English Bank account

[netibiza]

I am a British citizen, but have Spanish residency, and have my pension paid into what was the Bradford and Bingley and is now Abbey/Santander. I've had this Timesaver account for 20years and now Abbey are saying that I cannot legally have an account? How can this be? It is an Overseas Residents Account, and I want to keep it in England as it saves time and money from getting it exchanged all the time as I go to England once a year to spend it. I am not allowed a cheque book and cannot open any other type of account as have no utility bills in my name obviously. Surely they can't stop me having this account, it is never overdrawn.

[bednobs]

i'm sure that banks can put any conditions they wish on accounts. perhaps you could get them to explain it to you? or try another bank

[coccinelle]

Look into RBS in Jersey. That's who I'm with.

[Schutzengel]

My sister is living in South Africa and has an account with National Westminster Bank here in England, she does have a cheque book, although rarely uses it except for birthday or christmas gifts to relatives. She is also able to have money transferred to her bank in S.A. Have you any relatives in England, as I am an authorised signatory on my sisters account, and can pay money into her account as gifts for birthday etc., and also arrange for money transfers which are transferred on the same day, which is quicker than her sending a letter to the bank, she telephones to say how much she wishes to have transferred. But if you don't have a relative in England to do this for you, a letter from you to the bank requesting a money transfer would only take a few days. And of course when you are in England you can withdraw cash as and when you need it. I think it would be worth checking with Nat West and perhaps transfer your funds to them, as they are most helpful and efficient. Hope you can get it sorted out.

[netibiza]

Yes, my sister loans me money and I pay her back once there, but I'm sure they cannot claim that it is illegal for me to have a bank account, anyway I've always hated Abbey, but unfortuanely I need them to allow me the account.