or gold.